nbn™ connection types

The National Broadband Network (NBN) in Australia offers several different types of

connections. Here are the main types:

1. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), also known as Fibre to the Home (FTTH), is generally
considered the best type of connection you can get. It’s one of the fastest connection
types available on the nbn™ and has potential for future expansion.
It’s also the least common. FTTP was the original plan for the nbn™, but the
expense involved meant the government backed down from a mass rollout of that
connection type.
It’s worth noting that you can choose to upgrade to FTTP, if you’re willing to wear the
installation costs (which are expensive). What some neighbourhoods are doing is
coming together to share the cost of getting FTTP installed across the area, because
the bulk of the cost is in extending the fibre to the street. This approach allows some
costs to be shared. To do this, you need to apply for an individual premises switch.

2. Fibre to the Node, Basement, or Building (FTTN)(FTTB)

Fibre to the Node (FTTN) is the “default” nbn™ connection. Basically, FTTN involves
a line of fibre being run to a central location (known in nbn™ lingo as a node). This is
often located at the end of your street or between a number of streets. From the
node to your home the connection runs along traditional copper telephone line,
which results in a drop in performance, but has allowed the nbn™ to be rolled out
quicker to Australians.
An alternative is Fibre to the Building, also known as Fibre to the Basement. This is
the default approach for apartments or office blocks, as well as multi-dwelling units.
As the name suggests this connection type has fibre run all the way to a central spot
in the building. From there, the remaining distance is covered by copper wiring.
The primary difference between FTTN/FTTB and FTTP is that there may be a drop
in speed due to a number of factors such as the quality of the copper wiring and
distance from the node. Once you sign up with a provider like Aussie Broadband,
they will be able to complete a line test, after which you will be emailed your
estimated speed and if you are eligible to change speed tiers.

3. Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)

Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) is also known as Fibre to the Distribution Point (FTTDP) or
Fibre to the Driveway. It may offer a better connection in terms of speed than FTTN.
This is because the fibre optic cable is run to a street pit at the closest possible point
to the premises. Instead of for the “last mile”, the copper wiring runs for only a matter
of metres to your dwelling. NBNCo is expecting 1.4 million premises to be connected
by FTTC by FY20.

4. Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial
Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC) is basically the same technology that is used to deliver
cable TV subscriptions, such as Foxtel. So, if you’ve been getting cable TV, then
chances are you’re able to get this particular nbn™ connection type. The great news
for you is that this connection uses insulated wires that help to minimise interference.
HFC is even able to take it up to FTTP when it comes to speeds in most cases.

5. Fixed Wireless
Fixed Wireless connections are one of the options that NBNCo is running for
regional areas, where laying down fibre is seen as being too costly. With this
connection type, NBNCo runs wires to a transmission tower, and then broadcasts
the broadband connection to your house via an antenna.
Fixed Wireless is limited in what speeds it can offer, so if you are in one of those
areas, it’s best to have a look at what speeds you may be eligible for by doing an
availability check here.

6. Satellite
Finally, for the most regional and remote areas of Australia, there’s satellite. On this
connection type, NBNCo broadcasts a signal to a satellite dish, which then relays
that to your home. For areas where no other internet infrastructure exists, this is how
NBNCo can still deliver a service.
Data limits and speeds are the main sticking points for satellite services. Most entry-
level plans don’t offer much data, but if that is something you need, you will have to
be willing to pay for it.