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FTTN NBN Explained

Find out more about FTTN connections on the NBN, how they work and their potential speeds.

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, updated on August 5th, 2024       

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There are various connection types when it comes to hooking homes up to the National Broadband Network (NBN), with one of the most common being FTTN. Although there’s no choice involved in the connection type you have available, it’s still important to understand how it works if it’s available to you.

Dive into the inner workings of FTTN connections in Savvy’s comprehensive guide. Learn more about the equipment involved in its installation, how it connects you to the NBN and what its potential speed capabilities are right here with us today!

What is a FTTN connection for the NBN and how does it work?

FTTN, which stands for Fibre to the Node, is a type of NBN connection which combines fibre optic and existing copper infrastructure to deliver internet plans to homes. Unlike Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), where fibre optic cables run directly to your premises, FTTN utilises the existing copper phone infrastructure in your area to establish a connection.

Here's how FTTC works:

  1. NBN Point of Interconnect: fibre optic cables running from the nearest NBN Point of Interconnect connect to a node close to your home.
  2. Copper connection from the node: from the node, a copper line connects to your home, carrying the remainder of the internet signal.
  3. Data distribution: once the FTTN connection and other required equipment are set up, you can enjoy internet suitable for various online activities, including streaming, online gaming, video conferencing, and more.

It’s important to note that, as mentioned, you don’t have a say when it comes to the connection type available, so you won’t be able to select FTTN or another connection type off the bat, but it’s still important to understand how it functions.

How is my FTTN NBN connection installed and what equipment do I need?

The installation of an FTTN NBN connection is very simple and typically only involves these steps:

  1. Modem router: all you'll need for a FTTN connection is a compatible modem router, namely one which supports VDSL2 connections. This can either be included for free or an additional charge by your provider or purchased independently (such as from a previous connection). You’ll need to connect this to a phone wall socket and its own power source to power it up.
  2. Activation: once the physical installation takes place and your modem router is turned on, your internet connection will be established shortly after. You'll receive instructions on how to set up your Wi-Fi network and devices.

The process is one of the easiest on the NBN, with all the work able to be done by you in a matter of minutes to ensure your connection is up and running before you know it.

How fast are FTTN NBN connections?

FTTN NBN connections can offer high-speed internet but are only capable of supporting speed tiers up to NBN 100, which is 100Mbps (megabits per second). This means FTTN connections are unable to provide you with access to higher speed tiers such as NBN 250 and NBN 1000, both of which can only be supported by FTTP and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections.

However, because a greater portion of your overall physical connection is made up of copper lines, even maximum NBN 100 speeds may not be achievable if your home is more than 400m away from the node. Speeds may degrade to a maximum of 60Mbps in these cases. For homes upwards of 700m from the node, NBN 50 may be the fastest realistic option available.

Regardless of your distance from the node, though, other factors such as network congestion and the provider you choose can have a bearing on the speeds you experience on your plan. To get the best performance from your FTTN NBN connection, consider selecting an NBN plan which aligns with your internet usage needs and ensure your Wi-Fi router can handle the maximum speed offered by your plan.

Common questions about FTTN NBN connections

How do I upgrade my FTTN connection to FTTP?

Some Australians may be eligible for a free upgrade from an existing FTTN connection to FTTP through NBN Co. In most cases, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-speed plan through your provider as part of this process. However, if you aren’t eligible for a free upgrade, you may still be able to do so at a potentially high cost.

What are my alternatives if I don’t want to connect to the NBN?

There are several other options available if you don’t wish to sign up for the NBN. These include:

  • Home wireless broadband: utilises mobile networks (either 4G or 5G) to establish an internet connection
  • Fibre internet: another fixed line broadband connection, but privately owned to run in competition with the NBN (although availability for this type of connection is much more limited)
  • Mobile broadband: works similarly to home wireless, but is designed more for on-the-go use than a stable connection
How much will my FTTN NBN plan cost?

The cost of an FTTN NBN plan can vary depending on a range of factors, with the main one being the speed tier you choose; the higher the maximum speed, the more you’re likely to spend. Additionally, plans may also vary in cost based on contract terms and any additional services or features included. Prices are typically outlined by your chosen provider, so it's worth comparing plans from different providers to help you find one which meets your needs and budget.

What happens to my connection in an NBN outage?

During an NBN outage, your internet connection will be disrupted. The exact duration of the outage and the cause can vary. To address this:

  1. Check for outages in your area: use an online outage checker, look up your internet service provider's website and search their social media for outage information and updates.
  2. Restart your modem: to rule out the possibility of a modem issue, it’s worth resetting your modem and seeing if this restores your internet.
  3. Contact your provider: if the outage persists or if it's a widespread issue, contact your NBN service provider for assistance and updates on when service will be restored.
  4. Look for alternative connections: if you have a mobile data plan or a mobile hotspot, you can use your smartphone or mobile device to stay online. Alternatively, you may wish to move to a public Wi-Fi network.

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Disclaimer:

Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of internet plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an internet plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.

Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an internet plan. For further information on the variety of internet plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.

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Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.

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