Compare Wi-Fi Plans

Like old-school Internet, Wi-Fi usually comes into your house via cables, which connect to a router or modem. The exception is 4G and 5G Home Broadband (also known as Home Wireless Broadband), where the Internet travels to your modem or router via radio waves. Either way, your router broadcasts the Internet via radio waves to all your devices.

The typical range of a Wi-Fi network can also vary. Around 45 metres is pretty typical inside the home – just keep in mind that obstructions like walls and appliances can reduce this distance. The age of your router can make a difference, too.

You don’t have to be a tech whizz to set up a Wi-Fi network. In fact, it’s usually pretty easy – though it does require some essentials:  

• Internet connection: First, you’ll need a connection that can get the Internet into your house. This might be fixed-line, fixed-wireless, satellite, 4G or 5G Internet. 
• Internet service provider (ISP) subscription: You’ll also need to sign up with a company that provides access to the Internet. You can compare a range of providers with iSelect!*
• Modem and/or router: A modem connects the Internet to your home, and then once it’s there, a router disperses it to your devices. Modems and routers are sometimes combined, and you might see the two words used interchangeably. 

A lot of it’s in the names! But let’s dig a little deeper and see what sets them apart:

• Home Wi-Fi: Home Wi-Fi networks usually rely on a fixed Internet connection like a cable. Using a router, they can then broadcast this connection to other devices as a home Internet network. This makes them best for stationary use – that is, for service to a fixed address.
• Mobile Broadband: This is typically a 4G or 5G mobile connection. Unlike Wi-Fi, it doesn’t depend on a fixed line, which makes it perfect for on-the-go usage. Most smartphones rely on Mobile Broadband (though they can also connect to Wi-Fi networks). 

Keep in mind that Home Wireless Broadband can blur the lines here a little bit. Like smartphones, they connect to the Internet through cellular towers. However, you’ll still need a router to broadcast the connection to different devices around your home. 

This really depends on the specific Internet plan you choose with your provider – as well as the max speed your Internet connection can reach.

Some plans offer lightning-fast speeds of over 500 Mbps, while others operate at a more modest pace. Many, but not all, plans also offer unlimited data usage. So it’s a good idea to double-check whether any limits apply. 

You’ll also want to consider what speed and data allowance you need depending on how many people in your home use the Internet. This is because your Internet connection can slow down depending on how many people use it. For instance, many of the faster plans can accommodate more than six people at once. But on some of the lower end plans, a family household might see some serious slowdown – especially if everyone starts streaming movies and playing online games at the same time!

It’s pretty crucial to keep your Wi-Fi network secure with a strong password. This helps prevent sneaky sorts from stealing your connection and getting access to any unsecured devices on the network. The process can vary depending on your router, but it might look something like this: 

1. Find your router’s IP address: You can usually find this in your router’s manual.
2. Login to your router: Enter the IP address into a web browser. Login using the default username and password (usually in the manual).
3. Access wireless settings: It will be in a section like ‘Wireless’ or ‘Wi-Fi Setup’.
4. Set password: Enter a new password in the ‘Security’ section. It should be a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.
5. Select security protocol: WPA2 or WPA3 are generally safe choices.
6. Save and exit: Click ‘Apply’ or ‘Save’ to confirm changes.
7. Reconnect devices: Use your new password for all home devices.