Check slow Wi-Fi or slow fibre
A speed test across the room measures both your Wi-Fi and the fibre connection. Start with a wired comparison so the result tells you where to look.
Run a wired comparison
- Connect a gigabit-capable computer directly to a LAN port on the router using a Cat 5e or better cable. Turn off Wi-Fi on that computer.
- Pause large downloads, cloud backups and streaming if you can. Disconnect a personal VPN for the comparison if appropriate.
- Run a speed test, record the server, time, download and upload results, and repeat once. A 100 Mbps Ethernet link will limit the result even on a faster fibre plan.
Compare with Wi-Fi
Try the same test beside the router, then in the room where the problem occurs. If Ethernet performs well but Wi-Fi slows with distance, move the router into the open and away from metal cabinets. A wired connection is a useful option for a fixed desktop, TV or console.
Understand the plan figures
Fibre Starter has a 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload profile for eligible residential Chorus addresses. Fibre 500 has a 500 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload profile. Fibre Max has a 900 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload profile. These figures describe the access profile. Actual test results depend on the device, local link, test server and network conditions.
If wired tests are consistently slow, send Riley both sets of results and the Ethernet link speed if your computer shows it. This helps distinguish a 100 Mbps cable or port from a service issue.