This guide looks at exploring the modem Wi-Fi setup for the Netcomm NF4V modem. We have also presented an audio version of the instructions to assist you in your Wi-Fi Setup below.

Wireless Setup Method

• How to setup my Wi-Fi and change my Wi-Fi password?
  1. Firstly, connect your modem to your computer using an Ethernet cable as shown below. The Ethernet cable will go from one of the yellow LAN ports of the modem to the ethernet plug on your computer.

  

  2. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari) and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1, then press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard.

  

  3. A box will appear requesting a Username and Password. Try the details below:

  1. Username: admin
  2. Password: last 6 characters of MAC address (this information is located on the bottom of your modem)

  4. Once logged in click ‘Wireless'on the left.

  

  5. Ensure ‘Enable Wireless’ is ticked and enter your preferred Wi-Fi network name in the ‘SSID’ field. Click ‘Apply/Save’ to save your changes.

  

  6. Choose ‘Security’ under the ‘Wireless’ section. Select Network Authentication type as ‘WPA2-PSK’ and enter your desired Wi-Fi password in the WPA/WAPI passphrase section. Ensure your password is secure and at least 8 characters long. Click ‘Apply/Save’ to finish your Wi-Fi setup.

  

• Step by step video tutorial

Troubleshooting your Wi-Fi

• What factors impact my Wi-Fi performance?
  Distance

  The closer you are to the wireless access point, the better it will perform. Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) has a limited range and can only reach so far. Other devices, household appliances and physical obstructions can also reduce Wi-Fi range.

  Number of users

  The more user connected to your Wi-Fi, the less wireless bandwidth there is available to each device. This can cause your Wi-Fi to slow down (even if you are connected to Ultra-Fast Fibre). Where possible, connect devices to the Ethernet to conserve Wi-Fi bandwidth for mobile devices.

  Interference

  There are many things that can interfere with the quality of your Wi-Fi signal. Appliances like microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers and baby monitors make it difficult for signal to pass by. Other obstacles like hot water cylinders, wooden and concrete walls, and anything with metal in it will also get in the way.

  Other Wi-Fi Networks

  Neighbours Wi-Fi is the most common cause of signal interference, especially if you live in an apartment with lots of other Wi-Fi access point around. As you move around your home, interference can make it difficult to get strong and smooth wireless signal. You can reduce interference by selecting the best Wi-Fi channel.

  Device

  A recent, name-brand modem is highly likely to outperform a no-name branded one. It’s best to use a modern device, like our NF18 modem, which use the latest Wi-Fi technology. Older modems can limit the speed and quality of wireless signal.

  Position

  It is best to have your router placed up high and centralised in the home. A single modem positioned behind a desk won’t be able spread signal very far. For tips on router positioning, check out our modem positioning guide.

• I can't receive Wi-Fi reception in my bedroom?
  Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) has a limited range and can only stretch signal so far. The further you move away from your modem, the weaker the signal will become.

  A single wireless access point will struggle to reach every room, because of several factors such as the layout of your house, solid building materials, metal appliances and interference from other nearby Wi-Fi networks.

  

  Home Wi-Fi Solutions:

  A mesh network is the most comprehensive solution. Mesh networks work independently from your current modem and use multiple Wi-Fi points to spread a strong signal to every room. We offer Google Wifi (3-pack) mesh network for $399 or $15 per month rental. Find out about Google Wifi.

• Where to position my modem for best Wi-Fi coverage?
  The most important factor effecting Wi-Fi performance in your home is modem placement. Re-positioning your Wi-Fi modem can make a huge difference to your internet experience.

  Tips to improve your Wi-Fi

  1. Don’t place your modem in a cupboard or patch panel as the walls can block your modem's Wi-Fi signal.
  2. Don’t keep your modem in a cupboard or patch panel as the walls can block your modem's signal.
  3. Make sure your modem is standing upright or is positioned the way it is intended – this allows Wi-Fi signals to transmit at their best.
  4. Keep it away from the kitchen - some appliances such as microwaves can interfere with the signal.

  
  Best places for your modem

  A good rule of thumb is to place your modem in the room where you will be using Wi-Fi the most. Ensure it’s in the best location for your Wi-Fi needs:

  1. If gaming is most important to you, your modem is best placed in the same room as your PC or gaming console and connected to the modem via an Ethernet cable.
  2. If streaming via TV is most important, place your modem near your TV.
  3. If Wi-Fi coverage in the home is most important to you (including streaming video in all parts of your home), place your modem in a central location or by your TV with an additional mesh Wi-Fi system.

  
• How to select the best Wi-Fi channel?
  Manually selecting your Wi-Fi channel could improve wireless performance if you live in an apartment or suburb with lots of other Wi-Fi networks nearby.

  Your Slingshot wireless router is already quite smart and automatically changes the Wi-Fi channel to avoid interference from other networks. It’s generally better to leave your channel setting as 'AUTO' and let your modem do it's thing. However, as a last resort, if you are noticing that your signal is dropping often it is worth manually selecting the least congested channel.

  1. Download a Wi-Fi analyser to your device. 

  Go to the Google Play or Apple App store to download Wi-Fi analyser application to your mobile, tablet or computer device. You can learn more about Wi-Fi analyser here.

  2. Run the application and you can view other nearby wireless networks.

  

  In the above screenshot, you can see that there are several neighbouring Wi-Fi networks, concentrated around the 1,6 and 11 channels. These channels are crowded and are likely interfering with each other.

  3. Select the least congested channel for your modem

  Login to your modem by entering 192.168.1.1 into your browser address bar.

  

  A box will appear requesting a Username and Password. Enter admin for the username and the last 6 characters of your MAC address as the password (this information is available on the bottom of your modem).

  4. Once you are logged into your modem. Select "Wireless" and choose "Advanced" from the options below. Choose "20Mhz" in the "Bandwidth" section and select the Wi-Fi channel determined to be best for you as per the WiFi Analyser application.