If you live in Perth and have noticed your internet slowing down unexpectedly, you’re not alone. Many Australians experience nbn slow speeds at different times, whether for streaming, gaming, working from home, or video conferencing. But why does it happen, and more importantly, how can you fix it?
In this guide, we will break down the most common causes of slow NBN, explain how to improve internet performance, and provide guidance on when it’s time to call in an expert. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s slowing your internet and how to get it running smoothly.
What is NBN?
The NBN is Australia’s nationwide internet network designed to give homes and businesses access to fast, reliable internet across Australia. It stands for National Broadband Network.
It is a government-owned network built to replace older internet systems that relied heavily on copper phone lines. Instead, the NBN uses modern technologies such as fibre optic cables, fixed wireless, and satellites to deliver internet connections across cities, regional areas, and remote locations.
Understanding NBN Speeds in Australia
Before you can fix a slow NBN connection, you need to understand what kind of speed is normal. Many Australians often ask, “What is a good internet speed in Australia?” The answer depends not only on your plan but also on the devices you’re using, as older or lower-quality hardware can struggle to keep up, regardless of advertised speeds. Choosing reliable hardware, using models among the best laptop brands, can help ensure your devices fully utilise your available bandwidth.
NBN Speed Tiers
NBN speeds vary depending on your plan and technology type. Here’s a breakdown of typical NBN speed tiers:
| NBN Plan | Typical Download Speed | Suitable For |
| NBN 12 | Up to 12 Mbps | Basic web browsing, email, and light streaming |
| NBN 25 | Up to 25 Mbps | Standard streaming, social media, and small households |
| NBN 50 | Up to 50 Mbps | Multiple users, HD Streaming, Video conferencing |
| NBN 100 | Up to 100 Mbps | Large households, online gaming, 4K streaming, multiple devices |
| NBN 250 | Up to 250 Mbps | Very large households or home offices, 4K/8K streaming, heavy gaming, multiple smart home devices |
| NBN 1000 | Up to 250 Mbps | Premium fibre plans, small businesses, ultra-HD streaming, large simultaneous downloads, professional gaming |
Tip: If your household has multiple users or smart devices, NBN 25 may feel slow during peak times, and NBN 50 or higher is often recommended.
Factors That Affect Actual NBN Speeds
Even with a fast NBN plan, several factors can cause your internet to feel slower than expected:
- Distance from the NBN Node: For Fibre to the Node (FTTN) connections, the further your home is from the node, the more your speed can drop. This is due to signal degradation over copper lines. Upgrading your home network or seeking network & internet security services can help optimise connections.
- Number of Devices Connected: Multiple devices using the internet at the same time, like smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, share the available bandwidth, which can slow overall performance.
- Network Congestion: During peak hours, when many households in Perth are online, your speeds may temporarily drop due to high demand on the network.
- Quality of Equipment and Wiring: Older routers, worn cables, or ageing computers can create bottlenecks, leading to performance issues similar to other common desktop issues seen in everyday use.
Common Reasons Your NBN Is Slow
1. Network Congestion
Network congestion happens when many people in your local area are using the internet at the same time. In Australia, this typically occurs during peak hours, such as weekday evenings and weekends. Activities like video streaming, online gaming, video conferencing, and cloud backups all place heavy demand on the network. Because the NBN operates as a shared infrastructure, the total available bandwidth in your area must be distributed across multiple households at once.
When too many users are competing for the same network capacity, data packets take longer to reach their destination. This leads to reduced download and upload speeds, buffering during streaming, and slower response times. Even if you are on a higher-speed plan, congestion can prevent your connection from reaching its full potential. This is why many Perth households experience good speeds during the day but noticeably slower internet in the evening.
Typical signs
- Internet speeds drop mainly between 7 pm and 10 pm
- Streaming services buffer or reduce video quality
- Downloads take significantly longer than expected
What you can do
- Test your internet speed during peak and off-peak hours
- Schedule large downloads overnight
- Upgrade your plan if your household has multiple heavy users
- Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritise important tasks
2. Outdated or Faulty Modem and Router
Your modem and router are responsible for receiving your NBN connection and distributing it throughout your home. Technology standards change over time, and older equipment may no longer support modern NBN speeds or handle multiple devices efficiently. Faulty hardware can also cause instability and performance issues.
Older routers often have slower processors, limited memory, and outdated WiFi standards. This can cap your maximum achievable speed, cause dropouts, and make it difficult to manage multiple connected devices. Even if your NBN connection is fast, outdated equipment can become a bottleneck that limits real-world performance.
Typical signs
- Frequent internet dropouts
- Different speeds across devices
- The modem lights are flashing unexpectedly
What you can do
- Ensure your router supports your NBN speed tier
- Replace routers older than five years
- Use dual-band or tri-band routers
- Restart your modem and router regularly
3. Poor WiFi Signal and Coverage
WiFi performance depends on signal strength and coverage within your home. Physical obstacles such as walls, floors, metal objects, and appliances can weaken or block wireless signals. The further a device is from the router, the weaker the signal becomes.
