How to recognise what NBN Technology you have
A customer can recognise if they have FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) for their NBN (National Broadband Network) by looking for the following key indicators:
The NBN Connection Box (NCD)
• FTTP connection typically involves an NBN Connection Box installed inside the premises. This box is often a white rectangular unit with a power cord and several ports for connecting your router or modem.
• The Connection Box is usually connected directly to a fibre-optic cable that runs from the street to your house.
• Some homes that had FTTP installed early, will have 2 boxes, the other being the battery backup and power supply.
You may also see Fibre Optic Cables running into the property from a street pole or underground fibre pit. The cable is thinner and often transparent or yellow in colour.
How to recognise if you have NBN HFC
To recognise if you have NBN (National Broadband Network) HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial) connection, you can follow these steps:
Check Your Connection Type
If you have an NBN connection box (sometimes called a NBN modem or NTU), it’s usually installed by your service provider. For FTTC, this box is typically connected to your existing phone socket.
• For FTTC, the box will have a “Fibre to the Curb” label or FTTC sticker on it.
• The connection box might also have a DSL/Phone port and Ethernet ports.
Look for the NBN Connection Point
FTTC works by running a fibre line from the exchange to a pit (or box) located near your property (often in the footpath or curb). From here, a copper line or phone line connects to your premises.
If you can see a small NBN-style connection box on the side of your home or near the curb (outside), this is another indicator you’re likely on FTTC. This is where the fibre optic line connects to your property.
How to recognise if you have NBN FTTN
Check your NBN Connection Type
• The first thing you can do is check your NBN connection type. If you have an NBN service, your provider may have informed you of your specific connection type (FTTN, FTTP, HFC, etc.) when you signed up. You can also check by contacting your provider or using the NBN’s Service Availability Check on their website.
• Alternatively, you can look at the NBN connection box or equipment you have installed, as different connection types use different hardware.
Look at Your Connection Equipment
• NBN FTTN: This type uses a combination of fibre optic cable and copper wiring to deliver the service. You will typically see a VDSL2 modem installed at your premises.
o The connection will come to a node (usually a large green or grey box) in your area, and from there, copper lines are used to bring the internet to your home.
• FTTN Modem: The modem for FTTN is typically a VDSL2 modem or router. If you see a router with VDSL2 compatibility (often labelled as “ADSL/VDSL”), you most likely have FTTN.
