NBN Connection Types

The NBN has replaced traditional landline networks for phone and internet services in recent years. For the majority of businesses, who have made the switch to NBN (the National Broadband Network), found it can be challenging. This is often because it means switching from an existing ADSL, cable modem or satellite service to an NBN solution. NBN’s internet services utilise various technologies, often collectively referred to as Multi-Technology Mix (MTM). The most common types include:

FTTP consists of optic fibre being directly run to the inside of the premises. NBN Co installs a utility box outside and a connection box inside the premises. The connection box has a “patch panel” and a telephone outlet. The NBN ISP will commonly bundle their router with the service but you can connect any router with an Ethernet port to the NBN Connection box if the supplied one doesn’t meet requirements.

NBN Co has mapped every address in the country and given it a service class to help identify what type of NBN is at each address.

Service Class 0

If your location has this service class you will not be able to activate the service just yet because the NBN are still running fibre between the pits.

Service Class 1

Service class 1 is serviceable by FTTP, however, there is no PCD or NTD installed yet. In other words, fibre has yet to be installed from the street to the premises but you are able to order a service and installation appointment.

Service Class 2

Service class 2 is serviceable by FTTP. The external PCD has been installed but no internal NTD installed.

Service Class 3

Service class 3 is serviceable by FTTP.  Both PCD and NTD devices are installed. you can order an FTP service and it can be activated within 1-3 business days.

Fixed Wireless connections are mostly used in areas where it is not economical to install optic fibre. Satellite services are generally used in remote areas for this reason. Satellite connections use an antenna or satellite dish which is installed outside the premises and connected to a connection box/modem as in other set ups. A router/gateway is then connected to the NBN connection box to provide the Internet and telephone services.

Service Class 4

The location is planned to be serviceable by FW but the tower is not yet live. You cannot activate or get an installation scheduled and must wait for NBN to announce the area is ready for service.

Service Class 5

The area is now serviceable by FW but there is no infrastructure in place. You will need to book an appointment for the installation of the antenna and NTD.

Service Class 6

The antenna and NTD are in place. A FW service can be ordered and will be active within 1-5 days.

Satellite

Service Class 7 – 9

These are in regards to NBN satellite services. This type of service is not supported on the Australia Broadband

FTTN connections utilise existing copper phone and internet lines to make the final part of the connection to the NBN from the node to the premises.

Sometimes referred to as “Fibre to the Basement”, this set up is very similar to FTTN with the exception that the node is placed somewhere on the premises (usually a communications room in the basement, hence the name). VDSL is employed from the node just like a normal FTTN implementation.

Service Class 10

This location will be serviceable by Copper but is not yet live. You cannot activate a service or schedule an installation yet.

Service Class 11

The location is ready for an FTTN or FTTB service. You can order the service but additional infrastructure work such as lead-in and jumpering is still required by NBN Co before being able to connect. 

Service Class 12

The location is serviceable and an FTTN or FTTB service can be ordered and activated. Activation is usually just a jumpering appointment. The technician will not attend the home and will perform work at the node.

Service Class 13

Jumpering has already been performed and the connection is ready to use FTTN or FTTB. Connections do not require a technician appointment and activation can take 1-3 business days.

This solution is similar to FTTN, but in this case the “home stretch” cabling is the “Coaxial” lines used for your cable TV network. The NBN connection box is a special type of modem, similar to a cable modem, installed on the premises by an approved NBN installer. The ISP will then often provide a router/gateway to connect to the connection box to provide the internet and telephone services.

Service Class 20

This location is planned to be serviceable by cable to the HFC network.

Service Class 21

The location is serviceable by HFC but has no lead-in or NTD in place.

Service Class 22

The location is serviceable by HFC, has a lead-in but no wall-plate/socket or NTD installed.

Service Class 23

The property is serviceable by HFC, has a lead-in and wall-plate but no NTD installed.

Service Class 24

The property is NBN ready and serviceable by HFC. The location has a lead-in, wall-plate and NTD installed. A HFC service can now be ordered.

This implementation also utilises copper cabling to the premises but the DSLAM is replaced by a DPU (a similar device called a Distribution Point Unit) and is located a shorter distance from the premises (in a pit on the street outside the premises). The DPU requires power from the premises using the same copper cables that the data is transmitted over. The technology used for sending data between the DPU and the connection box is another type of DSL technology called G.Fast. The connection box itself in this case is a type of modem that can support the G.Fast connection as well as power the DPU in the street. The ISP often provides a router/gateway to connect to the NBN connection box to provide the internet and telephone services

Service Class 30

This location will be serviceable by FTTC.

Service Class 31

This location is serviceable by FTTC but doesn’t have a lead-in yet.

Service Class 32

This location is serviceable by FTTC and has a lead-in but is not yet connected.

Service Class 33

This location is serviceable by FTTC, is now connected but an NCD is still required.

Service Class 34

The location is now fully connected to the FTTC network. Appointments are not necessary. Activation can take 1-3 days.