NBN Hybrid Fibre Coaxial explained (HFC)

NBN Hybrid Fibre Coaxial explained (HFC)

The National Broadband Network uses a mix of technologies. You can click here to find out what technology is used for your address.

Description

Fibre optics are used to connect to a Node located nearby in your neighbourhood. From here, a Coaxial Cable connects the node to each premise. This is the same cable your home may have previously used for Cable TV (FOXTEL). Throughout 2023, the cable TV network was closed, and this infrastructure is now exclusively used by the NBN.

An NBN Connection Box connects directly to the Coaxial Wall Socket; your modem/router then connects to this NBN equipment. The homeowner’s responsibility (Network Boundary Point) starts from the UNI-D port on the NBN Connection Box inside the premises. 

What can affect the connection speed?

There can be many different reasons for poor connection speed. Most complaints are due to issues beyond the Network Boundary Point, such as poor Wi-Fi coverage or cabling within the premises. For more information, refer to the NBN Key Facts Sheet and our article Slow Speeds - NBN Connections.

Installation

If your premises still need to be fitted with an NBN Connection Box, we will arrange this with you.
  1. Ensure your NBN Connection Box is securely screwed into the coaxial wall outlet and powered on
  2. Wait for the four indicator lights to turn solid green, this can take up to 10 minutes
  3. Connect your Modem/Router to the UNI-D port on the NBN Connection Box. We will provide additional information once your service is ready, such as the specific UNI-D port number (if there is more than one) your service is provided.
To watch the setup video, click here. Remember, from 2023, Pay TV is no longer delivered using the same cabling as NBN.
N.B. Your free-to-air TV wall outlet may look similar to the NBN cable wall outlet, so if you’re having trouble, try another socket.

What does the HFC equipment look like?


The NBN Connection Box and Cables must remain at the address. If you move, do not take this equipment with you - this is a legal requirement. The NBN equipment (NBN property) is registered to the specific address; therefore, it will not work anywhere else. Removing NBN equipment will make it harder for the next occupant to connect to the NBN.

More Information

  1. More details, including how to prepare for an NBN installation appointment
    https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/network-technology/hybrid-fibre-coaxial-explained-hfc-3