nbn™ is rolling out a mixture of different technologies to connect homes and businesses across Australia. Your maximum line speed is the maximum speed the infrastructure is capable of is determined by the type
of technology, nbn™ makes available at your premises.
The technology that connects your premises.
All types of nbn™ access network connections that utilise a physical line running to the premises (FTTP, FTTB, HFC, FTTC and FTTN) are considered Fixed Line connections. The difference between each type of connection simply comes down to how the nbn™ utilise existing network technology in connecting the nearest available fibre node to a specific premise.
nbn™ Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).
Fibre optic line running from the nearest available fibre node, directly to your premises.
nbn™ Fibre to the Building (FTTB).
Fibre optic line running to a node within your building’s
communication room, then copper cable wired to a wall
socket inside your apartment.
nbn™ Fibre to the Curb (FTTC).
Fibre optic line running to a DPU in your street, then connected via an existing copper cable to your premises, wired to a wall socket.
nbn™ Fibre to the Node (FTTN).
Fibre optic line running to a node in the street, then connected via existing
copper cable to your address, wired to a wall socket.
nbn™ Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC).
Fibre optic line running to a node, then Coaxial Cable to your premises, with a nbn™ connection box (NTD1) inside your premises.
There is a range of factors that can affect your internet experience on the nbn™.
- The time of day, as high-traffic times like the evening can cause speeds to slow.
- The type and size of the content you are downloading or uploading.
- The number of people on your premises actively online at the same time.
- The provider, plan and speed tier you choose.
- The way your specific provider configures their network and manages traffic.
- How nbn™ configures the access network.
Technologies using copper cable have additional factors which may reduce speeds, these include:
- The length of copper cable from the node to your wall socket.
- The condition of the copper, and exposure to the elements.
- Any additional wall sockets, intercoms, or alarm systems.
More about Speed Tiers
Speed is how fast data (the content you download and upload) travels between the internet and your devices.
Please note, not all speed tiers are available everywhere. This means for Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Fibre to the Building (FTTB) services, which use a combination of copper and fibre cables. A higher speed plan may not improve your speeds. If the maximum line speed is slower than the speed plan you have chosen. We’ll confirm actual speeds on Fibre to the Building (FTTB) Node (FTTN) and Curb (FTTC) services.
To test your service speed or maximum line speed, your service needs to be connected and active.
More factors that may affect your speed.
Modem
Modems and routers will perform differently depending on their specifications. You will generally get better performance when connecting devices via an Ethernet cable where possible. Devices speeds to each device will vary due to settings, configuration, and the type of device connected. Your speed will be shared across your home network, as you connect more
devices. You can also do updates, virus scans, and optimization steps to keep your device safe and performing in top condition.
Wi-Fi
Your Wi-Fi speed and your service line speed are different. Mirrors, walls, and nearby electrical devices will interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
Tips: To improve your Wi-Fi performance try placing your modem in a central location within your home. You can test your service line speed by connecting via an Ethernet cable.
Content
Speed to certain sites may be impacted by other users, so keep that in mind when you are downloading, streaming or accessing sites for work or study. Gaming, browsing or downloading may also be slower if the content is hosted internationally.
Wires and cabling
Sometimes the cabling to your house or within your home may be damaged, corroded or in poor condition. This can reduce your internet speed. If you are experiencing a slow connection, we can test and arrange repairs for any external network damage we find. Some additional repairs may require you to arrange your own electrician, but we’ll let you know if this is needed.