How to Connect to the NBN: A Comprehensive Guide on how to self install and NBN Service on your premises.
Can I self install my NBN?
Your sure can!
Aa NBN self install can be relatively easy. All that is generally required is an appropriately long ethernet cable to connect the NBN hand off point to your router.
This article assume you already have an NBN connection to your home and you have signed up to one of the NBN Internet Service Providers in Australia. SDC uses and recommends PIP Internet Services for all its installs.
What Is the NBN?
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia’s nationwide broadband infrastructure project designed to provide faster and more reliable internet access to homes and businesses across the country. Managed by NBN Co, the network’s goal is to upgrade Australia’s internet capabilities by replacing older technologies like ADSL ad ADSL2+ with modern and diverse solutions. Due to our countries broad population and outdated infrastructure, the NBN uses a mix of technologies to connect premises to an NBN provider, ensuring compatibility with these different geographic and demographic needs.
What are the NBN Connection Types?
The NBN employs several technologies to provide your premises with internet services, each suited to specific types of locations and connectivity requirements. Below is a breakdown of the available technologies:
1. NBN Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
FTTP is considered the gold standard of NBN technologies. A direct fibre optic line runs from the NBN infrastructure out in the street, to your property, and directly into your house. This provides you with a high-speed and reliable internet connection. This fibre terminates in an NBN connection box (often called the Optical Network Termination, or ONT) somewhere on your premises. This NBN Box converts the fibre optic cable into standard Ethernet cable. NBN will install a single female Ethernet plug on a wall plate, typically next to the NBN box.
Unlike other NBN connection types that use a mix of fibre and copper or coaxial cables, FTTP provides a pure fibre connection, which significantly enhances performance and speed. With FTTP, users can experience internet speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities such as 4K streaming, online gaming, and large file downloadsm
One of the key benefits of FTTP is its future-proof nature. As technology advances and the demand for higher internet speeds increases, FTTP can easily accommodate these changes without requiring significant infrastructure upgrades at a future date. This makes it a long-term solution for households and businesses looking to stay ahead in the digital age.
If you’re considering an FTTP NBN plan, it’s worth checking with your internet service provider about the specific plans and speeds available in your area. Providers often offer various plans, including NBN 100, NBN 250, and NBN 1000, to cater to different needs and budgets.
FTTP Wall Plate: The FTTP wall plate is typically small and rectangular with a fibre optic port. It connects via an optical fibre cable. The connection box then links to your modem using an ethernet cable.
2. NBN Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
FTTN was brought in by the Liberal-National Coalition government which won the 2012 election. Malcolm Turnbull, who was the Minister for Communications at the time, announced the new Multi-Technology Mix (MTM) approach, which included FTTN as a key component. The decision was driven by the aim to reduce costs and speed up the rollout of the NBN network. The MTM approach leveraged existing fixed line networks of copper and cable infrastructure, which was seen as a more cost-effective and quicker way to deliver high-speed internet compared to the original FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) plan
FTTN involves running a fibre optic cable to a central node or neighbourhood node. These are typically housed in a street cabinet, which then connects to your individual premises using the existing copper telephone lines. The fibre optic cable runs from the exchange to the nearest available fibre node, from there, the copper lines carry the signal to each premises. This setup typically results in average speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps, depending on the distance from the node and the quality of the copper lines. The technology used for the final connection is VDSL2. No specific NBN wall plate is required or NBN tech installation, as on-premise connectivity relies on standard phone sockets.
FTTN Wall Plate: For FTTN, the wall plate is a traditional telephone socket. An ethernet cable connects your modem to this socket.
3. NBN Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
Just like FTTN, FTTC was introduced to speed up the rollout of NBN and cut costs by not having to deliver fibre to every home in Australia.
It involves running a fibre optic cable to a small Distribution Point Unit (DPU) located in a pit on the street near your premises. From this point, the existing network, typically the old Telstra telephone copper network is used to deliver the final connection to your home or business. This setup allows for high-speed internet access while leveraging the existing copper infrastructure, making it a cost-effective solution.
