What Is NBN Fibre to the Node (FTTN)?

Fibre to the Node (FTTN) is a type of broadband technology used by the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Australia to deliver high-speed internet to homes and businesses. It combines fibre-optic cables and existing copper wires to provide internet connectivity. In this article, we’ll delve into what FTTN is, how it works, and why it might not be the best option for your internet needs.

Understanding Fibre to the Node

FTTN involves running fibre-optic cables from a central location, such as a telephone exchange or data centre, to a neighbourhood node—usually a street cabinet. From this node, the connection continues over existing copper telephone lines to individual homes and businesses. This approach leverages the existing copper infrastructure to reduce costs and speed up deployment compared to laying fibre directly to every premise.

How FTTN Delivers NBN to Australian Homes

1. Fibre Connection to the Node: The NBN Co runs fibre-optic cables from a central hub to nodes located within neighbourhoods.
2. Copper Connection to Premises: From these nodes, the existing copper telephone wires carry the internet signal to individual residences and businesses.
3. Data Transmission: When you access the internet, data travels from your device through the copper lines to the node, then via fibre-optic cables to the wider internet network, and vice versa.

The Drawbacks of FTTN

While FTTN was a practical solution during the initial rollout of the NBN, it’s become apparent that it is one of the least desirable NBN technologies. Here’s why:

Reliance on Old Telstra Copper Infrastructure

The copper lines used in FTTN are part of Telstra’s old telephone network, much of which has not been adequately maintained, replaced, or updated for decades. This ageing infrastructure is prone to faults and cannot match the performance of modern fibre-optic cables.

Signal Degradation Over Distance: Line Attenuation

One of the main issues with using copper lines is that the signal degrades the further it has to travel—a phenomenon known as line attenuation.

What Is Line Attenuation?

Line attenuation refers to the reduction in signal strength as it travels over a distance through a medium—in this case, copper wires. Copper is susceptible to resistance, interference, and degradation, especially over long distances. This results in slower internet speeds and reduced reliability for users who are further away from the node.

The Poor State of Cables, Pits, and Joints

Another significant problem is the deteriorating condition of the cables, pits, and joints that carry the NBN signal from the node to your home.

The Encapsulation Issue of the Early 2000s

In the year 2000, Telstra attempted to protect cable joints by encapsulating them with a special material. Unfortunately, this material had a design flaw—it corroded the insulation around the copper wires. This led to numerous network faults, including:

• Open Circuit Faults: Breaks in the circuit preventing signal transmission.
• Short Circuit Faults: Unintended connections causing signal interference.
• Foreign Battery Faults: Voltage from external sources affecting the line.
• High/Low Resistance Faults: Variations in resistance causing signal degradation.
• Open Circuit One Leg: One wire in the pair is broken, disrupting the circuit.

Technicians’ Temporary Fixes and Their Consequences

To address these issues, technicians often cut underneath the faulty joints and bypass them. While this restored service temporarily, it left sections of cable exposed to environmental factors like water ingress.

Technicians tried to mitigate this by placing the exposed joints in plastic bags sealed with tape. However, these bags were porous, and the seals were ineffective. When it rained, water would accumulate in the Telstra pits (underground access points), soaking the cables and leading to further faults.

Ongoing Issues Despite Cleanup Efforts

Telstra undertook a Cleanup and Improvement (CNI) process to rectify these problems, but many of these compromised cables and joints remain in use today. This means that many FTTN users are still affected by these legacy infrastructure issues, resulting in unreliable internet connections.

The Impact of Distance from the Node

With FTTN, proximity to the node is crucial. The ideal situation is to be as close as possible. If you’re located more than 2 kilometres from the node, you’re likely to experience significant signal degradation due to line attenuation. This results in slower internet speeds and a less reliable connection.

Alternatives to FTTN

Looking for Better Options?

If you’re experiencing issues with your FTTN connection and are interested in exploring alternatives, there are options available. We’ve addressed these issues in detail and outlined possible solutions in another article. Click here to read about NBN alternatives

Conclusion

Fibre to the Node (FTTN) was a stepping stone in Australia’s journey towards nationwide high-speed internet. However, due to its reliance on outdated and poorly maintained copper infrastructure, it has become one of the least favourable NBN technologies. Issues like line attenuation and deteriorating cables can severely impact your internet experience.

If you’re currently on an FTTN connection, it’s worth exploring alternative NBN technologies to ensure you get the reliable, high-speed internet service you need. Upgrading your connection can provide better performance today and a more future-proof solution for tomorrow.

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