What Is Fixed Wireless Internet?
Fixed wireless internet is a type of broadband internet that uses radio signals to connect a home or business to a nearby cell tower or base station, rather than using cables like fiber or DSL.
It connects location to the internet using:
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A base station (tower) that beams the internet signal.
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A receiver antenna or dish installed at your premises.
Equipment Needed for NBN Fixed Wireless Internet
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Outdoor Antenna or Receiver
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Mounted on roof or wall.
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Points to a nearby tower for line-of-sight signal.
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NBN NTD (Modem Box)
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Indoor Network Termination Device (NTD)
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Indoor Modem/Router
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Connects to the antenna via Ethernet.
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Distributes internet to devices via Wi-Fi or LAN.
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Power Supply & Surge Protection
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Ensures stable operation and protects against lightning or power surges.
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Installation Steps for NBN Fixed Wireless: -
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Site Survey – Technician confirms signal quality and line of sight to nearest NBN Fixed Wireless tower.
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Mount Antenna – Outdoor antenna is securely mounted and aimed at the tower.
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Run Cable Inside – A cable from the antenna runs to your preferred indoor location.
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Install NTD – The Network Termination Device (NTD) is installed and powered inside your home.
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Test Signal – Technician tests connection and ensures signal strength is acceptable.
How to Configure NBN Fixed Wireless
You only need to configure the Wi-Fi router – the NTD is preconfigured by NBN Co.
Setup Overview
Device |
Port to Use |
Notes |
NTD |
UNI-D Port (usually UNI-D 1) |
Connect to router’s WAN port |
Your Router |
WAN/Internet Port |
Use Ethernet cable |
Your Devices |
Connect via Wi-Fi or LAN ports |
|
Router Configuration Steps: -
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Connect Hardware:
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Plug Ethernet cable from NTD UNI-D port → Router’s WAN port
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Power on both the NTD and router
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Access Router Settings:
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Connect a PC or phone to the router (via Wi-Fi or LAN)
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Open a browser and go to:
http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1 -
Login (default username/password is often admin/admin or check router label)
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Select Internet Type:
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Choose "Dynamic IP" or "DHCP"
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Most NBN Fixed Wireless services use Dynamic IP
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If your ISP gave you a username/password, choose PPPoE and enter them.
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Set Up Wi-Fi:
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Name your Wi-Fi network (SSID)
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Set a strong password
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Save Settings and Reboot:
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Apply changes and reboot the router
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Test Connection:
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Try browsing the internet on your device
Fixed Wireless vs. Fiber Internet: -
Feature |
Fixed Wireless |
Fiber Internet |
Speed |
Moderate (20–100 Mbps) |
Very High (100 Mbps–1 Gbps+) |
Latency |
Higher (20–100+ ms) |
Very Low (1–10 ms) |
Reliability |
Weather-dependent |
Very stable |
Installation |
Easier, no digging |
Requires trenching or conduit |
Availability |
Good in rural areas |
Best in urban/suburban areas |
Cost |
Often cheaper upfront |
Higher setup cost, lower long-term cost |