The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia’s nationwide Internet infrastructure. It connects homes and businesses to the Internet using different technologies. Each of these come with their own advantages and disadvantages. While the NBN aims to provide reliable and fast Internet to all Australians, the type of connection at your address can significantly impact your experience
This guide explains the different types of NBN connections, how they work and what they mean for your Internet speed and reliability
Why Are There Different Types of NBN?
The NBN was made to replace Australia’s older copper network with modern broadband infrastructure. To save time and costs, the network was built using a mix of technologies rather than relying on a single method for all locations. This approach is called the Multi-Technology Mix (MTM
Different connections types were used based on the location of homes, existing infrastructure and the cost of installation. Some areas were connected with high-speed-fibre-optic cables while others rely on older copper lines or wireless technologies
The Different Types of NBN Connections
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is considered the gold standard of NBN connections. With FTTP, fibre-optic cables run directly from the NBN network to your home or business
How It Works
- A fibre-optic cable connects your premises to the NBN network.
- An NBN connection box is installed inside your home which links it to your modem or router.
Advantages
- Fast Speeds: FTTP supports speeds of up to 1Gbps (1000Mbps) on premium plans.
- Good performance: Fibre is not affected by distance, weather or electrical interference.
- Future-proof: FTTP can easily support higher speeds as technology advances.
Disadvantages
- Higher prices: FTTP installations are more expensive for NBN Co.
- Availability: Not all areas have FTTP connections.
Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
Fibre to the Node (FTTN) uses a combination of fibre-optic cables and copper wires. Fibre runs to a node or cabinet in your street or neighbourhood and copper wires connect the node to your home.
How It Works
- Fibre connects the node to the NBN network.
- Copper wires carry the connection from the node to your home.
Advantages
- Uses existing infrastructure: FTTN takes advantage of existing copper phone lines, making it cheaper and faster to install.
Disadvantages
- Speed limitations: Copper wires can’t carry data as efficiently as fibre so speeds are slower than FTTP.
- Distance affects performance: The further your home is from the node, the slower your Internet speeds.
Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) brings fibre closer to your home than FTTN. Fibre runs to a small distribution point near the edge of your property, with copper wires completing the final connection.
How It Works
- Fibre runs to a distribution point close to your home.
- Copper wires connect the distribution point to your premises.
Advantages
- Better speeds than FTTN: Because fibre runs closer to your home, FTTC offers faster speeds than FTTN. Fibre runs to a smaller distribution point near the edge of your property, with copper wires completing the final connection.
Disadvantages
Limited by copper: Although faster than FTTN, FTTC can’t match the speed or reliability of FTTP.
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
Hybrid Fibre (HFC) uses a mix of fibre-optic cables and existing coaxial cables which were originally used for pay-TV services. Fibre runs to the node and coaxial cables connect the node to your home.
How It Works
- Fibre connects the node to the NBN network.
- Coaxial cables deliver the connection from the node to your premises.
Advantages
- High speeds: HFC can deliver fast speeds, comparable to FTTP in some cases.
- Existing infrastructure: Using coaxial cables makes installation faster and cheaper.
Disadvantages
- Congestion: HFC connections can slow down during peak usage times.
- Signal interference: Coaxial cables are more susceptible to electrical interference than fibre.
Fixed Wireless
Fixed Wireless connections are common in rural and regional areas where running cables is not easy. Internet is delivered through radio signals from an NBN tower to an antenna installed on your property.
How It Works
- An NBN tower transmits signals to your home.
- An outdoor antenna on your property receives the signal and connects to your modem or router.
Advantages
- No cables required: Fixed Wireless is ideal for rural areas where fibre or copper connections aren’t feasible.
Disadvantages
- Lower speeds: Fixed Wireless connections typically offer slower speeds than fibre or HFC.
Satellite
Satellite connections are made for remote and rural areas where other technologies are not available. Internet is delivered via a satellite in space which communicates with a dish installed at your property.
How It Works
- A satellite dish on your property connects to an NBN satellite in orbit.
Advantages
- Covers remote areas: Satellite provides Internet access where no other technology is available.
Disadvantages
- Higher latency: Because signals travel to space and back, there is a noticeable delay in data transmission.
- Lower speeds: Satellite plans typically offer slower speeds compared to fibre or fixed wireless.
- Data limits: Many satellite plans come with lower data allowances.
How to Find Your NBN Connection Type
Your NBN connection type is determined by the infrastructure available at your address. To check your connection:
Use the NBN Address Checker:
Visit the NBN Co website and enter your address in the search tool. This will show the connection type for your property.
Contact Your Internet Provider:
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can confirm your NBN connection type and available plans.
Look for Physical Clues
- An NBN connection box at your home usually means FTTP or HFC.
- An outdoor antenna means Fixed Wireless.
Which NBN Connection Is Best?
The best NBN connection depends on your Internet needs and the technology that is available to you at your home.
- FTPP: Good for homes that require fast and reliable Internet such as families with multiple devices or people working from home.
- FTTN or FTTC: Suitable for basic Internet use like browsing or streaming in HD.
- HFC: A good option for homes in areas with existing coaxial infrastructure.
- Fixed Wireless or Satellite: Best for rural or remote areas with limited alternatives.
Can You Upgrade Your NBN Connection?
If you’re not happy with your current NBN connection you may have options to upgrade:
- Free Fibre Upgrades: Some areas are eligible for free upgrades to FTTP under NBN Co’s network improvement programs.
- NBN Technology Choice Program: You can apply for an on-demand upgrade to FTTP but this can be expensive.
- Switching Providers: If your connection type supports higher speeds, switching to a better plan with your current or a new provider might solve your issues.
Conclusion
The NBN’s six connection types offer different levels of speed, reliability and performance. Understanding your connection type is important to choosing the best Internet plan for you and getting the most of out of your service.
By checking your address and shopping around for options, you can make informed decisions about your NBN connection and make sure your household’s needs are being met. Be it streaming, working or gaming, the right Internet connection can make a big difference.
