The National Broadband Network (NBN) is available across Australia, even in the remote regions. The only difference between these areas is the type of connection that delivers internet connection households and small businesses. There are 7 different connection technologies that supply NBN via fixed line or wirelessly. The following are the types of connection that you can understand and use it to enquire for an NBN connection through local service providers such as Harbour ISP.
1> Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
This type of NBN connection uses a fibre optic cable to provide internet connectivity. The FTTP connection is perfect for households and businesses that need heavy data and higher speed for streaming, uploads, and gaming.
2> Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
FTTN connects regions that don’t have the fibre optic cabling done yet. It uses existing copper cables to deliver NBN and can be cheaper when it comes to installation costs. But in comparison to FTTP, they have reduced download and upload speeds. In the near future, all FTTN connections will be replaced by FTTP.
3> Fibre to the Building (FTTB)
FTTB uses fibre optic cable to deliver the internet to a secure cabinet that is installed in the building’s basement or communication room. NBN is then delivered to the individual apartments using the existing cable infrastructure that uses copper or ethernet cables.
4> Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
For apartment buildings and homes that have no space for NBN installation, FTTC delivers the connection to an existing copper network distribution unit via a pit in the ground. The speed of the connection will depend a lot on the cabling and the copper network’s capability.
5> Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC Cable)
HFC Cable is a rare type of connection and is used to provide NBN only in few areas where the Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial connections exist for pay-TV cables. Since they are the oldest type of technology in use, it is highly inconsistent in terms of speed and performance. In the future, these lines will be upgraded to FTTN or FTTC.
6> Fixed Wireless
For areas that don’t have wired connectivity, NBN is available via wireless signal similar to that of 4G phone networks. These antennas are fitted at various junctions and transmit high-speed internet to users within 14 kilometres range.
7> Sky Muster Satellite
For remote regions such as Norfolk Island and Lord Howe, NBN is offered via Sky Muster satellites. The receiver system is installed at your property. Sky Muster satellite NBN connection can provide a maximum of 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speed. This limitation can hamper streaming and gaming experience.
Currently, you do not have control over which NBN connection type will be used to deliver internet to your home or office. You can talk to your service provider with details of your location and find out which connection type will be used to receive NBN. Depending on the type of connection, you can research various service providers and compare them.