Fixed wireless signal strength & testing are crucial for ensuring a stable internet connection, especially in regional areas. As new technologies like 5G and nbn® upgrades become more accessible, ensuring your current setup is ready to harness these advancements is key. 

By checking your signal strength, optimising equipment placement, considering necessary upgrades, and improving your Wi-Fi coverage, you can significantly enhance your internet performance. This guide will walk you through practical steps to ensure better connectivity and prepare for future tech developments with Skymesh.

Step #1: Find out how strong your current wireless signals are

With the upcoming 5G technologies and the fixed wireless upgrade on the nbn network, you will be better prepared to benefit from these future advancements by knowing your current signal strength. 

Checking your signal strength now means you can avoid future disruptions and make necessary adjustments before new technologies disrupt your workflow, especially in regional areas where signal strength can be unpredictable.

To accurately measure your fixed wireless signal strength, start by accessing your router’s interface to check metrics like download speed or connectivity. Here, you can check metrics like download speed and connectivity status, which provide insights into your signal’s reliability. Accessing these metrics isn’t as complicated as it might seem and often involves simply logging into your router’s settings page.

Additionally, using tools and apps designed for the nbn can make this process easier. Apps that compare your metrics against the nbn Broadband Performance Data can highlight any discrepancies and performance issues. Speed-measuring applications give a snapshot of your download and upload speeds, often in real-time, letting you see fluctuations that could indicate underlying problems.

These metrics can indicate whether your connection is stable or if external factors are impacting your signal. If your metrics reveal inconsistencies, it might be an issue on your end, such as outdated equipment or a poor setup.

Step #2: Place the equipment in the best possible location

Positioning your outdoor unit in an optimal location is crucial for maximising signal reception. The nbn installer will perform all the necessary checks as part of the installation, so this isn’t something you need to worry about. 

A clear line of sight between your outdoor unit and the nearest nbn transmission tower is essential. Obstructions like trees and buildings can significantly weaken the signal, making it difficult for your unit to maintain a consistent connection. 

Since your installer positions your unit to avoid these obstacles, its ability to catch stronger signals is enhanced. This is especially important in regional areas, where natural and architectural barriers can be more prevalent. 

nbn-accredited installers can also elevate the unit on the roof or an exterior wall, which can further enhance signal strength and reduce interference. The higher position helps avoid ground-level obstacles and improves the unit’s signal range. This simple adjustment can mitigate many common signal issues and is worth considering, even if it requires a bit more effort during installation.

Inside your home, the placement of the indoor unit also impacts signal quality. Thick walls, metal objects, and electronic devices that emit electromagnetic interference, such as microwaves and cordless phones, can degrade the signal. 

Placing the indoor unit centrally in your home can help ensure that the signal distributes more effectively, providing better overall coverage. Being mindful of the proximity of the unit to other devices can minimise interference and boost performance, and this is something your installer considers during the installation process. 

Ever wondered, ‘Is Fixed Wireless better than ADSL?’ Fixing your fixed wireless performance can help ensure that may be.

Step #3: Consider upgrading your equipment if necessary

High-gain antennas could significantly enhance your fixed wireless signal strength by focusing the radio waves more effectively towards the nbn transmission towers. As a result, the internet connection becomes more stable and faster.

High-gain antennas work by narrowing the beam of radio waves toward the transmission source, making them more efficient at picking up signals. This focus helps reduce signal loss and interference, which are common issues in regional areas. As a result, your internet connection becomes faster and more reliable for tasks like video conferencing and large file uploads.

If you notice persistent signal issues or reduced fixed wireless data speeds performance despite optimising your setup, Skymesh can coordinate with nbn technicians to evaluate the possibility of an equipment upgrade.

Persistent signal issues can arise from outdated equipment or advancements in technology that your current setup can’t support. When optimising the placement of your existing equipment doesn’t suffice, upgrading becomes a necessary step. Contacting your service provider for recommendations can lead to significant improvements.

Additionally, if Skymesh offers Fixed Wireless services in your area, then you may be able to take advantage of 5G or wireless upgrades through the nbn, which are expected to deliver improved coverage, higher speeds, and greater reliability.

Skymesh Fixed Wireless services leverage the improvements made by nbn, including future advancements such as 5G, where available, offering higher speeds and more reliable coverage. These upgrades are especially beneficial in regional areas, where internet connectivity issues are more prevalent. 

Checking if these services are available in your area could bring about a substantial leap in your internet performance.

Step #4: Improve your Wi-Fi’s coverage

Consider adding a Wi-Fi extender or mesh to your home

Boosting your Wi-Fi coverage can significantly improve your internet experience. 

Wi-Fi extenders and mesh devices are practical solutions to broaden Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home, reducing instances of dropouts and slow speeds due to limited Wi-Fi reach. Extenders work by amplifying your current Wi-Fi signal, pushing it to cover areas that were previously dead zones. 

Mesh devices, on the other hand, replace the Wi-Fi from your existing modem and create a blanket of coverage over your entire home, connecting to the closest node to maintain a stable connection. These technologies are particularly useful in larger homes or spaces with thick walls that hinder signal strength.

Wi-Fi extenders integrate seamlessly with your existing modem, enhancing the Wi-Fi signal in additional areas of your home. It’s a straightforward solution that doesn’t require overhauling your current network infrastructure. However, while extenders boost signal, they don’t create a new network, which sometimes means the speed can degrade the further you are from the main router.

In contrast, Wi-Fi mesh devices replace the Wi-Fi signal from your existing modem, usually providing more complete and robust coverage. They also have the advantage of automatically connecting your portable devices to the strongest or closest mesh node so you get the best possible connection at any given time.

Choosing between a Wi-Fi extender and a mesh system depends on your coverage needs and budget constraints.

Skymesh has several Fixed Wireless plans available in many regional areas across the country

Skymesh offers a variety of Fixed Wireless plans through nbn, catering to different data needs and budgets. 

Our limitless data plans are ideal for households or businesses with high data usage, providing unrestricted access without the worry of exceeding data limits. For those who have a clear grasp of their monthly data usage, capped plans offer a cost-effective option. 

With access to the network’s extensive array of towers across Australia, Skymesh ensures you have a reliable connection regardless of your location. The range of plans is designed to cater to diverse needs, ensuring there’s an option for everyone.

If you have questions about your current Skymesh service plan, our team of Brisbane-based experts is readily available to assist. We offer personalised and accessible customer service that ensures any concerns or queries can be quickly addressed. 

To find out what services are available in your area, check your address with Skymesh today. 

Key Points to Remember

To help ensure a stable and reliable internet connection, make sure to:

1. Measure your signal strength: Access your router’s interface to check download speed and signal metrics. Use tools and apps for detailed performance insights.
2. Position equipment correctly: The nbn installer will place the outdoor unit in a clear line of sight to the nearest tower. Inside, the indoor unit will be positioned centrally to reduce interference.
3. Upgrade equipment if needed: Consider high-gain antennas or updated devices if signal issues persist. Contact Skymesh for upgrade options like 5G-ready equipment.
4. Boost Wi-Fi coverage: Use Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems to improve signal reach and eliminate dead zones in your home.