When you enquire about an NBN plan, you may hear terms like FTTP, FTTB, FTTC, FTTN or HFC. Customer service teams may mention that your address is connected through one of these technologies, and that the available plans or speeds can vary depending on your connection type.
These terms describe how the NBN network reaches your home or building. The main difference is how much of the connection uses fibre and what type of infrastructure is used for the final part of the journey.
Understanding your connection type can help explain why internet speeds, available plans and performance may vary from one address to another.
Here is a simple breakdown.
What Does βFTTβ Mean?
Most of these terms begin with FTT, which stands for Fibre to the. The final letter tells you where the fibre connection ends.
For example:
- FTTN = Fibre to the Node
- FTTP = Fibre to the Premises
- FTTB = Fibre to the Building
- FTTC = Fibre to the Curb
Generally, the closer the fibre reaches to your home, the less the connection relies on older copper wiring.
HFC is slightly different, as it uses a combination of fibre and coaxial cable.
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
FTTP means fibre runs all the way from the network directly to your home or premises.
This connection type uses fibre for almost the entire journey, which generally allows it to support higher speeds and more consistent performance. Because there is little or no reliance on copper wiring for the final connection, FTTP is one of the more capable NBN connection types.
It can be especially useful for households with high internet usage, such as:
- Households with many connected devices
- Multiple people streaming at the same time
- Working from home
- Online gaming
- Large file uploads and downloads
Some eligible homes connected through older NBN technologies may also be able to upgrade to FTTP.
Fibre to the Building (FTTB)
FTTB is commonly used in apartment buildings and other multi-dwelling properties.
With FTTB, fibre runs to a central point inside the building, usually in a communications or utility room. From there, the connection travels to each apartment using the building’s existing cabling.
Because the fibre reaches the building itself, the remaining distance is usually relatively short. However, performance can still depend on factors such as the quality and length of the internal wiring.
If you live in an apartment, FTTB may be the connection type used by your building.
Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)
FTTC brings fibre close to your property, usually to a small distribution point near the street or curb.
From that point, existing copper wiring is used for the final short distance into your home.
Because the copper section is generally shorter than with FTTN, FTTC can often provide stronger performance compared with connections where copper has to travel a longer distance.
Your exact experience can still depend on factors such as the condition of the wiring, your plan and your home setup.
Fibre to the Node (FTTN)
FTTN means fibre runs to a neighbourhood cabinet, known as a node.
From the node, the connection travels to individual homes using existing copper telephone lines. The length and condition of this copper wiring can affect performance.
In general, the further your home is from the node, the more likely the connection may experience reduced speeds compared with a property located closer to it. This is one reason why two homes using similar internet plans may experience different results.
Some FTTN areas may also be eligible for an upgrade to FTTP.
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)
HFC stands for Hybrid Fibre Coaxial. Unlike the FTT connection types, HFC uses a combination of fibre and coaxial cable.
Fibre runs through much of the network, while the final section to your property uses coaxial cable. This is the same type of cabling that has traditionally been used for cable television services.
HFC is common in many established suburban areas and can support relatively high-speed NBN plans. However, available speeds and performance can still depend on factors such as the network infrastructure at your address, your chosen plan and the equipment used inside your home.
If your address is connected by HFC, you will usually need an NBN connection box as well as your router.
Which Connection Type Is Better?
There is no single answer for every household. In general, connection types that rely more heavily on fibre tend to have fewer limitations caused by older copper infrastructure.
However, your NBN connection type is only one part of your overall internet experience. Your plan speed, router, Wi-Fi setup, connected devices, internal wiring and home layout can all affect how your internet performs.
More importantly, your connection type can also influence which NBN speed tiers are available at your address.
How Can I Check My NBN Connection Type?
You can check your address through the NBN website or ask your internet provider.
Knowing your connection type can help you understand which plans are available at your address, what speeds may be supported and whether you may be eligible for a future network upgrade.
If you are moving home or thinking about changing your internet plan, checking your connection type first can make it easier to compare your options.
At City Cable, we can help you understand what internet services are available at your address and choose a plan that suits the way you use the internet.