Types of NBN Connections in Western Australia: Identify & Improve Your Internet

Understanding NBN Connection Types in Western Australia

What Are the Different Types of NBN Available in Western Australia?

If you're getting connected to the internet in Perth or anywhere across Western Australia, you'll most likely be using the National Broadband Network (NBN). But not all NBN connections are the same—in fact, there are several different types of technologies used to deliver the NBN to homes and businesses. Each type affects the speed, reliability, and potential upgrade options for your connection.

Here's a breakdown of the most common types of NBN connections in WA and how you can identify which one you have.

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1. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

Description: FTTP is the gold standard of NBN. A fibre optic line runs directly from the street into your home or office.

Speeds: Up to 1000 Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload (plan and equipment dependent).

Upgrade Needed? None. Already the best available.

How to Identify: You'll have an NBN utility box mounted outside the property and a fibre NBN connection box (NTD) inside.

Common in: Newer suburbs and business precincts in Perth metro areas.

2. Fibre to the Curb (FTTC)

Description: FTTC runs fibre to a distribution point near your home, usually in a pit, and then uses the existing copper phone line for the last few metres.

Speeds: Up to 250 Mbps download (typically 100 Mbps plans).

Upgrade Needed? Eligible for fibre upgrade in many WA suburbs.

How to Identify: A white NBN connection box is plugged into your telephone socket, along with a separate power supply.

Common in: Renovated older homes in inner Perth suburbs like Mount Hawthorn or Victoria Park.

3. Fibre to the Node (FTTN)

Description: FTTN runs fibre to a cabinet (node) on your street and uses existing copper telephone lines to connect to your home.

Speeds: Typically up to 100 Mbps, depending on copper line quality and distance from node.

Upgrade Needed? Yes, eligible for fibre upgrade in most locations across Western Australia.

How to Identify: You only use your phone wall socket and a modem—no NBN box is installed.

Common in: Older suburbs like Balcatta, Girrawheen or Hamilton Hill.

4. Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)

Description: HFC uses fibre to a local hub and coaxial cable (like old Foxtel lines) into your home.

Speeds: Up to 1000 Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload.

Upgrade Needed? No, considered high-speed.

How to Identify: A black NBN connection box (Arris CM8200 or similar) is connected to a coaxial port inside your home.

Common in: Inner Perth suburbs and high-density areas like East Perth or Subiaco.

5. Fixed Wireless

Description: Used in regional and outer-metro WA areas, fixed wireless delivers internet via radio signals from a tower to a rooftop antenna on your property.

Speeds: Up to 75 Mbps download.

Upgrade Needed? Not eligible for fibre, but upgrades to newer wireless tech are underway.

How to Identify: You'll have an outdoor antenna and an NBN box inside connected via Ethernet.

Common in: Regional WA towns like Northam, Waroona, or Gingin.

6. Satellite (Sky Muster)

Description: Used in very remote WA areas. Connects your property via satellite dishes to NBN satellites.

Speeds: Up to 25 Mbps download (Sky Muster Plus can offer more).

Upgrade Needed? Satellite is the only option in remote and rural parts of Western Australia.

How to Identify: Satellite dish installed on your roof, with an indoor NBN modem.

Common in: WA stations, homesteads, and Indigenous communities far from fibre infrastructure.

How Do I Know What Connection I Have?

To find out your current connection type:

• Visit nbnco.com.au
• Enter your address in their "Check your address" tool
• It will tell you the technology available at your location

Or… give us a call. Based right here in Western Australia, our local team can help you figure it out, troubleshoot slow speeds, and check if you’re eligible for a free fibre upgrade.

Live in WA and not sure if you're getting the most from your NBN? We can help you assess your setup, troubleshoot your speed, and get your connection performing like it should.

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