What connection types are used on the nbn® network?

Find out more about the different types of nbn connection available.

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    Your connection type depends on your address and the plan you’ve chosen. If you’re not sure what type of connection you have, check your order emails or sign in to My Telstra and go to Services.

    Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

    Image of the equipment used for FTTP. It shows an nbn utility box outside the premises, an nbn connection box inside the premises, and fibre cabling connecting the two. The connection box and a Wi-Fi modem/router are connected to the power outlet and each other.

    FTTP runs an optic fibre line from the nearest available fibre node directly to your premises. Due to its complexity and cost, FTTP is the least common nbn connection type.

    Look for:

    • an nbn utility box attached outside your premises leads to an nbn connection box inside your premises;
    • a power supply/battery backup (in some instances).

    Fibre to the Node (FTTN)

    Image of the equipment used for FTTN. It shows a VDSL2 compatible modem/router attached tpo a power socket and a phone wall socket, with optional connections for phone and ethernet.

    The most common nbn connection types are Fibre to the Node and Fibre to the Building.

    FTTN runs an optic fibre line to the nearest available fibre node in your street, or a nearby street, with a final stretch of copper cable to your wall socket.

    Good to know

    If you’re in an FTTN area and you want multiple providers for your phone and/or internet services, you’ll need to have a separate line installed for each service.

    Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)

    Image of the equipment used for FTTC. It shows an nbn connection box inside the premises, attached to a phone wall socket by phone cable. A Wi-Fi modem/router is connected to the connection box.

    FTTC runs an optic fibre line to a small node in the telecommunications pit or on a pole outside your premises. From the node, a copper cable delivers the service to your wall socket.

    Fibre to the Building (FTTB)

    Image of the equipment used for FTTB. It shows a VDSL2 compatible modem/router attached tpo a power socket and a phone wall socket, with optional connections for phone and ethernet.

    FTTB is the most common connection type for units, apartment buildings and many commercial buildings.

    An optic fibre line runs from the nearest available fibre node to your building’s communications room. From here, a copper cable runs to your wall socket.

    Good to know

    If you’re in an FTTB area and you want multiple providers for your phone and/or internet services, you’ll need to have a separate line installed for each service.

    Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)

    Image of the equipment used for HFC. It shows an nbn connection box inside the premises, attached to a phone wall socket by phone cable. A Wi-Fi modem/router is connected to the connection box.

    HFC connections utilise existing cable TV technology. An optic fibre line leads to the nearest available fibre node to your street. From here, a coaxial cable runs to your wall socket.

    Look for:

    • an HFC utility box attached outside your premises;
    • a coaxial wall socket inside your premises;
    • a splitter (in some cases);
    • an nbn connection box.
    Good to know

    If you’re in an HFC area and you want multiple providers for your phone and/or internet services, you’ll need to have a separate connection installed for each service.

    Fixed Wireless (FW)

    Image of the equipment used for fixed wireless. It shows an nbn utility box outside the premises, and an nbn connection box inside the premises. The connection box is attached to a power outlet and phone socket. A Wi-Fi modem/router is connected to the connection box, with optional connections for phone and ethernet.

    FW technology starts at a wireless tower. The tower sends the signal to a fixed antenna on your roof, which continues through internal wiring to your wall socket.

    An nbn co technician must perform a test to find out if a property can receive an adequate signal for Fixed Wireless. If not, we’ll discuss other options with you.

    Look for:

    • an nbn antenna outside your premises;
    • an nbn connection box inside your premises.
    Good to know

    If you’re in an nbn Fixed Wireless area, it’s not mandatory to switch to the nbn network.

    Sky Muster™

    Telstra doesn’t currently offer services on nbn Sky Muster™ satellite. If you are in a Sky Muster™ area, we can discuss alternative internet connection options with you.

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