A vast range of NBN linking types can be used, depending on the network infrastructure. Learn before connecting which type will go best in your area. You may be scratching your head when it comes to understanding the NBN rollout. No worries we know you’re not alone. There are a lot of new terms and technology, such as fiber optic cable, to come to grips with. So, not to mention the number of internet providers out there claiming to offer the best download speeds and connection speeds.
There are many different things to think about regarding the NBN rollout. So, one of the most confusing aspects can be understanding which NBN network type is best for you and your family.
To help you make sense of it all, we’ve put together a short guide to help you make an informed decision and choose the correct connection type for your needs.
Content to explore
- Fixed-line NBN
- Fiber to the Premises (FTTP)
- The Fiber to the Node (FTTN)
- Fiber to the Building (FTTB)
- The Fiber to the Curb (FTTC)
- Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC cable)
Fixed-line NBN
NBN networks are not just for your home. Fixed-line connections, which run a physical line to your property, come in many shapes and types. Some NBN networks use a new NBN connection box, while others rely on existing copper wiring already connected to your home.
Fiber to the Premises (FTTP)
Don’t be left in the dark! Fiber to the Premises is the best NBN network type because it is more reliable. Fiber optic cables run directly to your house on an FTTP connection. The box on the premises, where you connect your modem/router, is helpful for phone and TV services.
Fiber to the Premises is the best type of NBN network because it is typically more consistent in its delivery of speeds. This connection type is different because a dedicated fiber optic cable runs directly to your house. It would help if you had a new NBN connection box inside your home to connect your modem/router with your internet service provider.
The Fiber to the Node (FTTN)
Fiber to the Node, a cheaper alternative to FTTP, uses existing copper cables for connectivity. You may experience slower upload and download speeds. In the future, this type of connection will likely be replaced by fiber optic cables.
Fiber to the Node uses older copper cables instead of modern fiber optic cables with greater bandwidth. It is cheaper than FTTP, but you will likely experience slower download and upload speeds.
Fiber to the Building (FTTB)
Building high-speed internet close to your living quarters is a top priority for many people. Of the many options, one of the newest ones is Fiber to the Building. This connection is perfect if you live in an apartment or similar building with a basement. The NBN will be delivered to your living quarters through a secure cabinet in your building’s basement or communication room. You could see copper wiring in older buildings, while newer installations would feature ethernet cables.
If you live in an apartment building, your NBN networks will typically be delivered to the building through the same cables already present in your building. So, this is called Fiber to the Building, and it is most common in apartment blocks and similar structures. You will find the central installation for an FTTB service in a secure cabinet in your building’s basement or communication room. From there, the NBN is delivered to your apartment via the cables that are already present.
The Fiber to the Curb (FTTC)
Fiber to the Curb is a reliable, easy-to-install solution. It’s not as complex as installing fiber to the premises (FTTP) but offers more excellent performance than fiber to the node (FTTN). Fiber to the curb (FTTC) connects a distribution unit with existing copper networks via fiber.
Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC cable)
When your existing pay-TV or cable connection can’t reach your property all the way, HFC is the final part of the NBN networks that matches your home. So, HFC is the oldest technology powering the NBN network, and it’s only available in certain areas.
The HFC is an old-fashioned technology that can only be used in a small number of neighborhoods already installing it. So, the HFC, or Hybrid Fiber Coaxial connection, is usually used when an existing pay-TV or cable TV system is installed, such as a Foxtel connection. Further, this type of technology is the final step to completing an NBN network. And one can find it in areas with existing HFC connections or regions where it has been newly installed.
Conclusion
NBN is short for the National Broadband Network, the largest infrastructure project in Australia’s history. So, the NBN will provide the entire country with high-speed internet. And it builds to replace the current nationwide network of optical fibers, telephone exchanges, and Local Area Networks.
You can select from its types Hybrid fibre-coaxial, fiber to the curb, fiber to the building, fiber to the node, or fiber to the premises. So, select after learning of all and check which is best for your area.