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Connecting to the internet

Connecting to the Internet

How to speed up your browsing and fix your internet troubles.

Now that we're all used to having the internet, all of the time, we really don't like it when it's taken away - even briefly! If your internet connection is dropping out, slowing down, or being otherwise less than stellar, we'll help you find the answers to your internet problems. It might be that you need a dual-band router, to give everyone in your household seamless connection, or maybe a new internet service provider (ISP) – check how yours compares on cost, speed, reliability and customer service.

Review and compare

Broadband provider performance reviews Which ISPs deliver the broadband speeds they promise?

Wireless mesh network reviews A wireless mesh network can provide seamless network coverage in your home and help eliminate Wi-Fi black spots. We test models from ASUS, D-Link Netgear, Google and more to find the best performers on the market.

VPN service reviews We test VPN (virtual private network) services to see which ones offer the best privacy protection for internet browsing.

NBN modem-router reviews Review the results of tests on modem-routers from brands including TP-Link, D-Link, Asus, Netgear and more.

Wireless router reviews We test and compare NBN-ready wireless routers for your home Wi-Fi network to find out which ones are fast and reliable.

Buying guides

How wireless mesh networks can boost your home's Wi-Fi signal Say goodbye to internet black spots with whole-home coverage.

How to find the best wireless router, Wi-Fi mesh or wireless extender The right Wi-Fi router, mesh system or network extender can boost your home wireless network.

VPN services: What you need to know Our expert guide to virtual private networks and online security.

Articles

Best NBN plans We compare the best performing NBN plans from Telstra, iiNet, TPG and more by how close they get to their maximum speeds.

Australia's best NBN provider We've calculated Australia's top NBN provider for performance and customer satisfaction.

Internet provider satisfaction survey 2023 We've gathered feedback from more than 1600 people to help you choose an internet service provider (ISP).

Online access still difficult for many older and elderly Australians Governments and businesses aren't making it easy for seniors to get digitally connected.

How to change your DNS settings and why you should Changing your internet DNS settings can solve problems on your home network, improve speed, or add privacy features.

Beware exaggerated internet promises It’s OK to get excited about emerging internet technologies – but be careful what you believe.

How to fix your internet issues We run you through a checklist of common causes for internet problems and ways to identify yours.

5G vs NBN: Which is best? 5G is expanding through metro areas in Australia, but how does it compare to the NBN for your home's needs?

D-Link Wi-Fi 6 mesh router and USB adapter review Upgrade your home wireless network and bring an older PC or laptop's Wi-Fi up to date with this Wi-Fi 6 duo.

Everything you need to know about the NBN From connection types to choosing the best plan, we answer frequently asked questions about Australia's national broadband network.

Amazon Eero wireless mesh review The Eero can expand your Wi-Fi coverage quickly and easily – and you don't need to own any Amazon products to enjoy the benefits.

Broadband provider performance project update The CHOICE Broadband Performance Program comes to an end, for now

Home ethernet cabling for the NBN Don't overlook the all-important cables when you move to the NBN, so you can bring the net to every room in your house.

D-Link DWR-956 4G wireless router review Stay online – even when your broadband connection fails.

Choosing a VPN for added COVID-19 security The coronavirus pandemic has us spending more time online, so a VPN-secured internet connection is more important than ever.

5 tips to improve home internet speed Connection crawling? Here's how to give it more gas.

Bonus data and bill support: what telcos are offering during the COVID-19 crisis See what deal your mobile or broadband provider has.

How much is the telco customer service runaround costing us? Over $1 billion a year collectively, or about $46.50 for each issue.

How we test wireless and mesh routers The method we use to help you find the right wireless and mesh routers for your home network.

What is 5G and when can I get it? Our FAQ looks at what 5G's capable of, which Australian telcos have it, and whether it can replace the NBN.

How to fix Wi-Fi black spots around your home Do you need a Wi-Fi extender or a wireless mesh network system to improve your internet signal?

How ACMA tests NBN modem-routers We summarise the methods ACMA used to test and compare NBN modem-routers for FTTN and FTTB.

D-Link D-Fend AC2600 Wi-Fi Security Router review We try out the D-Link D-Fend which takes charge of privacy and protection of your home wireless network.

Netgear Nighthawk AX8 wireless router review We try out Netgear's new Nighthawk AX8 router, one of the first to use the new Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) wireless network standard.

Find the best place for your Wi-Fi router The location of your router can have a huge impact on how well your Wi-Fi works.

D-Link PowerLine kit with passthrough review These network adapters turn your home wiring into a fast data network to rival Wi-Fi, and are the first to add a passthrough plug for extra convenience.

iiNet broadband review How does iiNet stack up as an internet service provider?

Optus broadband review How does Optus stack up as a mobile phone and NBN provider?

TPG broadband review How does TPG stack up as an NBN service provider?

Telstra broadband review How does Telstra stack up as a mobile phone and NBN provider?

Aussie Broadband broadband review How does Aussie Broadband stack up as an internet service provider?

Dodo broadband review How does Dodo stack up as an internet service provider?

iPrimus broadband review How does iPrimus stack up as an internet service provider?

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Connecting to the Internet

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