What are the six different types of NBN networks?
You’ve probably heard about the rollout of the NBN. You might be scratching your head about all the acronyms and new technology.
There are terms and phrases to learn, including fibre-optic cable. There are many of internet providers out there claiming to offer the best download speeds and connection speeds.
We discussed different elements to think about regarding the National Broadband Network rollout. One confusing aspect is figuring out which NBN network type is best for you and your family.
We’ve put together a short guide to help you understand the connectivity options and choose the right one for you.
Content to explore
- Fixed-line NBN
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
- The Fiber to the Node (FTTN)
- Fibre 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.
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
Don’t be left in the dark! Fibre to the Premises is the best NBN network type because it is more reliable. Fibre 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.
Fibre 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 fibre 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)
Fibre 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 fibre optic cables.
Fibre to the Node uses older copper cables instead of modern fibre optic cables with greater bandwidth. It is cheaper than FTTP, but you will likely experience slower download and upload speeds.
Fibre 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 feature ethernet cables.
The Fiber to the Curb (FTTC)
Fibre to the Curb is a reliable, easy-to-install solution. It’s not as complex as installing fibre to the premises (FTTP) but offers more excellent performance than fibre to the node (FTTN). Fibre to the curb (FTTC) connects a distribution unit with existing copper networks via fibre.
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 match 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 neighbourhoods 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 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 stands for the National Broadband Network, Australia’s largest-ever infrastructure project. It will provide the entire country with high-speed internet and replace the current nationwide transmission networks of copper telephone lines, fibre optic cables, and local area networks.
The different types of networks that offer cable Internet are Hybrid fibre-coaxial, fibre to the curb, fibre to the building, fibre to the node, or fibre to the premises. The difference between each network is how signals are delivered to the home. When picking which network is best for you, find out what type your cable provider offers and compare it to the others.