What Are the Different Types of NBN? A Simple Guide for Your Home
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 18
Navigating the world of the National Broadband Network (NBN) can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with all the different acronyms and technical terms. But don't worry—this guide is here to help you understand the most common types of NBN connections and what they mean for your home internet.
What Is NBN?
First things first: NBN stands for National Broadband Network. It’s the new high-speed network replacing Australia's old copper and cable phone lines. The NBN brings faster, more reliable internet to homes across the country.
The Different Types of NBN Technology
NBN isn't a one-size-fits-all service. The type of connection you get depends on the existing infrastructure in your area. Each type uses a different technology to get the signal from the network to your home.
1. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
FTTP is often considered the best type of NBN connection.
How it works: A fibre optic cable runs directly from the local network all the way to a box installed inside your home.
What it means for you: This is the most reliable and fastest connection available. It offers the highest potential speeds and is less affected by things like bad weather or distance from the local exchange.
2. Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
FTTN is one of the more common types of NBN.
How it works: A fibre optic cable runs to a central "node"—a large cabinet on the street, which might serve many homes. From this cabinet, the existing copper phone line is used to connect to your home.
What it means for you: Your internet speed can be affected by the quality of the copper line and your distance from the node. The further away you are, the slower your potential speeds.
3. Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
FTTC is a middle ground between FTTP and FTTN.
How it works: A fibre optic cable runs to a small box, or "pit," near the curb outside your home. From there, a short length of the existing copper cable is used to connect to your home.
What it means for you: Because only a very short length of copper is used, this connection is typically more reliable and offers faster speeds than FTTN.
4. Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
HFC uses the same cables that were previously used for cable television.
How it works: A fibre optic cable runs to a central point, and from there, a coaxial cable (the same type used for Foxtel or old cable TV) connects to your home.
What it means for you: HFC can offer very fast speeds, but performance can be affected by network congestion, especially during peak usage times in your neighbourhood.
5. Fixed Wireless
Fixed Wireless is primarily used in regional and rural areas where running cables is not practical.
How it works: An antenna is installed on the roof of your house. This antenna receives a signal wirelessly from a nearby transmission tower.
What it means for you: The speed and reliability of this connection can be influenced by the weather, the distance to the tower, and how many other users are on the network at the same time.
Which Type Do I Have?
The NBN Co website has a Check Your Address tool or our website where you can simply enter your home address to find out what type of NBN technology is available to you. Understanding your connection type is the first step to choosing the right internet plan for your home.