Even the best modem in Australia cannot exceed the maximum speed included in your plan.
If your plan supports 25 Mbps, a premium modem will not magically turn it into 100 Mbps.
Does Your Modem/Router Affect Speed?
By: Riza
Posted: 28 May 2026
Last Updated: 28 May 2026
Many people assume buying a brand-new modem will instantly make their internet faster. In reality, your modem cannot magically increase speeds beyond what your internet plan already allows. However, the wrong hardware can slow things down and prevent you from getting the performance you are paying for.
Think of your internet like water flowing through a pipe. Your internet plan determines how much water can flow, but if the pipe is too small, outdated, or clogged, the flow gets restricted. Your modem works the same way.
So, while a modem cannot create extra speed, it can become a bottleneck that affects streaming, gaming, video calls, and everyday browsing.
How Your Internet Setup Works (Simple Explanation)
Before blaming your modem for slow internet, it helps to understand what each device does.
Your setup usually works like this:
nbn® connection → modem/router → devices
Each part has a specific role.
Many internet problems that feel like “slow nbn®” are caused by Wi-Fi interference, poor router placement, or too many connected devices.
Many modern devices combine both functions into a single modem-router unit, making setup simpler for most households.
If you are unsure which hardware suits your home, Yomojo’s nbn® modem guide explains the basics in simple terms.
When Your Modem/Router Is Slowing Your Internet
Sometimes your modem really is the problem. Here are the most common warning signs:
Your Modem Is Old
Technology moves quickly. A modem from five or six years ago may struggle with modern internet demands.
This becomes more noticeable in homes with:
multiple streaming services
gaming consoles
video calls
smart TVs
smart home devices
Your Hardware Cannot Support Your Plan
Some older devices simply cannot handle faster internet speeds.
For example, if your plan supports 100 Mbps, but your hardware only supports lower speeds, you may never reach the full performance included in your plan.
Checking available nbn® speed tiers can help you understand whether your modem is limiting performance.
Your Firmware Is Outdated
Firmware updates help improve:
stability
compatibility
performance
security
Without updates, modems may experience slower speeds or random dropouts.
Your Modem/Router Overheats
Poor airflow can also affect performance.
A modem/router hidden inside a cabinet or placed near heat sources can overheat, which may lead to slower speeds, unstable Wi-Fi, or random disconnects.
When Your Modem Is NOT the Problem
Sometimes people replace perfectly good hardware only to discover the issue was caused by something else.
Your Internet Plan Has a Speed Limit
Peak-Time Congestion Happens
Internet speeds often slow during busy evening periods when more households are online.
This is especially common during peak hours.
Yomojo’s blog to peak vs off-peak nbn® speeds explains this in more detail.
Your nbn® Technology Type Matters
Different nbn® technologies support different performance levels.
Your connection type can affect:
speed
stability
latency
Yomojo’s nbn® technology types guide explains how each technology differs.
There Could Be Wider Network Issues
Sometimes slow internet is caused by:
maintenance
temporary outages
provider issues
network congestion
If your speeds suddenly drop,Yomojo's blog on slow nbn® connections may help identify the issue.
How to Improve Your Internet Speed
The good news? Many internet issues are surprisingly easy to improve.
pgrade Your Internet Plan
If multiple people stream, game, work, or study online at the same time, switching to one of Yomojo’s faster nbn® plans may improve performance.
Move Your Modem/Router
Placement matters more than many people realise. This can help improve signal strength throughout your home.
Reduce Wi-Fi Interference
Disconnecting unused devices and reducing interference from electronics may help improve overall performance.
Yomojo’s nbn® internet plans guide and nbn® pricing guide can help you compare your options before upgrading.
If you are setting up a new service, the nbn® installation guide may also help.
Business Use: Why Hardware Matters More
For businesses, internet reliability affects productivity.
Poor hardware can disrupt:
VoIP calls
video meetings
cloud platforms
payment systems
remote work
Y Business nbn® solutions are designed for modern business connectivity needs.
If your business relies on internet calling, Yomojo’s VoIP on the nbn® guide explains why reliable hardware matters.
Why Customers Trust Yomojo
Peak-hour congestion is only one piece of the puzzle. Several other factors can affect your internet performance.
Wi-Fi signal strength
Poor Wi-Fi coverage can make your connection feel slower than it actually is.
Common causes include:
thick walls
poor modem placement
interference from nearby networks
distance from the router
Modem quality
Older modems may struggle to keep up with modern internet usage, especially in busy households with many connected devices.
A more capable modem can improve:
connection stability
Wi-Fi coverage
speed consistency
device handling
Too many connected devices
Modern households often have dozens of devices connected at once, including:
smart TVs
gaming consoles
laptops
phones
tablets
smart home devices
Yomojo offers a range of compatible nbn® modems designed for modern home internet setups.
You can also read this nbn® modem guide for help choosing the right hardware.
Summary: Does Your Modem Affect Speed?
While you cannot eliminate congestion, there are several ways to improve your internet experience during busy periods.
Upgrade your speed tier
If multiple people in your household stream, game, or work from home simultaneously, a faster plan may help reduce slowdowns.
You can compare different home nbn® plans based on your usage needs.
Use Ethernet for important devices
Ethernet connections are usually more stable than Wi-Fi, especially for:
gaming
video calls
streaming
work devices
Reduce heavy usage during peak hours
Large downloads, cloud backups, and multiple 4K streams can place extra pressure on your connection during busy periods.
Reducing simultaneous usage may help improve overall performance.
Upgrade your modem
An outdated modem can become a bottleneck, even on fast internet plans.
A newer modem may improve:
Wi-Fi coverage
speed stability
device management
overall reliability
You can also review nbn® speed tiers to see whether your current plan still suits your household.