nbn™ Connection Types Explained

We know the nbn™ can be confusing, especially with the number of acronyms and jargon that are plaguing your internet and letterbox. How do you know what is available in your area? What equipment do you need to get started? Worry not, this handy little guide will spell out everything you need to know about getting connected!

Let’s talk about connection types

Currently there are 6 types of nbn™ connections, with this number expected to grow in 2018. The area you’re in will determine which type of nbn™ connection will be available to you.

The existing nbn™ connections are:

• Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
• Fixed Wireless (FW)
• Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
• Fibre To The Curb (FTTC)
• Satellite (Sky Muster™)
• Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC)

So, how do you know what is available in your area? You can search your address on the nbn™ Rollout Map for more information. When it’s time to connect, you will receive a letter in the mail to let you know.

Let’s talk about equipment

Each nbn™ connection type has its own equipment setup. The good news is you don’t have to supply any of it yourself. When you sign up for an nbn™ plan with your internet service provider, they will arrange for nbn™ Co. to send out a technician to your property and install any Network Termination Devices (NTD) or satellite dishes. A modem should also be supplied by the ISP, generally already configured so you can just plug in and play.

But a big question is: What exactly is going to be installed?

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

Fibre to the Premises uses all-new nbn™ technology, and was the primary connection type being rolled out when the nbn™ was first introduced. The fibre-optic line comes in from the street and connects to an internal NTD. Your modem then connects to this NTD via an ethernet cable (included with your modem), and your home phone and computer connect to the modem.

Fixed Wireless (FW)

Fixed Wireless connects from an nbn™ Fixed Wireless Tower (similar to a mobile phone tower) to an antenna on top of your roof, which is installed by an nbn™ Co. technician. The antenna then connects to an internal NTD. Your modem then connects to this NTD via an ethernet cable (included with your modem), and your home phone and computer connect to the modem.

Fibre to the Node (FTTN)

Fibre to the Node connects the existing copper phone lines from your dwelling to an nbn™ Node in the street (which looks like a metal cabinet). You then just connect your modem through the regular phone socket in your house, and your home phone and computer connect to the modem.

Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)

Fibre to the Curb connects the existing copper phone lines from your dwelling to nbn™ fibre at a Distribution Point Unit (DPU) close to the premises, shared between four premises. This then connects to the existing copper wiring network to engage the final portion of the connection, bringing the Internet into your home. An FTTC nbn™ connection device will be the end receiver, situated inside your home.

Satellite (Sky Muster™)

Satellite connects via a satellite dish on top of your roof, which is installed by an nbn™ Co. technician. The satellite dish then connects to an internal NTD. Your modem then connects to this NTD via an ethernet cable (included with your modem), and your computer connects to the modem. Your home phone connects to your phone socket and runs off the existing copper phone lines, just like it did before.

Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC)

An nbn™ Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection is used in circumstances where the existing ‘pay TV’ or cable network can be used to make the final part of the nbn™ access network connection. In this circumstance, an HFC line will be run from the nearest available fibre node, to your premises.

HFC connections require an nbn™ access network device to be installed at the point where the line enters your home. This device requires power to operate, and can be installed by an approved nbn™ installer or service provider. 

Are you ready to connect?

So, which type of nbn™ connection is available in your area? If you’re ready to connect to nbn™ there is no time like the present! For an easy connection, super-fast speeds and award winning Australian customer service, Southern Phone is here every step of the way.