- What is Fibre to the Node?
- How to tell what NBN connection you have
- Compare NBN FTTN plans with Compare Broadband
An FTTN (Fibre to the Node) NBN connection uses a combination of fibre optic cables and the existing copper network to bring Internet service to homes.
In Australia, FTTN is the most widely used connection type, with close to 3 million homes relying on this technology.
One key thing to remember is that you can't choose the type of NBN connection your home will have – it's determined by the existing infrastructure in your area.
Out of the seven different NBN connection types, your home will only use one. If you're reading this, it's likely because your connection is Fibre to the Node (FTTN). Let’s break down what that means and how it works.
What is FTTN?
Fibre to the Node (FTTN) is a type of NBN fixed-line connection where the Internet is delivered through a combination of fibre optic cables and the existing copper phone line network.
Fibre cables run from the NBN hub to a node near your home, and from there, the copper wiring connects your home to the network.
How does FTTN work?
Understanding the NBN can be tricky, especially with terms like ‘fibre’ and ‘node.’
The NBN uses fibre optic cables that run across the country, connecting to central hubs within local communities called fibre nodes.
A "node" might sound technical, but it’s basically a street cabinet you’ve probably seen without noticing.
These nodes bring the NBN connection close to your home but don’t reach it directly. Instead, fibre cables run to a node near a group of properties, often located in one of those street cabinets.
From there, the existing copper network takes over, delivering the connection to your home.
In the final step, the old copper line that used to support your landline or Internet links your house to the node, completing your NBN connection.
How fast is FTTN?
When selecting an NBN plan, you'll have six different speed tiers to choose from. Each one is suited to different household sizes and Internet needs. Here's a breakdown of the options:
| NBN speed tier | Best for | Max. speed | Ave. speed |
| NBN 12 | Light Internet users | 12 Mbps | 10-12 Mbps |
| NBN 25 | Budget-friendly for 1-2 users | 25 Mbps | 19-25 Mbps |
| NBN 50 | Ideal for smaller families, 3-4 people | 50 Mbps | 42-50 Mbps |
| NBN 100 | Large households/heavy users | 100 Mbps | 90-100 Mbps |
| NBN 250 | For those needing extra speed | 250 Mbps | 200-230 Mbps |
| NBN 1000 | Maximum speed available | 1000 Mbps | 200-700 Mbps |
FTTN (Fibre to the Node) connections come with some limitations, particularly when it comes to speed. Currently, FTTN connections are capped at a maximum of NBN 100 speeds, and achieving this speed depends on how far your home is from the nearest node.
- If your home is within 400 metres of the node, you may reach the top speed of 100 Mbps.
- Homes located between 400 and 700 metres away may only see speeds up to 60 Mbps. This can still allow you to access most NBN speed tiers, though maximum speeds on an NBN 100 plan are unlikely.
- For homes more than 700 metres from the node, NBN providers generally won’t allow you to subscribe to an NBN 100 plan, as you won’t be able to reach those speeds.
NBN Co estimates that 90% of homes on FTTN will experience speeds between 50 and 100 Mbps. However, they also predict that around 76% of FTTN connections won’t reach the full NBN 100 speed by the end of the rollout.
The good news is that NBN Co is planning to upgrade many FTTN areas to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) by 2025, which will improve speed and performance.
Keep in mind that even if you're close to the node, your actual speeds will still depend on factors such as:
- The NBN plan and provider you choose
- Network congestion during peak hours (this is reflected in 'evening speeds')
NBN speeds are shared across all devices in your household, meaning that the more people using the connection, the slower it can become.
Opting for a faster plan allows for more bandwidth to be shared, meaning smoother performance for activities like streaming, even when multiple people are online at the same time.
Here are some of the top NBN 50 plans available right now:
How do you set up FTTN?
Setting up an FTTN connection is simple and doesn't require professional installation. Here's what you'll need:
- A compatible modem: Your provider should supply one, along with instructions for setting it up. Some providers may also allow you to use your own modem if it's compatible.
