Maximising your fibre broadband performance

There are a range of factors that can affect fibre broadband performance.

They can be related to the network connections and/or the environment in your home.

If you believe there is an issue with the network connection, we recommend you contact your internet service provider.  Alternatively, there are many IT support services that can help you.

Enable have done a deal with Geeks on Wheels - tech savvy experts - they can visit your home and check or set up all of your technology so you will get the most out of your fibre broadband connection.  If you are an Enable customer they will offer you $15 off their standard hourly rate.


Wi-Fi distance

The distance between your modem and your devices can affect your Wi-Fi performance.


Connect to your Wi-Fi and conduct a speed test on your device from where you usually use it and then compare it to another speed test when your device is close to the Wi-Fi modem.



  • If your home has cabling for internet access, consider moving the Wi-Fi modem to an outlet point closer to where you mostly use your devices, or in the centre of your home.

  • Consider purchasing either a Wi-Fi extender or an additional Wi-Fi access point. This can be positioned in the part of your home with poor Wi-Fi coverage or where additional capacity is required.  If using a Wi-Fi access point, it must be connected back to your primary Wi-Fi modem via an Ethernet cable. The new access point will need to be configured with your network name and password so devices can automatically connect to the best access point.


Old devices

Old devices, or some software installed on your devices, can impact on fibre broadband performance.


Turn off all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network. Source a new device (preferably less than a year old) and use this to conduct a speed test over Wi-Fi to see if the performance has improved.



  • Remove any unnecessary apps or software from your devices. Consider upgrading or purchasing new devices.

Outdated modem

If you’re using a Wi-Fi modem that was not provided by your internet service provider, it may be too old or not appropriate for use over fibre broadband.


Check that your Wi-Fi modem is of an appropriate standard. The current standard for Wi-Fi modems for use with a fi bre broadband connection is 802.11ac. This is listed in the features on the Wi-Fi modem box as either “802.11ac” or “AC”. You can also check by contacting your internet service provider and asking them.


  • Use the Wi-Fi modem provided by your internet service provider. 
  • Purchase a new 802.11ac standard Wi-Fi modem. This can be supplied by your internet service provider, or purchased as a ‘BYO’ modem (if your internet service provider supports BYO modems).


Interference to a Wi-Fi signal can be caused by a range of factors. Devices that may cause interference include transmitting devices such as neighbouring Wi-Fi networks, cordless phones, baby monitors and Bluetooth devices. Other electrical devices such as halogen desk lamps, dimmer switches, speakers and even electric fences can also affect your Wi-Fi signal. Interference such as what your home walls are made of (concrete, brick, steel framing) and other objects (fish tanks, hot water cylinders) can also affect your Wi-Fi signal.


Check your Wi-Fi signal strength and conduct a speed test while other devices are on. Then compare these to the signal strength and a speed test when all other devices are turned off and disconnected from the power.


  • Ensure all unnecessary electrical devices are turned off when not in use or are removed from the environment.
  • Reduce the number of electrical devices in your home; particularly those that are positioned near or between your Wi-Fi modem.
fibre performance 2

Tips for testing broadband speed.

  • Conduct a speed test at

  • For a most accurate speed test, do not test over Wi-Fi.  Plug your device directly into the modem.
  • Always conduct three speed tests as performances can vary.

Download a PDF version of this information guide here.

We're able to connect all customers under Alert Level 2 and will continue to adopt the necessary health and safety protocols in doing so.