Slow Speeds or Dropouts – How to Fix?

Slow Speeds or Dropouts – How to Fix?

If your internet feels slower than usual or keeps dropping out, there's usually a simple cause — and an easy fix. Follow the steps below to restore your Ezi Broadband connection to full speed and stability.

1. Check For Local Network Issues

Before making changes at home, visit the nbn® Network Status page to check for planned maintenance or outages in your area: www.nbnco.com.au/support/network-status If there's an active issue, your speeds or stability should return to normal once nbn® completes their work.

2. Restart Your Equipment

Many performance issues are temporary and can be fixed with a quick restart.
  1. Turn off your modem and nbn® connection box (if you have one).
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Turn them back on and allow 3–5 minutes for all lights to stabilise.
Once restarted, run a quick speed test to check for improvement.

3. Test a Wired Connection

Connect a computer directly to your modem using an Ethernet cable. If your speeds are normal when wired but slow over Wi-Fi, the issue is likely wireless interference or weak signal, not your internet connection. See "Wi-Fi troubleshooting and tips" for ways to improve coverage and performance.

4. Check Your Wi-Fi Signal

Weak Wi-Fi can make your connection seem slow or unstable. Try these quick fixes:
  • Place your modem in a central, open area, away from walls or cabinets.
  • Keep it clear of other electronics (microwaves, Bluetooth speakers, cordless phones).
  • For large homes, consider adding a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system.
If your device shows only one or two bars of signal strength, moving closer to the modem can significantly improve speed.

5. Reduce Congestion

Internet speeds can slow down when too many devices are connected at once. To improve performance:
  • Disconnect devices that aren't in use.
  • Pause large downloads, backups, or streaming on other devices.
  • Avoid heavy internet use during peak times (evenings) if possible.
If your household regularly uses multiple devices, upgrading to a higher-speed Ezi plan may provide a smoother experience.

6. Check Your Modem Age and Firmware

Older modems or outdated firmware can cause dropouts and speed limitations.
  • If your modem is more than 3–4 years old, consider upgrading to a newer model.
  • Log into your modem's settings (usually 192.168.1.1) and check for firmware updates.
  • If your modem was supplied by Ezi Broadband, updates are installed automatically.
See "The importance of having new modem hardware" for more details.

7. Check Your Internal Wiring (FTTN / FTTB Only)

If you're on Fibre to the Node (FTTN) or Fibre to the Building (FTTB), your connection uses copper cabling between your home and the network. Old or damaged wiring can affect speed and stability.
If you notice frequent sync drops or slow speeds:
  • Try a different wall socket.
  • Make sure you're not using old phone filters or splitters.
  • Contact Ezi Broadband if the problem persists — we can organise a technician check if required.

8. Run a Speed Test Correctly

For accurate results:
  • Use a wired (Ethernet) connection where possible.
  • Close all other programs and downloads.
  • Visit speedtest.net and choose a nearby test server.
Compare your results to the typical speeds listed for your plan. Keep in mind that speeds can vary slightly during busy periods.

9. Reset Your Modem (Last Resort)

If slow speeds or dropouts persist after all the above steps, try a factory reset of your modem. See "How to reset your modem" for instructions. After resetting, re-enter your Ezi Broadband login details (if using your own modem) and test again.

Need Help?

If your speeds remain consistently slow or your connection drops out after troubleshooting, please include:
  • Your address
  • A recent speed test result (wired if possible)
  • A photo of your modem and nbn® box lights
Our team will check your line and network performance to find the cause.
  1. Visit our website and speak to Eve, our AI assistant, in the bottom right corner of the screen.
  2. If you'd rather chat with a human, just let Eve know and you'll be transferred to a real person within the same chat window.
  3. Head over to the homepage of our help centre and submit a ticket.
  5. Call us on 132 EZI (132 394).

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