- A telephone socket: Plug your modem into the telephone socket and then connect it to a power outlet. From there, you can connect your devices either with an ethernet cable or through Wi-Fi.
In most cases, no additional equipment is needed unless you need a new telephone socket installed.
How does FTTN compare to other NBN connection types?
Fibre to the Node (FTTN) is considered the slowest and least reliable type of NBN connection due to its reliance on copper wiring. Here's a comparison of FTTN with other NBN connection types:
FTTN vs FTTP
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) provides a direct fibre optic connection from the node to your home, without using any copper wiring.
This makes FTTP much faster and more reliable than FTTN. FTTP can support higher-speed plans, like NBN 250 and NBN 1000, which are not available with FTTN connections.
FTTN vs FTTC
Both Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) and FTTN use copper for the final part of the connection, but FTTC uses much less copper. FTTC typically has less than 300 metres of copper between the distribution point and the property, while FTTN can have distances up to a kilometre.
The longer the copper wire, the slower the speed, making FTTC a more reliable option compared to FTTN.
FTTN vs HFC
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connections use the existing pay TV or cable network to connect homes to an NBN node.
HFC performs better than FTTN because it uses coaxial cables, which are more efficient than the copper wiring FTTN relies on.
FTTN vs FTTB
Fibre to the Building (FTTB) connects fibre to a central node within a building, usually in a communications room, and then uses the building's existing infrastructure to reach individual units.
Since FTTB uses less copper, and newer buildings may have ethernet cables instead, it generally offers better performance than FTTN, especially in modern buildings.
How much does a Fibre to the Node NBN plan cost?
The cost of an FTTN NBN plan depends on the provider you choose and the speed tier you select. Prices fluctuate, but typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $100 per month for a plan.
For most users, an NBN 50 plan is the best option, offering a good balance between speed and affordability.
On average, these plans cost around $70 per month, though many providers offer discounts for the first six months. Keep in mind that many FTTN connections may not support speeds higher than NBN 50.
Who can get Fibre to the Node (FTTN)?
When it comes to connecting to the NBN, the type of technology used at your location largely depends on where you live. Different areas have different infrastructure in place.
The easiest way to find out how your home or business can connect to the NBN is by entering your address on the NBN website. It will show you the available connection options and guide you on the next steps.
Generally speaking, if your property has an existing copper phone line, you should be able to connect to the NBN via FTTN.
Can I switch NBN technology types?
If you have an FTTN connection and are frustrated with its speed, there's some promising news. An upgrade initiative is in progress to help up to 90% of Australians access gigabit NBN plans by 2025. This plan involves extending fibre further into FTTN areas, which will allow many households to upgrade to FTTP.
In eligible FTTN areas, you’ll be able to request a fibre connection on your own. If you sign up for an NBN 100 plan or higher after the upgrades are available in your area, the upgrade to FTTP will be free of charge.
NBN Co is providing details on which suburbs can upgrade to FTTP at no extra cost, and some areas already have this option.
If you need an upgrade sooner and relocating isn't an option, you can request an individual upgrade to FTTP. However, this can be quite expensive, with costs around $30,000. There may be other solutions available, so it's worth exploring your options.
Why is FTTN a controversial choice?
The decision to use FTTN (Fibre to the Node) in the NBN rollout sparked controversy because the original plan was for a full-fibre network (FTTP).
Supporters of FTTN argue that it’s cheaper and quicker to install while still providing decent speeds.
On the other hand, critics believe FTTN is not future-proof. They argue that the longer copper cables used in FTTN can slow down Internet speeds, and that the reliance on copper may lead to higher maintenance and upgrade costs over time, negating any initial savings.
Contact Compare Broadband
Hopefully, all of your questions have been answered. However, if you have any questions about FTTN or your current NBN connection, give our team a call on 1300 764 000.
We can get you matched to the right plan for your budget. We’re here to help, and we’re happy to get you connected and cut out the time you’ll take calling different providers.
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