Connectivity for the Office / Homestead
The infrastructure for NBN commenced roll out in 2009 and has had to evolve (i.e. how the internet gets to the end destination) as connectivity technology advances and different options present themselves.
Currently NBN uses a mix of technologies to provide access to internet services across Australia. There are currently seven ways that end-users can access the NBN. The access type that an end user is offered is dictated by the infrastructure (or lack thereof) at their location. The video below explains the current seven NBN connection approaches, and terms used:
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
A fibre optic cable all the way from the NBN exchange to your premises.
Fibre to the Building (FTTB)
An optic line from the NBN exchange to the building, and then existing technology from the building to your use point.
Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
The service is taken from the NBN exchange to a ‘pit’ near your building and then the existing copper network (aka phone lines) delivers the NBN service from the pit to your use point.
Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
Uses fibre optic cables to run from the NBN exchange to a local area node. The existing copper network then transmits the NBN from the local area node to your use point.
Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial (HFC)
Delivers NBN over existing pay tv cables (e.g. Foxtel)
Fixed Wireless
NBN is taken from one of 2,600 Transmission Towers located around Australia and wirelessly transmits to homes using Td-LTE 4G mobile broadband technology.
Delivering satellite services via two satellites.
The below video from NBN Australia explains how the NBN network works.