This article will explain what you have to consider when upgrading to a high speed plan
- High speed plans are any plan that exceeds 100Mbps
- Your router will need to be able to support the higher speed
- Cabling is another important factor that may limit your ability to hit the high speeds
Compatibility
Routers
Any plan that exceeds 100Mbps will require a router or modem/router that can support higher speeds. The WAN (Wide Area Network) port on your router will be rated at a specific speed, meaning that it can handle any speed up to that rating.
Whilst most new routers will have 1,000Mbps (gigabit) rated WAN ports, it is always worth checking prior to purchase. The router manufacturer will have this listed on their website, under Technical Specifications.
Cabling
Ethernet is a type of cable used in wired networking. The most common place you will find one being used, is connecting your router to your NBN connection box. Many people also use them to connect their computers, game consoles or TVs to their router for a significant improvement in performance over Wi-Fi.
Not all Ethernet cables are made equally. Different cables will have a different rating or category; if you are purchasing a new one, this category will be printed on the cable itself as well as on any packaging.
Cat6 or Category 6 Ethernet cables are recommended for use with any plan above 100Mbps. Cat5E can also work, provided the cable itself isn't too long.
This requirement will extend to any Ethernet cable used in your internal network. The most important cable you will need to ensure meets this requirement is the cable from the NTD (NBN connection box) to your router, but it will also apply to any cables you have connecting your router to a device, like a computer and especially any internal cabling through your walls.
NTD Lights
Whether you're on a Fibre-to-the-Premises (FttP) or Hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) connection, your NTD's UNI-D light will show what speed the Ethernet connection is currently connecting at.
The colour of the light will be different depending on whether you have a FttP or HFC connection. Below are some images of what to look out for.
FttP |
HFC |
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Next Steps:
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