FTTC is designed to provide faster and more reliable internet compared to older technologies like ADSL. In an FTTC NBN area, the fibre optic cable runs closer to the premises than in Fibre to the Node (FTTN) connections, which does result in better performance and higher speeds. The final connection from the external equipment to the premises uses VDSL2 technology, capable of delivering speeds up to 100 Mbps. This makes FTTC suitable for activities such as streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
FTTC Wall Plate: FTTC setups often include a telephone socket wall plate, similar to FTTN. The NBN connection box is necessary in this case, and it features ethernet ports for linking to your modem.
4. NBN Fibre to the Building (FTTB)
This technology is primarily used in apartment complexes, multi dwelling buildings, offices and units. It involves running a fibre optic line to a central point in the building, typically the communications room, where it connects to a node. From this node, the existing copper wiring from the older telephone system, within the building is used to deliver the internet connection to individual units
FTTB is similar to Fibre to the Node (FTTN) in that it uses a combination of fibre optic and copper cabling, but the key difference is that the fibre runs directly to the building rather than a street cabinet. This often results in shorter copper line distances, which can lead to better performance and higher speeds compared to FTTN. That being said, performance can vary depending on the quality of the existing copper wiring, the number of apartments aggregated to the system and the distance from the node to each unit.
The technology used for the final connection to each unit is typically VDSL2, which is capable of delivering high-speed internet suitable for activities like streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing. In some cases, buildings with modern internal wiring may even support upgrades to technologies like G.fast, which can further enhance speeds.
FTTB Wall Plate: The wall plate for FTTB is a female Ethernet port, it resembles a large standard telephone socket. Connectivity relies on an ethernet cable running from the modem or router to the wall plate.
5. NBN Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) leverages the older, existing cable TV infrastructure to deliver now deliver the NBN internet to your home or business. This type of connection is particularly useful in areas where the existing cable network can be repurposed, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution for providing broadband access
HFC NBN works by running a coaxial cable from the nearest fibre node to the premises. This setup allows for high-speed data transmission, with typical evening speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps, and even up to 250 Mbps or 1000 Mbps in some areas. The installation process involves setting up an NBN network device at the point where the cable enters the home, which requires power to operate.
This technology is only utilised in areas where coaxial networks / pay TV service already exist.
HFC Wall Plate: HFC wall outlet features a coaxial cable port, which connects to the NBN connection box using a coaxial cable. The box then links to your modem via an ethernet cable.
6. NBN Fixed Wireless
Fixed Wireless technology runs over mobile networks, it serves rural and regional areas where running fibre cables is impractical. A wireless signal is transmitted via a fixed antenna from a nearby NBN tower to the receiver installed on your property. Although NBN Co may use different technologies for the delivery of NBN to rural areas, ultimately each broadband plan no matter how it is delivered is typically the same as far as the customer is concerned.
Fixed Wireless Wall Plate: Fixed Wireless setups often include a small wall plate connected to the receiver antenna. The NBN connection box links to this receiver, and an ethernet cable connects the box to your modem.
7. NBN Satellite (Sky Muster)
Sky Muster is a satellite-based solution for further out remote areas where other technologies are unavailable. Data is transmitted via satellite to a satellite dish installed on your property, typically on the roof of your premises. Again as long as you fit the eligibility criteria these services will be subsidised and priced as close as possible to city users.
NBN Satellite Wall Plate: Satellite installations are performed by a NBN installer, and typically include a wall plate near the satellite dish receiver. The NBN connection box connects to this receiver, and ethernet cables link the box to your modem.
Type of NBN Cables: Ethernet, Telephone and Coaxial
The type of cable used in your NBN network connection depends on the technology deployed at your location. Below are the two key cable types:
- Ethernet Cable RJ45: Ethernet cables are used universally across all NBN technologies to connect the NBN connection box to your modem.
- Traditional Phone Cables RJ11: The are your old style single or two pair phone leads. Although utilised in many connections to connect your modem or router to the NBN connection box. Ethernet cables (often Cat5e or Cat6) should ultimately be used, to ensure high-speed data transmission and maintaining the quality of your internet connection.
- Coaxial Cable: Specifically used in HFC setups, coaxial cables run from the wall plate to the NBN connection box.
Understanding the type of cable you need ensures proper installation and optimal internet performance.
