This guide looks at exploring the Wi-Fi setup and troubleshooting steps to help boost your Wi-Fi reception for the Netcomm NF18 modem.

Wireless Setup Method

• How to setup my Wi-Fi and change your Wi-Fi password through Orcon My Account?
  1. Login to your My Orcon. If you do not know your password, click the ‘Forgot Your Password’ link.

  2. Once you are logged in, select ‘My WiFi’ from the top.

  3. Enter your desired Wi-Fi network name in the 'Wireless Network Name' field and password in the 'Wireless Network Password' section. We recommend ensuring your password is 8 characters long with 1 capital letter and 1 number, to make it secure.

  4. Click 'Save Changes' and you will receive confirmation of the changes you have made.

  
• How to setup my Wi-Fi and change your Wi-Fi password through the modem interface?
  1. Connect the yellow Ethernet cable from the one of the free LAN ports on your modem to the Ethernet plug on your computer as shown below.

  

  2. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari) and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1, then press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard.

  3. A box will appear requesting a Username and Password. Try the details below:

  1. Username: admin
  2. Password: last 6 characters of MAC address (all lower case). This information is located on the bottom of your modem.

  4. Navigate to 'Wireless' in the left-hand side.

  5. Select '2.4 GHz' on the left-hand side underneath Wireless. Ensure ‘Enable Wireless’ is ticked and enter your preferred Wi-Fi network name in the ‘SSID’ field. Click ‘Apply/Save’ to save your changes.

  

  6. Choose ‘Security’ under the ‘2.4GHz’ section. Enter your desired Wi-Fi password in the WPA/WAPI passphrase section and click ‘Apply/Save’. Ensure your password is secure and at least 8 characters long. 

  

  7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the '5 GHz' frequency, ensure the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password are identical to the '2.4 GHz' Wi-Fi. This will enable Wi-Fi Band Steering encouraging your smart devices to connect to the faster 5GHz Wi-Fi, and leave the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi less-crowded for those devices only supporting 2.4GHz frequencies. 

Troubleshooting your Wi-Fi

• What factors impact my Wi-Fi performance?
  Distance

  The closer you are to the wireless access point, the better it will perform. Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) has a limited range and can only reach so far. Other devices, household appliances and physical obstructions can also reduce Wi-Fi range.

  Number of users

  The more user connected to your Wi-Fi, the less wireless bandwidth there is available to each device. This can cause your Wi-Fi to slow down (even if you are connected to Ultra-Fast Fibre). Where possible, connect devices to the Ethernet to conserve Wi-Fi bandwidth for mobile devices.

  Interference

  There are many things that can interfere with the quality of your Wi-Fi signal. Appliances like microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers and baby monitors make it difficult for signal to pass by. Other obstacles like hot water cylinders, wooden and concrete walls, and anything with metal in it will also get in the way.

  Other Wi-Fi Networks

  Neighbours Wi-Fi is the most common cause of signal interference, especially if you live in an apartment with lots of other Wi-Fi access point around. As you move around your home, interference can make it difficult to get strong and smooth wireless signal. You can reduce interference by selecting the best Wi-Fi channel.

  Device

  A recent, name-brand modem is highly likely to outperform a no-name branded one. It’s best to use a modern device, like our NF18 modem, which use the latest Wi-Fi technology. Older modems can limit the speed and quality of wireless signal.

  Position

  It is best to have your router placed up high and centralised in the home. A single modem positioned behind a desk won’t be able spread signal very far. For tips on router positioning, check out our modem positioning guide.

• I can't receive Wi-Fi reception in my bedroom?
  Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) has a limited range and can only stretch signal so far. The further you move away from your modem, the weaker the signal will become.

  A single wireless access point will struggle to reach every room, because of several factors such as the layout of your house, solid building materials, metal appliances and interference from other nearby Wi-Fi networks.

  

  Home Wi-Fi Solutions:

  A mesh network is the most comprehensive solution. Mesh networks work independently from your current modem and use multiple Wi-Fi points to spread a strong signal to every room. We offer Google Wifi (3-pack) mesh network for $399 or $15 per month rental. Find out about Google Wifi.

• Where to position my modem for best Wi-Fi coverage?
  The most important factor effecting Wi-Fi performance in your home is modem placement. Re-positioning your Wi-Fi modem can make a huge difference to your internet experience.

  Tips to improve your Wi-Fi

  1. Don’t place your modem in a cupboard or patch panel as the walls can block your modem's Wi-Fi signal.
  2. Don’t keep your modem in a cupboard or patch panel as the walls can block your modem's signal.
  3. Make sure your modem is standing upright or is positioned the way it is intended – this allows Wi-Fi signals to transmit at their best.
  4. Keep it away from the kitchen - some appliances such as microwaves can interfere with the signal.

  
  Best places for your modem

  A good rule of thumb is to place your modem in the room where you will be using Wi-Fi the most. Ensure it’s in the best location for your Wi-Fi needs:

  1. If gaming is most important to you, your modem is best placed in the same room as your PC or gaming console and connected to the modem via an Ethernet cable.
  2. If streaming via TV is most important, place your modem near your TV.
  3. If Wi-Fi coverage in the home is most important to you (including streaming video in all parts of your home), place your modem in a central location or by your TV with an additional mesh Wi-Fi system.

  
• I’ve installed Fibre, but now I’m having Wi-Fi issues
  It’s likely the placement of your modem has moved and there is a greater distance for the Wi-Fi to travel to your living area or bedrooms. Your modem is probably sitting next to your ONT (the white Fibre box), which often isn't installed in a central location.

  The further you move away from your access point, the weaker the signal will become. This is because of obstructions like walls, home appliances and interference from other nearby networks.