What is Optus cable?
Optus Cable is our premium high-speed broadband network. It’s a combination of optical fibre and coaxial cables that run from the street to the premises.
With speeds three times faster than ADSL, it's how we deliver broadband internet, telephony and Optus TV with Fetch.
How does cable work?
Cable networks work by grouping users into areas known as "nodes". Neighbourhood nodes are connected to the internet via high-speed optic fibre cables, and users are connected to the node via coaxial cable.
You might hear the Optus Cable Network sometimes referred to as Hybrid Fibre Coaxial or the ‘HFC’. The international standard that is used to deliver internet over the HFC network is known as DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification). Optus currently uses DOCSIS v 3.0.
How fast is cable broadband?
Many factors affect speed such as internet traffic, your line condition, your hardware and software, the data source or destination and your location. Check our internet speeds page to get the facts about Cable speeds and premium speed packs.
Optus cable infrastructure
The Optus Cable network passes over 1 million homes in areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
If you’ve been in those areas you might recognise the network infrastructure as a thick black cable hanging a few metres below the street power cables.
When you get Optus cable we run a connection from this black cable to the outside of your home.
Did you know?
When the NBN reaches your area, we make it super easy to move over from Cable. Find out more
How can I get cable?
Visit our broadband service checker to see if cable is available where you are.
If you already know cable is available, simply head over to take a look at our plans.
Getting cable installed
Top tips for getting the most out of cable
Here are some tips to help you get a better experience from your cable broadband connection.
1. Which cable modem?
We recommend you use an Optus-supplied WiFi modem or you can use your own compatible cable modem or router. Optus Cable uses the DOCSIS 2.0 and DOCSIS 3.0 standard. You’ll need a DOCSIS 3.0-capable modem to access our premium speed pack for cable. If you are using a DOCSIS 3.0 modem but haven’t upgraded to the premium speed pack your modem will only be assigned a single channel DOCSIS 2.0 service. Have a look at our list of approved modems/routers and downloadable instruction manuals.
2. Check your WiFi
If you’re using a WiFi modem, this could be a whole topic in itself. But for best results make sure it’s in a nice, high position and that there aren’t large objects blocking the WiFi signal. Also, make sure devices like microwave ovens or portable phones aren’t causing interference.
3. Troubleshoot your devices
Sometimes powering your modem off and then on again can fix many connection problems. You can also schedule downloads and other bandwidth-heavy tasks to occur during off-peak times. Check to see how many devices are accessing your connection at the same time - you may need to limit how many are using the net during times of peak traffic.
GOT MORE QUESTIONS? SEE OUR CABLE HELP & SUPPORT
Tech stuff about cable
DOCSIS
DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications. It’s a set of international standards that specify how high speed data is provided over a cable network. Optus uses DOCSIS 3.0.
HFC
HFC stands for the Hybrid Fibre Coaxial, and is the name of Optus' own fixed network. Optus’ HFC network is also referred to as our Cable Network. The HFC network uses a combination of optical fibre and coaxial cable to provide broadband access to homes. Optus provides internet access, telephony and cable television services over the HFC network.