The NBN Connection Box
The NBN connection box, also known as the Network Termination Device (NTD), acts as the bridge between your home connections and the wider NBN infrastructure. It is an essential component for FTTP, FTTC, HFC, Fixed Wireless, and Satellite technologies. Its primary function is to facilitate the transfer of data between the NBN infrastructure (your internet provider) and your internal network.
The actual installation of the NBN connection box is typically installed by an NBN technician on installation day. This NBN box will be installed somewhere within your premises or within your building (inside out of the elements). Since this NBN utility box is connected to the street and ultimately to the nationwide network, you will typically find this NBN Box close to the street.
All you need to do is connect your private network to the NBN transfer point with the right connecting cable
What are the Ports on the NBN Connection Box ?
The NBN connection box includes multiple ports for different purposes. Don’t be overwhelmed we typically only want to use two of these ports and one of them will be for power. Below is a detailed explanation of its standard ports:
- Power Port: Connects to an AC power adapter to supply electricity to the box.
- UNI-D Ports (usually 4): These ethernet ports are used to connect the box to your modem or router.
- UNI-V Ports (usually 2): Dedicated ports for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services.
- Optical Port: Present in FTTP setups, this port connects the box to the fibre optic cable.
- Antenna Port: Found in Fixed Wireless setups, this port links the box to the external antenna.
- Coaxial Port: Used in HFC setups to connect the box to the coaxial cable.
How the NBN Connection Box Works
The NBN connection box receives the incoming signal from the NBN access technology (via fibre, wireless, coaxial, or satellite) and processes it for output to your modem or router. From there, your modem enables Wi-Fi or wired internet access for your devices.
Setting Up Your NBN Connection
To connect to the NBN, follow these steps:
- Identify the NBN connection type for your property based on your address. You can check this through the NBN Co website.
- Locate the NBN equipment and the NBN wall plate and ensure it is installed properly. If necessary, contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.
- Connect the appropriate cable (ethernet or coaxial) from the wall plate to the NBN connection box.
- Confirm the NBN connection box is plugged into a power outlet and has lights on.
- Link the NBN connection box to your compatible modem or router using an ethernet cable.
- Set up your modem according to the instructions provided by your ISP. This may involve entering login credentials and configuring network settings.
- Setup your wi-fi network and ensure you set good security.
- Test your internet connection to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Problems installing my own NBN
As with all home do it yourself tasks, although the NBN installation process seems straight forward, the reality is not always as simple as the instructions make it out to be. Installing the NBN in your home can be no different. Below is some of the major hurdles you might encounter whilst installing your home NBN connection
The NBN Box is miles from where I want it.
Yes, typically the NBN technician will install the BN box and associated service close to the street. Rarely in a location preferred by the resident. In these scenarios, new cabling, wifi technologies or power cable networking will need to be utilised to distribute the connection elsewhere in your home. Good news, Sydney Data Cabling is always happy to give you free advise.
Our New Home doesn’t seem to have an NBN Box ?
Although rare these days, it is generally unlikely to find new estates in Sydney without NBN or ring technology. Australian regulations require developers to provide fibre-ready infrastructure for almost all new buildings, houses, units, or lots. This ensures that new properties can be connected to a superfast broadband network. However, developers can choose the provider of this network.
Half my house doesn’t have WIFI or a n Internet Connection
This is a common complaint we hear everyday. With the NBN connection typically somewhere at the from of the house. The householder installs the Wi-Fi router next to it. The signal strength of that WI-FI router can only reach so far. Walls, especially brick walls, soon weaken this signal, leaving much of the home out of service. This is also a factor in even sparse large business premises. We have many solutions for this scenario, so please give us a ring to discuss your options.
So can I setup my own NBN?
Even though connecting to the NBN can seem complex at first, but understanding the different technologies, cables, wall plates, and the function of the NBN connection box simplifies the process.
However whether you’re using fibre, wireless, or satellite connectivity, ensuring proper installation and setup for your technology type will provide access to high-speed, reliable internet and unlock the full potential of the NBN network. So if in doubt, please feel free to give Contact Sydney Data Cabling to clarify any points raised above or have us come and install your NBN connection for you.
