“What is NBN?” and other questions about the NBN answeredPosted by Alltel on November 25th, 2019
You’ve probably heard of NBN and the ongoing ISDN shutdown. While you might think you won’t be affected by it, you’ll be surprised to learn that it isn’t something that can be avoided. In fact, disconnection has already begun. So, what is NBN and what else should you know about it?
What is NBN?
NBN stands for National Broadband Network which is an upgraded network infrastructure initiated by the Australian Government. The latest network aims to provide an affordable and reliable internet connection to residents of the country.
Why is the switch from ISDN to NBN happening?
The traditional ISDN and PSTN lines can no longer meet the growing needs of business communications and keep up with the technological advancements. So, the NBN aims to provide new as well as advanced phone and internet services for businesses, one that the copper-based infrastructure fails to offer.
As for when the switch from ISDN to NBN is happening, it has already begun in parts of Australia and will hopefully be completed by the year 2022.
What are the types of NBN?
NBNCo makes the decision as to what type of connection will be installed in your establishment. There are seven different types of NBN connections. As to why there are different connection technologies, this is to overcome any cost challenges and allow for a faster rollout of the current network infrastructure.
Also referred to as Fibre to the Home or FTTH, FTTP is said to the best NBN connection. The fibre connection runs from the closest fibre distribution hub and goes through each street. Each house has a dedicated multi-fibre ribbon cable. It is thanks to this fixed-line and dedicated connection that it offers the fastest connection – highest upload and download speeds.
This is said to be the more affordable alternative to FTTP. Plus, it is also the fastest to install in a high-density suburban area. In FTTN, a fibre node is either installed at a mid-point or at the end of the street. It is this node that runs from the closest fibre distribution hub. At the last mile, however, FTTN makes use of the old, existing copper cables. So, expect that download and upload speeds are slower than FTTP connection. The copper cables can still be replaced with fibre once the expansion is available.
Families or individuals living in an apartment are most likely to be connected to the NBN via FTTB. It utilises the existing building infrastructure for easy and quick connection to the fibre NBN. Upload and download speed highly depends on the existing cables running through the building. If it were copper cables, then the speed would be similar to the FTTN. However, if it were Ethernet network cables, then the speed is equivalent to that of FTTP.
FTTD is also referred to as Fibre to the Distribution Point. In terms of installation, it is as difficult to install as the FTTP. As for its speed, it is in the same zone as FTTN. The fibre cable that comes from the distribution point runs along the underground tunnels of suburb streets before it is connected to existing copper lines of a residential area.
HFC is similar to the technology used in delivering cable subscriptions like Fox TV. Chances are this NBN connection type will be installed in your area of residence if there is an existing cable TV connection. In terms of speed, download speeds are fast but go slow during peak and busy periods.
Such a connection type is for regional areas where fibre wires are considered too expensive. For a fixed wireless type, NBNCo runs the wires towards a transmission tower, and from there, the broadband connection is broadcast to a residence through an antenna.
For remote and regional areas of the country, NBNCo Sky Muster Satellite is the connection type utilised. Much like fixed wireless, it broadcasts signals from a central point – a satellite dish. From there, it is then related to the home. The downfall of such connection type is the speed and the data limit.
How to get connected to the NBN?
Once the NBN is available in your area, you have approximately 18 months to switch to the new network. Alltel’s NBN service offers a reliable and high-speed broadband connection that is customised for business operations, which include file-sharing, video conferencing, cloud-based services, and VoIP. Find Alltel’s available NBN plans here.
With the question, “what is NBN?” answered, its best to make the switch to the latest network infrastructure to avoid connection disruptions. Call our team of specialists at Alltel at 1300 255 835 or visit us at www.alltel.com.au for more information about the NBN. Like it? Share it! More by this author |
