nbn® Connection Types & Installation Guide

Contents

1. How will I connect to the nbn?
2. What is Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)?
3. What is Fibre to the Building (FTTB)?
4. What is Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)?
5. What is Fibre to the Node (FTTN)?
6. What is Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)?
    

1. How will I connect to the nbn®? 

To find out more about Optus nbn plans and how to get connected, explore our range of great-value plans with fast speed options and extras. We offer competitive nbn plans to suit every household's needs, with a special introductory discount for new customers on selected plans.

There are a number of different ways your area might be connected to the nbn. You can learn more about each technology and what you might need to connect:

• Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) 
• Fibre to the Building (FTTB)
• Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
• Fibre to the Node (FTTN) 
• Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)

You can find out which nbn technology is used at your premises by checking your address. 

2. What is Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)?  

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) is a high-speed internet connection technology where fibre optic cables are run directly from the nearest network node to a home or business, requiring professional installation of specialized equipment inside and outside the premises. 

FTTP, which stands for Fibre to the Premises, is how many Australians will connect to the nbn. Like other nbn technology, FTTP is a term for the type of infrastructure used to connect your home or business to the internet. 

An nbn FTTP connection relies on a fibre optic line run from the nearest available node directly to your premises. FTTP was used regularly as part of the earliest stages of the nbn rollout and requires all new cables laid by NBN Co. The cables are run either in the ground or via overhead lines. 

Who will connect the fibre to the premises? 

nbn Fibre to the Premises is typically used to connect homes or businesses in areas where there is no existing internet connection. FTTP was also installed in some locations that were connected earlier on in the nbn rollout. Once the nbn rollout in your area is complete, you’ll know whether FTTP or another type of nbn connection is available to you. 

Do I need any equipment to connect FTTP? 

As part of an FTTP rollout, an nbn access network device will need to be installed inside your home by a qualified nbn technician. This device requires power to operate and is usually attached to an inside wall. In addition, FTTP may require additional in-home cabling, an nbn utility box outside your premises, and a power supply unit inside. 

If you decide to connect to the nbn with Optus, you can make an appointment to have a technician visit your home and install the necessary equipment, though an appointment isnt always required. 

3. What is Fibre to the Building (FTTB)?  

FTTB (Fibre to the Building) connects apartment buildings and other large buildings to the internet by running fibre to a central building node, then using existing copper wires to connect individual apartments. 

FTTB stands for Fibre to the Building (or Fibre to the Basement) and is used to connect apartment blocks and other large buildings to the nbn. 

An nbn FTTB connection relies on a fibre optic line run to a node in the communications room of the building. From there, the network is connected to existing copper wiring within the building to provide Internet to each apartment. 

Do I need any equipment to connect to FTTB? 

With Fibre to the Building, a fibre optic line is run to your building and connected to a node, most likely stored in a cabinet in the building's communication room. From there, you can connect to the node and nbn using the existing copper wire technology in your building. The connection typically uses your existing telephone wall socket, though in some cases, a new wall socket may need to be installed if one doesn't currently exist in your home. 

Unlike some other nbn technology, FTTB doesn't require any nbn hardware to be installed inside your apartment, though a technician may still need to visit while you're home to complete the setup. If you choose to connect to an FTTB Optus nbn plan, you will be provided with an Optus Wi-Fi modem to power your nbn access. 

4. What is Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)?  

FTTC (Fibre to the Curb) connects homes to the internet by running fibre to a street-level distribution point, then using existing copper phone lines to complete the connection to individual premises. 

FTTC stands for Fibre to the Curb and enables you to connect to the nbn network by using fibre that’s linked to a Distribution Point Unit (DPU) in your street. The last part of the connection uses your existing copper phone line up to make up the nbn connection to your home or business. 

Do I need any equipment to connect to FTTC?

FTTC uses existing copper-wiring, so you’ll use the same phone line that you may be already using for your current home internet connection.  

An nbn technician may not always need to install equipment inside and outside of your home. Many installations are completed remotely or through a self-install process. In some circumstances, a technician might connect the copper lines that run from the unit outside into your home or business. You will be provided with an Optus NBN router modem, which is included in the Optus Self-Install Kit. 

5. What is Fibre to the Node (FTTN)?  

FTTN (Fibre to the Node) connects homes to the internet by running fibre to a central network box, then using existing copper phone lines to complete the connection to individual premises. 

FTTN stands for Fibre to the Node and is how many Australians connect to the nbn network. FTTN enables data services and broadband connections to run via a central network box, which is referred to as a node. An FTTN connection then usually runs via an existing copper network from the node to the premises. 

Who will connect fibre to the node? 

An nbn Fibre to the Node (FTTN) connection utilises the existing copper phone and internet network from a nearby fibre node to complete the connection to the nbn network. 

Other connections such as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) are mainly used where there is no existing copper-wiring nearby, for instance on new housing estates. 

Do I need any equipment to connect to FTTN? 

No additional equipment (like an NBN connection box) or technician visit inside your home is typically required for FTTN installations. However, if there are issues with the copper line or phone socket, an NBN technician may be dispatched to resolve them. 

Optus offers nbn plans which include a powerful modem for $0 when you stay connected for 36 months.

6. What is Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) nbn cable?  

HFC nbn uses a combination of fibre and existing pay TV or cable networks to connect your home to the nbn, bridging the gap between a fibre node and your premises. 

nbn Cable, also known as Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), is how many Australians connect to the nbn. HFC is used where existing pay TV or cable networks are suitable to bridge the gap between the nearest nbn fibre node and the premises. 

An HFC connection starts with a fibre cable that runs to a node in your neighbourhood. Once at the node, the nbn connection uses the existing cables to reach your home. 

Do I need any equipment to connect to HFC? 

For an HFC connection, an nbn utility box is mounted outside your home, and an nbn connection box is installed inside. This connects to a coaxial wall outlet (used for cable TV) and a power outlet. If you have cable TV, a splitter may be needed. Optus nbn plans provide a Wi-Fi modem, and installation can be done by a technician or sometimes by yourself.