NBN Fibre To The Curb (FTTC):

What is Fibre To The Curb?

FTTC is used in circumstances where the fibre connection extends close to the premises, and is connected to a Distribution Point Unit (DPU), which is usually located in a pit on the street (or curb). The existing copper wiring is then connected to the fibre and DPU to make the final NBN connection to your home.  FTTC usually provides faster internet than FTTN as it utilises its technology in a more streamlined way¹.

How does FTTC Work?

Understanding the tech lingo of the NBN can seem a bit daunting, but it’s actually relatively simple. When it comes to the NBN, the words ‘fibre’ and ‘node’ are almost always used to explain how internet connection are facilitated. The NBN’s main goal was to increase internet speeds, reliability, and access, and to achieve these goals the NBN was built using fibre optic cables (Australia wide!) to then converge into a hub or ‘node’.

In the event of connecting FTTC, the node delivers your NBN connection through a fibre cable into your DPU. Once the connection is active, an existing copper wire will link the distribution point of the NBN to your premises.

Congrats… You are now connected to the NBN!

How fast is FTTC?

When choosing your NBN plan there are a variety of options and variables to consider. The first is your NBN connection type. There are seven different types of NBN connections available and each one may impact the strength of your internet connection.

Another factor can be the NBN plan you choose. There are generally six different types of speed tiers:

• Home Basic I: Home Basic I is adequate for sending emails and making phone calls and that’s about it…
• Home Basic II: The second tier offers a little more than the previous. Not only can you send emails and make calls, but also stream standard definition videos, music and peruse the web. This plan suits a one-to-two-person household.
• Home Standard: This tier of plan works well for larger households with a number of devices on the go. If you’re wanting to stream HD videos, download files, play video games or work from home this may be a good option.
• Home Fast: Designed for households and with several users and devices. This type of plan can do everything that the standard plan can do but provides a more robust internet connection to allow for multitasking on devices, streaming 4K videos and downloading files.
• Home Superfast: The second fastest tier allows for high-speed downloads, five or more users at one time and faster streaming and gaming compared to the Home Fast tier.  
• Home Ultrafast: When something has ultra in it, you know it’s going to pack a punch. This is the top NBN tier and offers the best (or ultimate) possible internet experience. If you are an early adopter of new tech advancements, this plan may be a good option for you.

Additional factors to consider when understanding what may impact your NBN speeds include:

• Your modem or cabling
• Your service provider and their management of their own network
• Signal quality
• Equipment used on the premises
• How far all devices will be located from the modem

What equipment is required to set up FTTC?

Connecting to the NBN is a relatively straightforward process, completed right in your home.  Your phone and internet provider should arrange for an nbn approved installer to call you and organise a visit to your premises to connect you. ² The NBN Co will provide you a free NBN Connection Device and your internet service provider will typically provide you with a router. In some cases a self-install option may be available. ²

The NBN Connection Device needs to be connected to a power outlet and a telephone socket with a cable. The Connection Device will then be connected to your wireless router via an ethernet cable (typically provided with your router).² Once you plug your router into a power outlet, you’ll be able to connect your devices to your new NBN connection.  

Compare internet plans

While your NBN connection type is determined by the location of your premise it doesn’t mean that you don’t still have an option when it comes to your internet plan or provider. iSelect have partnered with our friends at CIMET to help you compare from a range of NBN plan and providers that could help make your internet woes float away.* Get started comparing internet plans online today, or call our friendly team on 13 19 20.

Sources:
1. https://www.whistleout.com.au/Broadband/Guides/nbn-fttdp-everything-you-need-to-know
2. https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/network-technology/fibre-to-the-curb-explained-fttc