A weak WiFi signal prevents devices from receiving data efficiently, even if your NBN connection itself is fast. This results in slow WiFi speeds, dropouts, and inconsistent performance, particularly in bedrooms, home offices, or upstairs areas.
Typical signs
- Fast speeds near the router, but slow speeds elsewhere
- Frequent WiFi disconnections
- Mobile devices struggle to load content
What you can do
- Place your router centrally and off the floor
- Use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands appropriately
- Install a mesh WiFi system for larger homes
- Reduce interference from nearby electronics
Tip: Repositioning your router or upgrading to mesh WiFi improves your network coverage.
5. Too Many Connected Devices
Modern homes often have numerous internet-connected devices at the same time, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, security cameras, and smart home appliances. Each device consumes a portion of your household’s total bandwidth, and the more devices connected, the greater the strain on your network.
When multiple devices are active simultaneously, they share the available bandwidth. High-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming, online gaming, or large downloads can significantly reduce speeds for other users. This is especially noticeable in households with smaller NBN plans, where the allocated bandwidth may not be sufficient to handle peak usage across several devices.
Typical signs
- The internet slows noticeably when multiple users are online
- Video calls freeze or drop mid-conversation
- Online gaming lags or experiences high ping
What you can do
- Limit simultaneous high-bandwidth activities
- Use QoS settings on your router to prioritise essential devices
- Disconnect devices that are not in use
- Follow a regular PC maintenance checklist to ensure unused programs aren’t consuming bandwidth unnecessarily.
- Consider upgrading your NBN plan to accommodate higher household usage
Tip: Close unnecessary apps, run antivirus scans, or use our virus and malware removal service to keep your devices clean.
6. Background Applications and Malware
Background applications, automatic updates, and cloud services can use significant bandwidth without your awareness. Malware or poorly configured software can also consume internet resources continuously, even when devices appear idle.
Background usage reduces the bandwidth available for everyday activities, such as web browsing, video streaming, or video conferencing. Malware can further impact speed by running hidden processes or sending/receiving data over the internet, which can degrade both speed and security.
Typical signs
- The Internet feels slow even when a few devices are active
- Unexpected downloads, updates, or pop-ups occur
- Devices become sluggish or unresponsive
What you can do
- Close unused apps and browser tabs
- Schedule updates during off-peak hours
- Run regular antivirus and malware scans
- Focus on removing viruses from computers to stop hidden processes
- Remove unnecessary startup programs that run in the background
Tip: Optimising internal wiring or upgrading devices can improve speeds. Computer hardware upgrades in Perth specialists can help set up a stable connection.
7. Distance from the NBN Node (FTTN and FTTB)
For Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Basement (FTTB) connections, the last part of the connection to your home is copper wiring instead of fibre. The further your home is from the node, the more signal degradation can occur.
Older copper wiring and signal loss over distance can limit speeds, especially when combined with outdated device configurations. Improving device performance by speeding up your Windows 10 system can help maximise the speed you actually receive from your connection.
Typical signs
- Consistently lower speeds compared to your plan
- Wired connections are faster than WiFi
- Internet performance varies at different times of day
What you can do
- Have internal wiring professionally checked and optimised
- Use wired connections where possible for devices requiring stable speeds
- Consider switching to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) if it’s available in your area
Additional Strategies to Fix Your Internet
If you’re still experiencing slow internet after checking your NBN plan and equipment, there are several additional steps you can take to improve performance before calling a technician.
Restart and Reset Your Network
A simple restart of your modem and router can often resolve temporary connection issues. Power cycling clears cached data and refreshes your connection to the NBN network. If problems persist, a factory reset (followed by reconfiguration) may help, especially if incorrect settings are affecting performance.
Use Wired Connections Where Possible
WiFi is convenient, but it’s not always the fastest or most stable option. Connecting devices such as desktop computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs directly to the router using an Ethernet cable can significantly reduce lag and improve speeds, particularly for video calls and online gaming.
Update Router Firmware
Outdated router firmware can lead to slow speeds, security issues, and dropped connections. Check your router’s admin panel or manufacturer’s website to ensure you’re running the latest firmware. Updates often improve stability and overall internet performance.
Reduce Security-Related Network Load
Strong cybersecurity practices don’t just protect your data; they also help keep your internet running smoothly. Implementing Network Security Policies can prevent unauthorised background traffic, data leaks, and malicious connections that slow down your NBN.
Protect Your Network From Cyber Threats
Malware and ransomware often run silently in the background, using your internet connection without you knowing. Taking steps to Protect Against Ransomware helps prevent bandwidth drain, security breaches, and unexpected performance drops across your home network.
