nbn™ technology types
This article explains in basic terms, how each nbn™ technology type works.
How an nbn™ connection works
When you request to access the internet by browsing or streaming on a device at home, your device will send a request for the desired content (data) to your router or modem router. Your router or modem router will forward this request over the nbn™ connection type that is available in your area to the local nbn™ POI. Once the request has made it to the nbn™ POI, a connection will be established to the Superloop domestic and international fibre network, and your request will be routed to its destination over the Internet. The destination content server will respond with the requested data and send it back to you over the Internet, the Superloop network, the nbn™ network, and finally to your router or modem router, which will forward the data onto the device that originally requested it.
What is FTTP (or FTTH)?
Fibre-to-the-Premises (or Fibre-to-the-Home) is the nbn™ connection type where NBNco runs a fibre optic cable directly into a home or business which terminates to a piece of nbn™ equipment known as a Network Termination Device (NTD). You can then connect a standard home wifi router to the NTD to provide local connectivity to your devices.
What is FTTN?
Fibre-to-the-Node is the nbn™ connection type where NBNco installs a fibre backhaul connection to a nearby communications cabinet in your neighbourhood, known as a node. Your home or business is then connected to this node by re-using the existing copper line that once connected your premises to the public telephone network. The nbn™ termination point is the junction box on the outside of your property, or the first (usually the closest to the front of the building) telephone socket in-side the premises. You will need to connect an nbn™ Compliant VDSL2 Modem Router to the primary telephone socket, which will then provide local connectivity to your devices.
What is FTTB?
Fibre-to-the-Building is an nbn™ connection type very similar to FTTN, where NBNco install a node somewhere (usually in the basement or communications room) of a high-rise building or complex. From there, each apartment or unit utilises the existing telephone network in the building to connect back to the node. The nbn™ termination point in this instance is the nbn™ side of the building's MDF (Main Distribution Frame). You will need to connect an nbn™ Compliant VDSL2 Modem Router to the primary telephone socket, which will then provide local connectivity to your devices.
What is nbn™ HFC?
Hybrid-Fibre-Coaxial is the nbn™ connection type where NBNco re-uses the existing Pay-TV/Cable network that was already in-place in many (but not all) areas of Australia. NBNco installs an NTD (which is simply a cable modem – which remains the property of NBNco) in the premises which serves as the nbn™ termination point. You can then connect a standard home wifi router to the NTD to provide local connectivity to your devices.
What is FTTC?
Fibre-to-the-Curb is the nbn™ connection type where NBNco runs a fibre optic cable into the 'pit' just outside of your house, the fibre is closer to your house than FTTN is, but not as far in as FTTP. Your home or business is then connected to a DPU (Distribution Point Unit) in the pit by re-using the existing copper line that once connected your premises to the public telephone network. NBNco installs an NCD (Network Connection Device – which is simply just a VDSL2 Modem, which remains the property of NBNco) and connects it to the primary telephone socket in the premises, which serves as the nbn™ termination point. You can then connect a standard home wifi router to the NCD to provide local connectivity to your devices.
Next Steps:
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