NBN Technology

Back to top

How does NBN technology work?

What are the different types of NBN connections?

How will NBN technology change in the future?

Where can I find and compare NBN Plans?

Long story short

Fibre-optic is in, copper is (mostly) out

Australia’s internet has moved on from old-school copper to a fibre-based NBN that can hit up to 1,000 Mbps – or more.

You might already have a mix-tech NBN setup

NBN uses a range of connection types, from full fibre to satellite, depending on your location and existing infrastructure.

FTTP offers the fastest speeds, but not everyone has it (yet)

Fibre-to-the-premises is the fastest NBN option, and NBN Co is aiming to make it available to over 10 million addresses.

How does NBN technology work?

Forget the Bronze Age, the Copper Age was where Australia’s internet infrastructure was stuck for the last couple of decades. Old tech like dial-up and ADSL used copper telephone lines to bring you your favourite memes, chain emails, and Flash animations. However, the advent of the NBN means the Fibre-Optic Age is here. 

With improved cabling, faster internet speeds are achievable — even as quick as 1,000 Mbps. But there’s a catch. Getting everyone up to speed on fibre-optic NBN cables is a big task. That’s why NBN Co is taking a ‘multi-technology mix’ approach, using a range of existing and new technologies to upgrade Internet experiences across Australia. 

What are the different types of NBN connections?

If you’re new to the whole NBN scene, wrapping your head around the different connection types can be tricky. That’s why we’ve made this handy cheat sheet for you – at a glance, you’ll be able to tell your FTTPs from your FTTNs. We’ve also got some extra tidbits if you want to really impress your friends with your NBN knowledge or simply want to know what to expect when the NBN technician turns up on your doorstep. 

Fibre to the premises (FTTP)

FTTP is a fixed-line connection that’s fibre all the way, meaning you could enjoy some of the fastest internet around. Besides the fibre cabling, the only other equipment needed is an NBN connection box, an NBN utility box, a power supply unit, and your modem. The modem will come from your internet provider, while everything else NBN Co will provide and install. Once it’s all set up and connected, you’ll have internet.

Hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC)

HFC is a fixed-line connection that’s true to its name: it uses a mix of fibre-optic cables and coaxial cables (the kind of cables that pay TV networks use). To get you online, NBN Co will need to install an NBN connection box and an NBN utility box. From there, you’ll just need to connect your modem to the connection box, then you should be up and running.

Fibre to the node (FTTN)

The FTTN and other fixed-line connections below use copper cables (in addition to other technology) to get you internet at home. Unfortunately, that means they can’t quite reach the same speeds as FTTP and HFC connections due to the limitations of copper cables.

With FTTN, it’s a little like the NBN is shy about coming over to your place. It hangs out in a fibre node nearby, typically in a street cabinet. Your existing copper lines, though, extend out to it, delivering you that internet goodness.

Beyond making sure you’ve got a telephone wall socket and a VDSL2-compatible modem, you shouldn’t need any other special equipment to connect to the NBN. If you don’t have a wall socket, you’ll need to get a cabler in. When it comes to the modem, your internet provider should send you one.

Fibre to the curb (FTTC)

FTTC is another shy fixed-line connection. However, it has a little more nerve, bringing its fibre cable self to the curb near your home (a distribution point in a pit in your street). Then the copper lines save the day once more and connect your home to ensure you can enjoy the internet.

Covering that little extra distance using fibre cables means that FTTC is theoretically able to reach five times the max speeds of FTTN. It does mean you’ll need an NBN connection box, though, but this plugs into an existing telephone wall socket rather than needing professional installation. Once you plug your modem into the connection box, you should be good to go.

Fibre to the building (FTTB)

FTTB is a fixed-line connection you’ll likely see in apartment blocks or multi-dwelling units. The fibre cable will run into the building and to the communications rooms. From there, existing internet infrastructure connects each residence to the NBN.

If you’ve got an FTTB connection, you won’t need a visit from the NBN fairy (or technician) either. You should just be able to go ahead and plug your VDSL2-compatible modem into the telephone socket and start checking your socials.

Fixed wireless

Forget tangled wires. Fixed wireless is, well, wireless. To a point, anyway. An NBN connection box and outdoor antenna need to be installed at your place to receive the data transmission from nearby NBN towers.

Sky Muster

Sky Muster transmits your NBN access via satellites to your home. Rather than fibre cables and nodes, NBN Co will need to install a satellite dish, power pack, wall outlet, and special NBN modem to get you connected.

How will NBN technology change in the future?

Back in the dinosaur dial-up days, NBN speeds were unthinkable. So, what will we think is quaint or outrageous when we look back at the NBN in 20 years? These are a few of our predictions for the NBN’s future: 

• More Aussies will have access to the fastest NBN connection: NBN Co has set its sights on connecting more than 10 million Australian homes and businesses to the NBN via FTTP.
• Faster maximum speeds will be available: Using multi-gigabit technology, NBN Co has successfully run trials where they’ve racked up speeds of 20 Gbps (that’s 20,000 Mbps) – 10 times faster than the current top NBN speed.
• The NBN will become more energy efficient: NBN Co aren’t just looking to improve your internet experience with faster speeds; they’re also hoping to make the network environmentally sustainable. They’re aiming to have net zero emissions by 2045.

Where can I find and compare NBN Plans?

If you’re ready to see what the NBN can do for your online life – or fancy checking if another NBN Plan could offer you better value – we’re here to make it happen. iSelect has partnered with CIMET to bring you a range of NBN Plans from different internet providers, all ready to compare in minutes using our online tool.