nbn Glossary

If you’re looking into the nbn® (National Broadband Network) for your home internet, you might feel a little overwhelmed by all the techy acronyms and terms. If so, you’ve come to the right place, see our nbn glossary below.

If you’re ready to shop, head straight to check out our nbn plans.

- A -

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)

ADSL is part of a group of technologies that come under the DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) name. DSL technologies use existing telephone lines to provide internet access.

- B -

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is a measurement of how fast data can be sent over a connection. It’s usually measured in kilobits, megabits or gigabits per second. Lots of traffic on a network fills up the bandwidth and can slow the data trying to get through.

Broadband

Broadband is a type of internet that is considered ‘always on’ and usually considered high speed, especially in comparison to ADSL. A broadband connection has multiple channels that help data to flow faster than older technology.

- C -

Copper wiring 

Existing phone lines in Australia are made up of copper wiring, and these are used by ADSL and, in part, some nbn technologies such as Fibre to the Node (FTTN).

- E -

Ethernet

A system for networking computers in a local network together. You might know about ethernet cables which let you plug your laptop or desktop directly into your modem or router.

- F -

Fibre Optic Cables

Fibre optic cables are a type of cable typically used for high-performance networking like telecommunications. They provide higher bandwidth and can send data over longer distances than other cables.

Fixed Line Connection

A Fixed Line connection is when a physical cable is run to a premise (rather than a wireless connection, like nbn Fixed Wireless). This is the case for numerous types of nbn technology, like FTTP or FTTB.

Fibre to the Basement (FTTB)

Fibre to the Basement (FTTB), sometimes called Fibre to the Building, is typically how larger buildings are connected on a fixed line to the nbn. A fibre cable connects to the building and then existing copper wiring is used the rest of the way.

Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)

Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) is a type of fixed line technology used to connect your home or business to the nbn. A fibre cable is run close to your premises, usually the curb, and then copper wiring carries the connection the rest of the way.

Fibre to the Node (FTTN)

Fibre to the Node (FTTN) is a type of fixed line technology used to connect your home or business to the nbn. A fibre cable is run to a location on your street and then copper wiring connects you the rest of the way. Learn more about FTTN.

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is one type of fixed line technology used to connect your home or business to the nbn. With FTTP, a fibre cable connects your premises directly to the nbn. Learn more about FTTP.

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless is a wireless technology that allows your home or business to connect to the nbn. A fibre cable connects to a network transmission tower, then a rooftop antenna on your home completes the connection.

- G -

Gigabyte (GB)

A Gigabyte is a unit of measurement relating to data. One GB is equal to 1,000 Megabytes (MB) and they are used to measure large amounts of data that has been uploaded or downloaded.

- H -

nbn Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)

nbn HFC, sometimes called nbn Cable, is a type of fixed line technology that can connect your premises to the nbn. A fibre cable is run to a nearby node, then existing cable TV wires complete the connection to your home. Learn more about nbn HFC.

- I -

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is the future of internet technology where smart devices can talk to one another and reduce the need for human input. IoT brings with it an exciting range of possibilities, and the nbn provides the needed infrastructure in Australia.

Internet Protocol (IP) Address

An IP address is an identifying number for various computer hardware. A device with an IP address can communicate with other devices on a network like the internet or a local connection. An IP address is like an identity for your device.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An Internet Service Provider is a company that provides its customers with access to the internet – like Optus!

- L -

Latency

Latency is how long it takes for data to go from one place to another. Often used to indicate a delay. If you’re a gamer, high latency leads to lag.

- M -

Megabyte (MB)

A Megabyte is a unit of measurement relating to data. Megabytes are typically used to measure the amount of data uploaded or downloaded. There are 1,000 MB in a Gigabyte.

Megabits per second (Mbps)

The speed of your internet connection is typically measured in Megabits per second. Don’t get megabits (Mb) confused with megabytes (MB)! Megabits are usually used for measuring speed, while megabytes measure amounts of data downloaded or uploaded.

Modem

A modem is a piece of hardware that allows appropriate connected devices to connect to the internet. They are often used in conjunction with routers to set up a WiFi network so all devices in a home can connect to the internet; often they are combined into one modem router device.

Multi Dwelling Unit (MDU)

A Multi Dwelling Unit is a building where different people live in different areas, like an apartment block. MDUs usually come up when discussing a Fibre to the Basement (FTTB) nbn connection.

Multi Technology Mix (MTM)

The Multi Technology Mix is the approach taken by NBN Co to rollout the nbn. The MTM relies on a mix of different technology, old and new, to roll the nbn out in a cost-effective and efficient way.

- N -

National Broadband Network (nbn)

The National Broadband Network (nbn) is Australia’s new broadband network. The nbn is how you will (or maybe already do) get the internet for your home or business. The nbn has been purpose built to deliver a reliable service that will give you a better online experience.

Network Access Point (NAP)

A Network Access Point is where a drop cable is connected to a local fibre cable.

- P -

Point of Interconnect (PoI)

The Point of Interconnect is the connection point that allows RSPs, like Optus, to connect to NBN Co access capability.

- Q -

Quality of Service (QoS)

Quality of service is all about techniques and technology used to deliver positive, predictable results. This can be to do with bandwidth, latency, error rates and so on.

- R -

Retail Service Providers (RSPs)

A Retail Service Provider is a company that provides a consumer with internet. Optus is an RSP, as we work with NBN Co (a Wholesale Service Provider) to deliver nbn internet plans to you.

Router

A router is a device that allows you to connect multiple devices in your home to the same network so they can all access your internet connection, typically over WiFi. A router works with a modem, and the two often come together as a single piece of hardware: a modem router.

- S -

Satellite

Satellites orbit the earth in order to send or receive signals from the surface. With the nbn, satellites are used to service rural or remote areas with an internet connection by bouncing signals between satellites and radio dishes.

Speed Pack (Speed Tier)

A Speed Pack (or Speed Tier) can tailor your internet connection so you get the nbn speed that’s right for your usage and budget. Lower numbered speed packs have lower maximum download and upload speeds, while higher numbered have more.

Test your speed now.

- U -

Underserviced

An underserviced location is an area (like a town or suburb) that either has relatively limited internet connection compared to other areas or may not be able to connect to the internet at all.

- W -

Wholesale Service Provider (WSP)

NBN Co is a Wholesale Service Provider because they work with RSPs to deliver internet services to consumers. Unlike a RSP, a WSP has no direct relationship with consumers, instead selling their services to a RSP to pass on.

Wireless

A general term that can be used to describe any type of connection that doesn’t require a physical line or cord to complete.

Shop nbn with Optus

Find out more about the nbn and how to get connected with Optus. We have an exciting range of great-value nbn plans with speed options and extras available.