FTTP vs FTTN vs HFC: What nbn Type Do You Have?

When you check your nbn address, you'll see one of five connection types listed. This isn't just a technical detail — it directly determines the maximum speeds you can realistically achieve and helps you decide which speed tier to buy.

The five nbn connection types

FTTP – Fibre to the Premises

FTTP (sometimes called FTTB for fibre to the building in apartments) runs a fibre optic cable directly from the street to your home. This is the fastest and most future-proof technology. Speeds up to 1,000Mbps download and 50Mbps upload are available. FTTP is increasingly common as nbn co upgrades its network.

FTTN – Fibre to the Node

FTTN runs fibre to a green street cabinet (the node), then uses existing copper phone lines for the last stretch to your home. Your speed depends heavily on how far you are from the node — properties within 300 metres generally do well on nbn 100; properties 800+ metres away may struggle to achieve nbn 50 reliably.

FTTC – Fibre to the Curb

FTTC is an improvement on FTTN. Fibre runs to a small device in the street pit right outside your home, with only a very short stretch of copper inside. This means less signal degradation and more consistent speeds, typically supporting nbn 100 reliably.

HFC – Hybrid Fibre Coaxial

HFC uses the coaxial cable from the former Telstra or Optus pay-TV networks. It's capable of very high speeds (up to 1,000Mbps) and, unlike FTTN, performance doesn't degrade with distance. HFC is common in suburban Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane that had pay-TV infrastructure.

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless uses 4G-like radio towers to deliver internet to rural and regional properties where running fibre isn't economical. A dish antenna is installed on your roof. Speeds are capped at nbn 50 or nbn 75 depending on tower congestion.

Why your technology type matters when choosing a plan

Choosing a speed tier that your connection type can't reliably deliver is money wasted. Here's a practical guide:

Realistic speed expectations by technology type

Upgrading your connection type

If you're on FTTN and frustrated with your speeds, there are options. nbn co's upgrade program is progressively converting FTTN and FTTC premises to FTTP. You can register your interest on the nbn website. Some providers also offer FTTP upgrades through a co-contribution model where you pay a portion of the infrastructure cost.

Alternatively, if 5G is available in your area, a 5G home internet service from Telstra, Optus or Vodafone may deliver better speeds than your FTTN nbn connection — often with no lock-in contract.

Frequently asked questions