Maximising your NBN Technology

A Comprehensive Guide

Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) offers a range of connection types, but most residents have little say in what technology is already in place when they move into a property.

Changing to a different NBN connection can be a costly endeavour, which often deters people from pursuing the upgrade.  

In this article, we will explore how to make the most of your existing NBN technology, while also understanding the hardware requirements specific to each connection type.

Maximise your NBN Technology
Maximise your NBN Technology

Understand NBN Technology Types

The NBN uses several technologies across Australia, each with its own advantages and limitations.  These technologies include:

  1.  Fibre to the Premises (FTTP):  Offering top-tier performance with pure optical fibre, FTTP provides a high-speed and reliable internet connection. 
  2. Fibre to the Node (FTTN):  A combination of fibre-optic cabling to a street cabinet and existing copper wiring to homes, offering decent speeds but potentially subject to copper related issues.
  3. Fibre to the Curb (FTTC):  An improvement over FTTN, FTTC combines fibre-optic cabling with a shorter copper run to premises, providing better performance.
  4. Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC): HFC uses existing pay TV or cable networks, delivering good speeds but may experience performance issues during peak usage times.
  5. Fixed Wireless:  Utilising radio signals to provide internet access, fixed wireless is predominantly found in rural and remote areas.
  6. Satellite:  Satellite connections offer internet access via a satellite dish, commonly used in remote locations.

For most Australians, the NBN technology they utilise at their home or business becomes a significant part of their daily lives.

Here’s how you can make the most of your existing NBN technology, taking into account the hardware requirements specific to each type.

1.  Understand your Connection:

Start by identifying the type of NBN technology in your premises.  Contact us or use online tools on the NBN website (www.nbnco.com.au) to confirm which technology you have.

2.  Choose the Right Plan:

Select an NBN plan that aligns with the capabilities of your current technology.  For instance, if you have FTTN, a basic plan might be sufficient.  If you’re on FTTP, consider a high-speed plan for optimal performance.

3.  Optimise your Hardware:

Invest in quality equipment such as modems and routers.  Understanding your hardware requirements can lead to noticeable performance improvements, regardless of your NBN connection.

4.  Monitor Your Usage:

Keep an eye on your internet usage.  If you frequently experience congestion or slowdowns during peak hours, consider scheduling data-heavy activities during off-peak times.

5.  Contact Us:

Call our friendly team to discuss your concerns and requirements.  We may be able offer solutions or recommendations to enhance your NBN experience.

6.  Wi-Fi Optimisation:

If you’re relying on Wi-Fi, optimise your network by placing your router in a central location, away from obstructions.  Consider Wi-Fi extenders to boost coverage if needed.

7.  Consider NBN Upgrades:

While upgrading your NBN technology can be expensive, at the time of writing this article NBN Co are rolling out free upgrades to residential and business premises across Australia.  Check with us to see if you’re eligible.

 

Understanding Hardware Requirements

The specific hardware requirements for each NBN connection type are as follows:

Maximise your NBN Technology

By understanding both your NBN technology and its associated hardware requirements, you can maximise your existing connection, ensuring a satisfactory and dependable internet experience.  While you may not have a choice in your NBN connection, with the right approach, you can make the most of your current NBN technology.

Contact the Click Access team for guidance tailored to your specific situation.