Better Online Experience

Start with where your router lives

• Central, high and in the open. Wi-Fi spreads out from the router, so a shelf in the middle of the home works far better than a cupboard, the floor or the far end of a hallway.
• Away from things that block or bounce the signal: brick and concrete walls, mirrors, fish tanks, metal cabinets, and microwaves or cordless phones close by.
• Not tucked behind the TV. It is tempting to hide it, but a few metres of open space make a real difference.

Wi-Fi bands and Wi-Fi generations, simply

Most modern routers combine the bands under one network name and move each device to the best one automatically.

When one router isn’t enough: mesh Wi-Fi

A mesh system is two or more matching units that work together as one network with one name and password. Your phone or laptop moves between them as you walk around, so video calls don’t drop. Mesh is usually a better choice than a plug-in range extender, which creates a second, slower network and often halves the speed.

How we usually set it up: one main mesh router connected to your NBN connection box, replacing your separate router where that suits your connection, with mesh satellites placed around the house. We avoid simply adding a mesh system behind an existing router: that creates “double NAT” (two routers each running their own network), which can cause problems with online gaming, video calls and some remote-access apps. On some NBN connection types the main unit needs a built-in modem, so we’ll check what suits your connection first.

Wired backhaul is the secret weapon: if you can connect the mesh units to each other with Ethernet cable (or existing data points in the walls), each unit gets the full speed instead of sharing it over the air.

Popular home mesh systems in Australia include TP-Link Deco, Netgear Orbi, Google Nest Wifi Pro, ASUS ZenWiFi (and ASUS AiMesh, which links compatible ASUS routers), Amazon eero and Linksys Velop. We don’t sell or favour a particular brand: look for Wi-Fi 6 or newer, WPA3 security and automatic firmware updates, and buy enough units for your space.

Not sure what you need? Our support team can help you set up or check your Wi-Fi remotely. Call (03) 9738 0005 or send us a support request.

Free Wi-Fi plan Free

Not sure where your mesh router and satellites should go? Sketch your home below and see your Wi-Fi plan straight away: pick the layout closest to yours, drag the rooms into shape and put the gold nbn box where your NBN connection is. Free, nothing to install, no home visit.

1. Pick a layout, then drag, resize or rename the rooms (they snap to a 0.5 m grid). Add or delete rooms as you need.
2. Mark your NBN connection box and any brick or thick inside walls.
3. Show my Wi-Fi plan: the main mesh router goes at the NBN box and satellites go where they help most. Download it, or send it to us to check.

Your plan stays in your browser unless you choose to send it to us. We never look your home up online.

Start fromApartment / 2-bed3-bed4-bed with garageTwo-storey 4-bedSmall office

AddBedroomBathroomKitchenLivingFamilyDiningStudyGarageLaundryHallwayOfficeMeeting roomBrick wall

UndoTidy layout Autofit rooms

Full-screen edit

Cover the garage tooReset NBN box

Drag rooms to move them and drag the square handles to resize; with Autofit on, drop a room between others and they slide apart to fit it in, with the walls joined up. Use the S / M / L buttons for quick sizes, and Undo (Ctrl+Z) to step back. Keyboard: Tab to a room, arrow keys move it, Shift + arrows resize, Delete removes. On a phone, tap Full-screen edit to drag with your finger.

Show my Wi-Fi plan

See an example plan from our team

You probably already have good antivirus

• Windows 11 and Windows 10 include Windows Security (Microsoft Defender Antivirus). Keep it switched on and updating; most homes don’t need to buy another antivirus product. If you do install a paid one, it takes over from Defender, so don’t run two at once.
• Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025. Consumers can enrol in Extended Security Updates, which Microsoft has extended to 12 October 2027. Plan your move to Windows 11 or a new PC before then.
• Mac computers have built-in malware protection (Gatekeeper, notarisation and XProtect). Install apps from the App Store or the developer’s own website, and keep macOS updated.

Good habits for every device

Phones and tablets need care too: install updates when prompted, only use the official app stores, and set a screen lock.

How it works

The camera sits on a shelf and joins your home Wi-Fi. Its picture and sound travel over your NBN connection to the camera maker’s app, then on to your phone, wherever you are. Press the Talk button in the app and your voice comes out of the camera’s speaker; the camera’s microphone brings their reply back to you.

Setting one up (about 15 minutes)

1. Talk it over first. Agree together where the camera goes and when it will be on. It’s their home.
2. Install the camera’s app on your phone (for example Tapo, eufy, Google Home, Ring or Furbo) and create an account with a strong, unique password. Turn on two-step verification (2FA) if it’s offered.
3. Plug the camera in where it will live, usually the main living area, somewhere with good Wi-Fi.
4. Add the camera in the app. It walks you through it, usually by scanning a QR code and choosing your Wi-Fi name and password. Many cameras only use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, which is fine: it reaches further through walls.
5. Pop in a microSD card if the camera takes one, to keep recordings at home without a monthly fee.
6. Share access, not passwords. Use the app’s sharing option so other family members get their own login.
7. Say yes to updates when the app offers new firmware for the camera.

Using the Talk button

• Open the app and tap the camera to see the live picture.
• Tap the microphone or Talk button to speak (on some cameras you press and hold it). Some cameras work like a phone call, so you can both talk at once; others work like a walkie-talkie, so pause and let them answer.
• Start with a friendly “Hi Mum, it’s me” so nobody gets a fright, then speak normally and a little slower than usual.
• Turn your phone’s volume up to hear the reply, or use earphones somewhere noisy.
• For pets, a calm, familiar word or two works best. Some pets are puzzled by a voice with no person, so keep it short at first.

Cameras with a built-in speaker and microphone

Models we’ve checked on each maker’s Australian website (November 2026). We don’t sell these and prices change often, so check with the retailer, or ask us if you’d like help choosing.

Using a camera respectfully and safely

• Ask first. The person being watched should agree to the camera, where it goes and when it’s on. Let visitors and carers know it’s there too.
• Keep cameras out of bedrooms and bathrooms. Living areas are the place. Turn on Privacy Mode or close the lens cover when it isn’t needed.
• Lock down the account: a strong, unique password and two-step verification (2FA). See our device security tips.
• Keep it updated. Let the app install camera firmware updates, just like your router.
• Choose a reputable brand with an Australian website and regular updates, rather than a no-name camera from an online marketplace.
• Give it good Wi-Fi. Use the 2.4 GHz network or make sure the camera sits within good mesh Wi-Fi coverage. If the picture keeps freezing, it’s usually the Wi-Fi.

A camera is a lovely way to say hello between visits and phone calls, not a replacement for them. Want a hand choosing or setting one up on your NET2000 connection? Just ask.