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This article explains how to check if your home networking equipment (routers, devices, and cables) is compatible with high-speed internet plans to avoid speed bottlenecks. It covers the role of Network Termination Devices and provides practical steps to verify your setup can handle high speeds like 1000Mbps.
An NTD* (Network Termination Device) is a critical piece of your internet infrastructure**. It's the small box installed in home connections, and it's the final link between the internet and your internal home network. Depending on your location and the Retail Service Provider (RSP), NTD's are used in a variety of ways in your home.
Passthrough mode (Default for other carriers)With this setup, the NTD itself acts simply as the bridge between the wider network and your own personal Wi-Fi router that will connect up to it so that you may have your own wireless or cabled network.
Gateway mode (available for select RSPs )The gateway type NTD acts as an all-in-one modem and router, there is no need to bring your own router as this NTD can broadcast Wi-Fi, unless you want to bring your own device.
*Do not remove the Fibre NTD installed at your premises. This is a carrier premise device. Removing this device will result in loss of services and potential charges to your account. If you wish to upgrade your Wi-Fi router, contact support to make this change.
Wi-Fi Routers are the most common first part of your home network. If your Wi-Fi router isn't built for speed, your speed might max out even if your plan is higher . Older routers often max out at 100–300 Mbps, even if your plan offers more.
Check Your Router's Wi-Fi Standard Look for a label on your router or check the manual/settings for Wi-Fi standards. For 1 Gigabit (or more) plans, you need Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer. Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and older standards will bottleneck high-speed connections.
Verify Ethernet Port Speeds Examine the router's WAN/Internet port (where your ethernet cable connects). It must be labeled "Gigabit" or "1000Mbps" to support high-speed plans. Older "Fast Ethernet" ports (100Mbps) will limit your connection regardless of your internet plan.
Your common household devices make use of a wired or wireless network interface card (NIC). It is an important piece of hardware that determines how capable your device is to make the most of the speeds your router is providing - whether over Wi-Fi or Ethernet Cable. Tablets and older smartphones typically have weaker Wi-Fi capabilities than computers.
For top-tier speeds, you’ll need a router with
Check Your Device's Wi-Fi Standard Go to your device settings and look for Wi-Fi or network information. For 1000Mbps plans, you need Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer. On Windows, check "Device Manager > Network Adapters." On Mac, hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon. Older standards like Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) max out around 150-300Mbps.
Check Device Age and Network Hardware Devices older than 5-7 years may have outdated network adapters. Look up your device model's network specifications online or check "System Information" (Windows) or "About This Mac" (Mac) for network adapter details.
Once you've confirmed compatibility of Wi-Fi router and ensured your personal devices are not a bottle neck. It's time to consider the connect method - Wi-Fi or cable.
Over Wi-Fi, actual speeds are impacted by physical factors - distance from the router, interference from walls, furniture, and other electronics, as well as the number of devices sharing the network.
Connections using quality cables like Cat 6 simplifies the all the factors contributing to your experienced speed. Cat5 (or older) or physically damaged cables will impact your speed. When a device such as a laptop is plugged directly into the Wi-Fi router, speeds should be close to maximum, barring network or hardware limitations.
Look at the spot where your router connects to the internet. It should say 1 Gbps or higher.
Is your Wi-Fi router using Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or above? These give you faster, more reliable wireless across more devices.
Are your devices up to date? Both outdated device software and hardware will slow you down.
iPhones, consoles and smart TVs – oh my! Make sure your Wi-Fi router can manage several devices at once with minimal freezing or buffering.
Using Ethernet? Look at the label: Cat 6 or higher is best. Anything older (like Cat 5) could hold back your speeds.
Not sure if your Wi-Fi Router is compatible? Contact our support team for quick advice.
If your Wi-Fi router supports Wi-Fi 5 (or newer) and has a 1Gbps WAN port, it’s likely ready. Older devices may cap speeds far below your plan. Check with support or use our recommended list to confirm compatibility.
Wi-Fi coverage and speed can be greatly affected by your home's size, wall materials, and layout. In small homes (1–2 bedrooms), a modern Wi-Fi 5 router positioned centrally often provides sufficient coverage and speed. For medium (3–4 bedroom) homes, or those with lots of walls, a mesh Wi-Fi system or a router with additional wired access points is recommended to avoid dead spots and maintain fast speeds everywhere. Large or multi-storey homes benefit most from a robust mesh Wi-Fi setup, possibly supplemented by in-wall cabling to ensure high-speed connections reach every corner. Always choose a Wi-Fi router that matches your connection speed, and consider your home's layout for optimal placement and hardware selection to truly enjoy those gigabit speeds throughout your space.
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