When people compare home internet, they usually start with price and speed. But there's something that comes before either: the way your home is physically connected to the National Broadband Network. That connection type shapes what equipment you need, how installation works and, often, the speeds you can realistically get. This guide explains each type in plain language.
Why there are several types
The NBN wasn't built with a single technology. nbn co describes its approach as a Multi Technology Mix: different technologies are used in different places, often reusing existing networks for the final stretch to a home. Which one you have depends on your address, not on the provider or plan you choose.
You can find your connection type by checking your address on the nbn co website or by asking your provider.
Fixed-line connections
nbn co counts any connection where a physical line runs to your premises as a fixed-line connection. There are five kinds.
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
With FTTP, a fibre optic line runs from the nearest fibre node all the way to your home. According to nbn co, FTTP needs an nbn utility box on the outside of your home and an nbn connection box inside, which your modem or router plugs into. The inside box needs power.
Because fibre runs all the way to the premises, FTTP isn't limited by old copper wiring. It's generally regarded as the most capable of the connection types, and it's the type you'll usually need for the fastest plans on offer.
Fibre to the Building (FTTB)
FTTB is used mainly in apartment blocks. Fibre runs to a communications room in the building, and the existing wiring inside the building carries the connection to each apartment. You usually connect through a telephone wall socket in your unit.
Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
With FTTC, fibre runs to a small pit or pole near your property, often on the footpath. The last short stretch to your home uses the existing copper phone line. A small device called an nbn connection device sits inside your home between the wall socket and your modem.
Because the copper run is short, FTTC is usually less affected by distance than FTTN.
Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
With FTTN, fibre runs from the exchange to a street cabinet, called a node. From there, nbn co explains, the existing copper phone network carries the connection to your home. You connect your modem to a telephone wall socket. nbn co notes that you need at least one working wall socket, and that extra wiring or moving a socket requires a registered cabler, which may cost extra.
The length and condition of the copper line between the node and your home can limit the speed you can get. That's why two neighbours on FTTN can see different results.
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
HFC uses the existing pay TV cable network for the final part of the connection. According to nbn co, fibre runs to a node in your street and coaxial cable continues to your home, where an nbn network device is installed at the point the cable enters. That device needs power. HFC can be installed by an approved installer or, if eligible, by self-installation.
Wireless and satellite connections
Fixed Wireless
Fixed wireless is used mostly in regional areas where homes are spread out. An antenna on your roof receives a signal from a nearby nbn tower, and a cable runs inside to an nbn connection box. It's different from mobile broadband: the antenna is fixed and points at a specific tower.
Satellite
In remote areas and some islands, the NBN uses satellite. A dish on your property communicates with a satellite. Satellite services work where nothing else is practical, but they have their own characteristics, such as higher latency, which can affect real-time uses like video calls and online games.
What the connection type means for you
Equipment
Each type needs slightly different gear. Your provider should tell you what's needed and arrange any installation. FTTN and FTTB use a phone wall socket; FTTC uses an nbn connection device; FTTP and HFC use nbn boxes that need power; fixed wireless and satellite need outdoor equipment.
If you buy your own modem, make sure it's compatible with your connection type. Ask your provider before you buy.
Speed
Your connection type can limit the maximum speed available to you. The ACCC says providers should warn customers about technical issues that limit the maximum speed of a plan, either when they sign up or as soon as the provider finds out. It notes that these limitations are common on copper wiring and fixed wireless connections. If your provider discovers your line can't reach the plan speed, it should tell you and offer an appropriate solution.
Our guide to NBN speeds explains how speeds are advertised and what to expect in the evening.
Power outages
Most NBN equipment needs mains power. In a blackout, your internet and any home phone that runs over the NBN usually stop working unless you have a backup power supply. Keep a charged mobile phone handy, and if you have a medical alarm or security system, check with its supplier that it works on the NBN.
Moving and upgrades
When you move, your new home may have a different connection type. Check the address before you sign up for a plan there. In some areas, nbn co has offered upgrades from copper-based connections to fibre; ask your provider whether one is available at your address.
Quick reference
- FTTP: fibre all the way to your home; nbn boxes outside and inside.
- FTTB: fibre to your apartment building; existing building wiring to your unit.
- FTTC: fibre to a pit near your home; short copper run; connection device inside.
- FTTN: fibre to a street cabinet; existing copper to your home; speed depends on the line.
- HFC: fibre to a street node; pay TV coaxial cable to your home.
- Fixed wireless: roof antenna linked to a nearby tower.
- Satellite: dish linked to a satellite, mainly in remote areas.
Questions to ask about your connection
When you're signing up, or if you're unsure about your setup, these questions help:
- What is my NBN connection type?
- What equipment will I need, and will you supply it?
- Will a technician need to visit, and do I need to be home?
- Are there any known limits on the speed my line can reach?
- Is an upgrade to fibre available at my address?
Connection type and your plan choice
Your connection type affects which plans make sense. If you're on a copper-based connection with a known speed limit, paying for a very high tier may not give you any benefit. On fibre to the premises or HFC, faster tiers may be available. Ask providers what speeds are realistic for your connection before you choose. See choosing an internet plan.
Key points
- Your NBN connection type depends on your address, not your plan.
- FTTP, FTTB, FTTC, FTTN and HFC are fixed-line; fixed wireless and satellite are not.
- Copper-based connections (FTTN, FTTB, FTTC) can limit speed depending on the line.
- Providers should tell you about technical limits on your maximum speed.
- Most NBN equipment needs power, so plan for blackouts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my NBN connection type?
Check your address on the nbn co website, or ask your provider. It may also be shown in your account or on your bill.
Can I choose my connection type?
Not usually. nbn co decides the technology for each premises. In some areas, upgrades to fibre may be offered; check with your provider.
Which connection types are fixed line?
nbn co counts FTTP, FTTB, FTTC, FTTN and HFC as fixed-line connections, because a physical line runs to the premises.
What does FTTN use inside my home?
FTTN uses the existing copper phone line from a street cabinet and connects through your telephone wall socket.
Where are fixed wireless and satellite used?
Mostly in regional and remote areas where premises are spread out over large distances.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
