---
title: "Understanding nbn network congestion during peak times"
description: "Why nbn speeds can dip in the evening even when nothing is wrong, what causes peak-time congestion and what you can do about it."
url: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/help/internet/understanding-nbn-network-congestion-peak-times"
canonical: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/help/internet/understanding-nbn-network-congestion-peak-times"
updated: "2026-10-04"
---

# Understanding nbn network congestion during peak times

Why nbn speeds can dip in the evening even when nothing is wrong, what causes peak-time congestion and what you can do about it.

Congestion happens when demand on a shared part of the network gets close to its capacity. It's most common in the evening, between 7pm and 11pm, when the most people are online at once.

## Where congestion can happen

- **Shared local infrastructure** - such as a Fixed Wireless tower or an HFC node shared by many homes.
- **Your provider's network** - the capacity a provider has connecting its customers to the nbn and the wider internet.
- **The sites you're using** - popular streaming or gaming services can slow down at busy times, regardless of your connection.

## Is this a fault?

No. A predictable dip in speed during the same busy hours each evening, which returns to normal afterwards, is congestion rather than a fault. It's why plans are advertised with a typical evening speed.

## When it's worth reporting

If your speed is poor at all times of day, not just in the evening, or has dropped suddenly and stayed low, contact us - it may be a fault rather than congestion.

See our guide on why your internet speed may be slower than expected for other common causes, like Wi-Fi coverage.