One roommate is in the study, stressfully finishing a deck. The other one has just dialled into a COD campaign. And you? You’re uploading raw footage from today’s shoot. A lot is happening. And it won’t take much for things to turn to chaos.
And let’s be honest, heaps of folks don’t really know how to check their speeds or use the extras that come with their internet.
Whether you’re a family of roommates or a full-on family crew, everyone’s online these days. All at once, and doing different things. If things feel slower than they should, you're not imagining it. Let’s help you get more from your setup.
Scroll on for simple ways to boost your internet, and know when it’s worth switching providers.
How to run a speed test (and what it tells you!)
To check how your internet’s really performing, run a speed test using https://www.speedtest.net/ or https://fast.com/.
For the most accurate results, use a device connected directly to your modem’s Ethernet cable.
To test your Wi-Fi, run the test near your router, then again in other rooms to compare signal strength.
Click “Go” or “Start” and wait a few seconds. The test will measure:
Optimise your Wi-Fi setup
One parent might be video chatting with relatives overseas, while the other is on the deck streaming a DIY tutorial. A home is a busy place, and a few small tweaks can speed up your internet.
Place your router in a central spot
Keep your router in the middle of your home. It should be in a common area where everyone tends to use the internet. It might not seem like a lot, but walls, doors and even furniture can weaken the signal.
Elevate your router
Routers work better when they’re off the ground. Prop it up on a high shelf or mounted spot to help broadcast the signal more efficiently, especially in multi-storey homes.
Limit interference
Electronic appliances like microwaves, baby monitors and cordless phones can disrupt your Wi-Fi signal. Keep your router away from these kinds of devices to avoid drops in speed or sudden connection issues.
Reduce device clutter
When was the last time you took stock of your devices? If you've smart speakers, old phones and tablets you forgot were on your network can get bogged down. Disconnect or turn off unused devices to free up bandwidth for the ones that really matter.
Restart regularly
Routers need a little reset every now and then (just like us!). A quick reboot (about once a week) can clear minor glitches and improve performance without needing to “hack into the mainframe”.
Consider mesh Wi-Fi or extenders
If your internet keeps cutting out in some rooms or feels a bit hit-and-miss in bigger spaces, a mesh Wi-Fi system or extender can might sort it out. They help spread your signal more evenly, so you’re not stuck in a dead zone. It’s perfect for share houses, busy families or really anyone trying to get work done from the kitchen table.
Here’s how something like eero could help:
Manage device and household usage
Smartphones, smart fridges, smart TVs, smart everything. With so many gadgets fighting for attention, even a strong connection can get spread thin.
You can keep your signal strong and steady by:
Group by purpose
Use your router’s dashboard to organise gear into categories like work, streaming or kids’ devices. This makes it easier to shape your network, giving priority to video calls over game downloads during crunch time.
Build in digital breathers
Instead of generic screen limits, try introducing recurring breaks like Tech-Free Tuesdays. These off-grid times aren’t just good for your brain, but also help lighten the load. Plus, it’s great to hang out with family minus the screens.
Hit refresh on your hardware
If your modem or router is more than a few years old, it might be slowing things down. Upgrading with Superloop gear like our eero mesh Wi-Fi system might boost a bunch of things. Coverage, speed and network security included!
Monitor overall usage
Log in to your eero app to view real-time usage by device. It’s an easy way to run service health checks, get detailed diagnostics and offer up potential solutions.
Review your plan
Sometimes, the issue isn’t your Wi-Fi setup. It’s your plan. If your connection still struggles after optimising your gear and usage, it might be time to take a closer look at what you've actually signed up for.
Here’s what to consider:
Check what speed tier you’re paying for
You might be on an entry-level plan that isn’t built for households with multiple users or streaming/gaming habits. Compare your actual speeds (from your speed test) with your plan. If they don’t match (or your needs have changed!), it could be time for an upgrade.
Match your plan to your household habits
Working from home? Got kids gaming, streaming and studying at once? You may have outgrown your current plan without realising. Find plans for different usage needs, so you're not overpaying or stuck with slow speeds.
Check for hidden limits
Some providers still sneak in data caps or speed shaping during peak times. If you’re hitting invisible walls (especially at night), it might be worth comparing plans with more transparency. Better yet, choose a plan that gives you Speed Upgrade Days when you need them.
Compare apples with apples
Not all internet plans are created equal. Check the typical evening speeds, inclusions (like mesh routers or mobile backup), and support access.
Check your setup regularly with Superloop
Families come in all shapes and sizes (yes, even your sharehouse counts!). And each has its own rhythm, space and internet needs. A few simple tweaks here and there can save you from those frustrating moments, whether it’s a frozen video call or endless buffering during a roommate Black Mirror sesh.
By checking your speed, reviewing your equipment and making sure your plan still suits your household’s needs, you’ll stay ahead of issues and get more out of the service you’re already paying for.
And if things still feel off? Superloop can help.
Whether you need a mesh Wi-Fi system or an nbn plan built for bigger bandwidth, we’ve got tools and support to help keep every kind of family happy.
Your At-Home Internet Tune-Up Checklist
These easy steps can help you get more out of your connection. No tech degree required.