Check Background Usage
Large downloads, cloud backups, software updates, and streaming services running in the background can consume significant bandwidth. Pausing or scheduling these activities during off-peak hours can make a noticeable difference to everyday browsing and streaming speeds.
Review Your Internet Plan
If your internet usage has increased due to working from home, online schooling, or more streaming, your current plan may no longer be suitable. Upgrading to a higher-speed plan can help prevent ongoing NBN slow speeds and support multiple devices running efficiently, helping to make your laptop faster.
How to Test Your NBN Speed
Testing your connection is critical to diagnosing issues. Follow these steps:
- Use a wired connection – Connect your computer directly to the modem.
- Close other apps – Stop downloads, streaming, and unnecessary background activity.
- Run a speed test – Use Speedtest.net or your provider’s official tool.
- Compare results – Check against your plan’s advertised speeds. If speeds are consistently lower, investigate further.
How to Improve Internet Performance
After identifying the problem, you can take actionable steps to improve your internet performance.
1. Upgrade Your Equipment
- Invest in NBN-ready routers that match your plan’s speed.
- Consider dual-band or tri-band routers for large homes.
- Replace old Ethernet cables with Cat 5e or Cat 6 for wired connections.
2. Optimise Your WiFi Network
- Place the router centrally and avoid obstructions.
- Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi for devices close to the router for faster speeds.
- Set up mesh Wi-Fi for large homes or office spaces.
3. Manage Connected Devices
- Limit simultaneous streaming or gaming during peak hours.
- Prioritise work devices using QoS settings.
- Disconnect devices not in use to free bandwidth.
4. Keep Devices Clean
- Update device software regularly.
- Run antivirus and malware scans.
- Disable unnecessary background applications.
5. Upgrade Your Plan
- If your household uses high-bandwidth apps regularly, consider moving to NBN 50 or NBN 100.
- Contact your provider for options available in Perth.
When to Call an Expert
While many fixes can be handled at home, some problems require a professional:
- Persistent nbn slow speeds despite troubleshooting
- Wiring issues inside the house
- Frequent disconnections or outages
- Modem or router replacement that requires installation
- Modem or router replacement
The team at Computer Mechanics can handle Laptop & Computer repair in Perth, optimise WiFi layouts, and ensure strong coverage throughout your home.
Pro tip for Perth residents: Local experts can also optimise your home network layout and ensure your WiFi coverage reaches every corner of your property.
Conclusion
Slow internet can be frustrating, but understanding the causes and taking proactive steps can make a big difference. Whether it’s upgrading equipment, optimising your WiFi, or calling a professional, there are solutions to every problem.
For Perth residents, Computer Mechanics provides expert guidance to improve internet performance, fix NBN slow speeds, and ensure smooth connectivity for work, streaming, and gaming. Stop struggling with slow WiFi and enjoy the fast, reliable internet your household deserves.
FAQs About Slow NBN
1. What is a good internet speed in Australia?
A good speed depends on your household size and usage. For 1–2 users, 25 Mbps is generally enough for web browsing, emails, and standard-definition streaming. Larger households with multiple devices streaming HD or 4K, gaming, or video conferencing should consider 50–100 Mbps or more.
2. Why is my Aussie Broadband slow?
Slow speeds can be caused by several factors, including network congestion, excessive device connections, outdated or incompatible equipment, or temporary provider-side issues such as outages or maintenance.
3. How can I improve internet performance at home?
You can boost speeds by:
- Upgrading to a modern dual- or tri-band router
- Placing your router centrally and avoiding interference from walls or electronics
- Reducing the number of connected devices during heavy usage
- Scanning devices for malware and closing background apps
4. When should I call a professional for slow NBN?
Call an expert if troubleshooting doesn’t fix the problem, or if you experience:
- Persistent slow speeds despite optimised equipment
- Wiring issues or damaged cables
- Frequent outages or intermittent connection
5. Is 2.5 Mbps fast or slow?
2.5 Mbps is very slow by modern standards. It may handle basic browsing or emails, but streaming videos, video calls, and online gaming will be difficult or impossible.
6. Is 100 Mbps enough for 4K streaming?
Yes. 100 Mbps can support multiple simultaneous 4K streams, online gaming, and video calls. Most 4K platforms recommend 15–25 Mbps per stream, so 100 Mbps is sufficient for families or households with several devices.
7. Can resetting a router fix slow internet?
Yes. A simple restart can clear temporary glitches, memory overload, or stalled connections. A factory reset may be needed for persistent issues, but it requires reconfiguring your network.
8. Why is my router not giving me full speed?
Several factors can limit your router’s performance:
- Outdated hardware that doesn’t support higher NBN speeds
- WiFi interference from electronics or neighbouring networks
- Too many devices are connected simultaneously
- Distance from the router reduces signal strength