Test your speed

What can I do to improve my upload/download speed?

If you’re connected to Wifi, try sitting within line-of-sight of the modem/router.

Walls, fridges, microwaves and ovens can all negatively impact your Wifi signal. Place the modem/router as high as possible to improve line-of-sight.

Buy an Ethernet cable and connect directly to your modem/router.

Check that you have an Ethernet port on your laptop first – if you don’t have one you will also need to buy an Ethernet to USB adapter.

Disconnect other devices in the home that are sharing the Wifi.

Other devices can consume your home internet connection even when they're not actively being used.

Consider what others household members are using your internet for while you are working from home.

Streaming Video such as Netflix and Youtube while you are working will impact you if you have a lower speed internet connection. A 100/40 NBN service is recommended for this scenario (that's the numbers your Internet Service Provider has on your plan).

If you have more than one Wifi network available, try a different one.

It is common to have a 2.4GHz option and a 5GHz option for the same network. 2.4GHz signals travel further but share the frequency range with microwaves and garage door openers (including your neighbours). 5GHz signals are less congested but they don’t travel through walls and other objects as easily as 2.4GHz.

Use your CSIRO phone as a 4G hotspot.

Your CSIRO phone data plan will be automatically changed to suit your increase in data usage. You don’t need to contact IMT to get your data limit increased. However, keep in mind that your BU will be charged the cost of the new phone data plan.

Consider upgrading your internet plan with your Internet or Retail Service Provider.

An NBN 50/20 or 100/40 service is more appropriate than a 25/4 service for long periods of working from home. If you are on a legacy ADSL service consider connecting to the NBN if it is available to you due to the poor upload speeds of ADSL.

More tips and tricks

If you're a more visual person, the NBN and Cisco sites have some great information on how to improve your home internet experience.

Still no good – how can I work around my slow internet connection?

1. Close any applications that don’t need to be open – these can all consume your CPU, RAM and your home internet connection in the background.
   
2. For Webex meetings, use ‘Call In’ or ‘Call Me’ using your CSIRO or personal mobile. Don’t use your work deskphone number or Webex App as these rely on your home internet connection.
   

   

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3. For Webex meetings, try using the app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device over 4G. Webex Meetings is available free of charge from the Apple Store or Google Play. The 4G connection will bypass your home internet connection.
   

   iPhone / iPad
   installer

   

   Android
   installer
4. For Webex meetings and Webex App calls, turn off your camera.
   

   

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Upgrading your router / modem or internet plan

If you decide that you need to upgrade your router / modem or internet plan to improve your home internet connection, there are a few things you should be mindful of.

1. Data usage
   Some services generate heavier data usage than others. As a general rule, any video centric applications such as Webex App, Webex Meetings, and the webcast system use large amounts of data (think upwards of 60 pictures being sent and received every second!). The table below provides some general data usage rates for these applications.
   
   

   Service	Avg data usage - realtime	Avg data usage - per hour
   Webex App	4Mbits / second	1.8GB / hour
   Webex Meetings	4Mbits / second	1.8GB / hour
   webcast	3Mbits / second	1.35GB / hour

   *Note: Avg data usage rates combine download and upload rates.
   
   
2. NBN connection type
   There are many different NBN connection types out there but unfortunately you have no say in what type is available at your address (unless you are willing to participate in the NBN Technology Choice Program at your expense). Visit the NBN site to learn more about the different NBN connection types and factors that can influence your upload and download speeds.
   
   The main choice you have with your NBN connection is how fast it is, and how many GB of data you are entitled to each month. As a general rule:
   
   
   • If there are no more than 2 people in your household, a 50/20 (50 Mbits/s down, 20 Mbits/s up) connection speed will suffice.
   • If you have more than 2 people in your household who are likely to be using the internet concurrently, a 100/40 connection speed is recommended.
   • Note: If you don't have fibre to the premise (FTTP - the golden ticket!), check with your internet provider what speeds your NBN connection can support as not all NBN connections can support 100/40. To check what NBN connection type you have at your address, visit https://www.nbnco.com.au/.
   
   Please refer to the 'Data usage' table above to work out what size data plan is most suitable for your household needs. Note that unlimited data plans are now commonly available at a reasonable price point.

Home internet connection all sorted?

Click on an icon below to learn more!

Webex Meetings
Find out how to install Webex Meetings and get the best user experience from home.

Webex App
Find out how to install Webex App and get the best user experience from home.