A Case Study: NBN Installation Fault Diagnosis and Resolution
In the city of Sydney, a customer faced persistent issues with her NBN installation. Despite having the installation done eight months prior, she experienced continuous problems that required immediate attention. This case study delves into the details of the fault diagnosis, the challenges faced, and the resolution provided by SECURE A COM, one of Sydney’s lead-in NBN fault-finding services.
The Problem
Initial Installation
The customer had her NBN installation done approximately eight months ago. During the pre-check, SECURE A COM ran some cabling in the unit and noticed two separate MDFs with lead-in cables going back out to the pit in the street. One of the cables was old and faulty, while the other was new.
Persistent Issues
Despite notifying NBN and requesting a switch to the new cable, the customer began experiencing problems a few days later. NBN’s troubleshooting led to a suspicion of a faulty Ethernet cable between the FTTC connection device and the router. The customer was left stranded until this could be tested and proven.
Weather-Related Complications
Sydney’s recent flooding exacerbated the problem. The old paper-insulated cable was susceptible to water damage, causing further disruptions.
The Diagnosis
On-Site Inspection
Upon arrival, SECURE A COM’s technician conducted a thorough inspection of the cables and MDF frames. The old cable was identified as the weak link, and the new cable was confirmed to be in good condition.
Ethernet Cable Testing
The technician also tested the Ethernet cable that NBN suspected to be the problem. Using an Ethernet testing device, it was proved that there was nothing wrong with the cable.
Internal Cabling
The internal cabling was all new, except for the cable going down to the MDF. There were no insulation resistance faults, further pinpointing the old lead-in cable as the culprit.
The Resolution
Immediate Fixes
The technician swapped out the Ethernet cable with a new one to keep the ISP, Telstra, satisfied. However, the real solution required moving the connection from the old MDF frame to the new one.
Recommendations to Telstra
SECURE A COM recommended that Telstra send out a tech to sort out the problem and refund the customer for the call-out charge. The technician’s expertise made it clear that the issue was with the network, not the customer’s equipment.
Conclusion
This case study highlights the importance of thorough inspection, accurate diagnosis, and prompt resolution. SECURE A COM’s expertise in NBN fault-finding ensured that the customer’s essential home internet connection was restored.
The situation also underscores the need for ISPs to act responsibly and respond to customer issues without unnecessary delays. Proper installation practices and adherence to quality standards can prevent such problems, saving time and resources for both the service provider and the customer.
In a world where connectivity is paramount, especially for those working from home, this case study serves as a reminder that attention to detail, professionalism, and customer-centric solutions are key to maintaining trust and reliability in the telecommunications industry.

Jason Kearney
Head Internet Technician
Jason Kearney is the Head Technician at SECURE A COM, with qualifications spanning NBN, ADSL, phone, and data cabling. Starting as an electrician, Jason quickly delved into the telecommunications sector, leading crucial projects like the rehabilitation of the Telstra network. With credentials in both managerial and technical aspects, he now specialises in phone line and NBN fault location and repair, serving both homes and businesses with effective and personalised telecommunications solutions