Resolving NBN Bridge Tap and Faulty Lead-in Cable

Overview

We were called out to a job in Rydalmere where the customer was experiencing internet issues on their NBN Fibre to the Node (FTTN) connection. An NBN technician had recently visited the site and identified a bridge tap on the line but did not resolve the issue. Instead, the contractor left a piece of lead-in cable with the customer, stating it could be used to remove the bridge tap—a task that was not completed. Our job was to investigate the issue, remove the bridge tap, and ensure the connection was functioning correctly.

Problem Identification

Upon arrival, Jason from SECURE A COM conducted a thorough inspection of the cabling under the house. The initial assessment confirmed the presence of a bridge tap where the existing cabling branched off into several directions. Specifically, the blue-white pair from the socket was jumping onto a yellow cable, which then branched off into multiple directions, including to a granny flat at the back of the property.

In addition to the bridge tap, the inspection revealed potential issues with the lead-in cable. The previous NBN contractor had not removed the bridge tap and had instead left the customer with an additional cable, which raised concerns about the quality of the initial work.

Solution Implementation

1. Removal of the Bridge Tap: Jason identified the first bridge tap and carefully traced the cables to understand the network layout. The bridge tap was causing signal interference, which was a significant factor in the poor internet performance. Using the piece of lead-in cable left by the NBN contractor, Jason cut out the bridge tap and replaced the problematic section.
2. Testing the Cables: Before connecting the new cable sections, Jason ran tests to ensure the continuity and quality of the connections. This included testing the socket connections and verifying that there were no further issues with isolation resistance.
3. Socket Replacement: The old Clipsal socket inside the house was outdated, so Jason replaced it with a new, modern socket to ensure a secure connection to the NBN line.
4. Final Testing: After completing the cable work and socket replacement, Jason conducted a final test to check the sync with the DPU (Distribution Point Unit) on the street. Initially, the connection was not syncing correctly, leading Jason to further isolate and test the lead-in cable.
5. Identification of Faulty Lead-in Cable: Through further testing, Jason identified that the lead-in cable itself had faults. This cable was producing a weak signal, and when separated, it showed no clear tone on one side, indicating an open or short within the cable. The lead-in cable issues were beyond our scope to permanently fix, as they were the responsibility of the NBN service provider.

Outcome

The immediate issue of the bridge tap was resolved, and the internal connections were verified as sound. However, the faulty lead-in cable from the street remained a significant issue that required attention from the NBN provider.

The customer was advised that NBN would need to replace the faulty lead-in cable to fully restore a reliable connection. Jason ensured that the in-home setup was optimised, and the customer was left with clear instructions on the next steps.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of thorough on-site assessments and the need for proper handling of network faults such as bridge taps. While our intervention resolved the in-home issues, the broader problem with the NBN lead-in cable requires attention from the NBN provider. At SECURE A COM, we prioritise comprehensive testing and quality fixes to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, even when we must liaise with third parties like NBN.

If you are experiencing similar NBN issues or need expert advice on cabling and internet connectivity, SECURE A COM is here to help. Contact us today for professional service and peace of mind.

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