Connection Details
If you are like us, you would like to know all the details about getting connected
Here they are:
If your house is not yet connected to the NBN network, prior to the appointment, technicians will call & install the unit on the outside of your home.
That's this unit here
Before the appointment you need to clear a space for the NBN technican to install the internal units.
These are:
The Battery Back Up - which gives power to to phone ports if you have a black out
The NBN Box itself - you connect your computer or wireless router to this, as well as your phone handset
The Fibre termination wallplate - this is where the fibre comes through the wall from the outside unit
The spot you set aside for the internal equipment needs to be:
- Near a power point
- Cool, dry & well ventilated
- Away from busy locations
- Where you can check the indicator lights easily
- Near your network cabling and/ or phone cabling (see below)
These units look like this
The Network Termination Device and Power Supply Unit should be installed less than 1.5m apart (but if you need them installed further apart, talk to your installer.)
They must be installed in the same building as the main electric meter box or distribution board.
Your Network Termination Device provides both the internet and phone connection, so the best location for it is somewhere you can connect your phone, or a cordless phone base station, as well as a Wi-Fi or Ethernet router to share the internet connection around the premises.
The standard, free-of-charge installation covers connection to the room that provides the most direct and shortest path to the cable on the street.
If you want it elsewhere, your installer can give you a quote on the cost, and may need to book a date to come back later to complete the installation.
Once you’ve picked the spot for the NBN equipment, you’ll need to think about how to connect your devices inside the house - computers, smartphones, tablets, landline phones and internet TV boxes.
Talk to us about your options for in-home networking (not included in the standard installation).
Customer telephone and data cables cannot extend outside or between buildings. They are susceptible to lightning and are a potential hazard as the lightning can be transferred between different ports of the Network Termination Device to any equipment they have connected.
Installation Day
When the installer arrives at your property at the allocated time, ensure you check their ID before giving them access to your property.
The installer will discuss where you want the equipment installed, and whether it can be done at no charge as part of our standard installation. Some places might not be possible
due to safety or other considerations.
What to expect
If your building doesn’t already have a fibre-optic cable connected, running the cable in may require the digging of a small trench, or, if it’s coming from overhead, some minor clearing of
vegetation. We’ll try to keep disturbance to a minimum.
It might be necessary to move furniture around inside your house a little to get to the location you want the equipment installed. We’ll need to drill a hole through your wall, as well as some other
holes to mount the equipment, so be prepared for a small amount of drilling noise and dust - but we’ll clean up afterwards.
If your premises already has fibre-optic cable connected to a Premises Connection Device (the outside unit), standard installations normally take between approximately 2 and 4 hours. If your premises does not have the fibre optic cable connected then a standard installation could take between 4 and 8 hours.
Non-standard installations may take longer.
Why you need to be there for the installation
You, or an authorised representative (someone you trust who is over 18), needs to be there for the whole appointment, to let the installer in, and advise where the equipment should be located.
How much does the installation cost?
Standard installation is free. This includes installing the fibre to your premises, and installing and connecting the Premises Connection Device, Fibre Wall Outlet, Network Termination Device and Power Supply Unit in the nearest most suitable location.
If your service would ordinarily be delivered via aerial cable but you would prefer an underground routing, or if you want the equipment installed somewhere else in your house that’s not the nearest most suitable location, or if a non-standard install is required for logistical, engineering or other reasons, the installer can arrange a non-standard installation and provide you with a quotation from an appropriately qualified technician.
Connecting your equipment
Your Network Termination Device has several ports on the back of it. Each service you subscribe to will be allocated to a specific port on your Network Termination Device.
We will tell you which ports have been activated in your Network Termination Device. Please don’t plug things into ports except for the one your installer advises, as the other ports will be inactive.
After your service/s are up & running we will also send you a letter with details of which ports have which services
Connectivity options
COMPUTER / INTERNET ACCESS
To connect computers to your NBN connection:
For one computer (wired) - you can plug it directly into the Data port with an ethernet cable
For one computer (wireless) - you will need a simple wireless router. If you have one now it may be suitable - note it cannot be a Modem/ Router, it must be a router
For multiple computers/ devices (wired) - a Router or Switch is all you need
For multiple computers/ devides (wired & wireless, or just wireless) - you will need a simple wireless router. If you have one now it may be suitable - note it cannot be a Modem/ Router, it must be a router
You could also consider using various other networking devices, like Powerline or Wireless bridges - ask us for details
INTERNET TV (IPTV)
Generally, Internet TV boxes need a wired connection to your Network Termination Device, though some may work with Wi-Fi.
TELEPHONE
We use the dedicated ‘UNI-V’ ports on the back of the Network Termination Device into which you can plug a phone.
We recommend connecting a cordless phone basestation so you can have extra handsets where you need them in your home
WIRELESS NETWORK
If you have an existing wireless router, we can advise you if it can operate with the higher speeds offered by your new NBN-based service.
PLEASE NOTE - Existing DSL and cable modems are unlikely to be compatible with the NBN.
See our Hardware section to find out how to tell the difference between a Modem & a Router & a Modem/Router
What we supply and what we don’t
NBN Co supplies: Premises Connection Device, Fibre Wall Outlet, Network Termination Device and Power Supply Unit; first battery; external cabling from the street network to the Premises Connection Device; and internal cabling up to the Network Termination Device. This equipment remains the property of NBN Co. The NBN's boundary of responsibility stops at the data (UNI-D) / voice (UNI-V) port. From there the service on that port is your responsibility (we will help you of course). All other cables and equipment are your responsibility and your property.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run everything on a wireless network?
Yes, it is possible to run most services over a Wi-Fi network but should you find Wi-Fi limiting for any reason there are other options. For instance, powerline networking adapters can make a home network by using existing electricity wiring in your house. These plug directly into home powerpoints and use existing in-home electrical wiring for data networking, avoiding the need to install new cables. We can suggest options & supply you with equipment.
Do I need to install any cables and outlets?
It is possible to run most services over a Wi-Fi network, but you may prefer to have cabled connections for things like Internet TV (IPTV), and data and/or phone outlets. You can arrange for any cable installer registered with an Australian Communications and Media Authority accredited industry registrar to install points now or you can wait until you and the installer have agreed on the location of your Network Termination Device. You can arrange to have as many internal home network points as you like. We can normally recommend an installer if required.
Do I need to get a separate supplier for the internal wiring?
The NBN installer will not undertake internal wiring tasks, and permanent cabling through wall, floor or ceiling cavities must be done by a registered cable installer. We can recommend a registered cable installer in your area.
Will there be any interruption to my existing phone and internet service?
This depends on the timing of your installation. Currently the NBN is being connected at the same time as the existing copper network. This means that there will be no interruption of your existing services at this stage, but it is intended that the Telstra copper network will be shut down about 18 months after the NBN is rolled out in your area. In some cases, this switchover may briefly interrupt your service.
I have a monitored home security system. Will it work on the NBN?
Most monitored home security systems will operate over the NBN, however if you plan to continue using an existing system you must check this with the manufacturer of your system and ensure all connections have been made correctly.
Once on the NBN, will I be able to use the phone if my power fails?
The Power Supply Unit includes a backup battery that can keep a non powered phone service provided through a voice (UNI-V) port on the Network Termination Device operational for a short time in the event of a mains power failure. It is a good idea to have a non powered traditional phone connected to a service provided over a UNI-V (voice) port or a charged up mobile (cell) phone on hand for such emergencies.
IMPORTANT: The battery backup is only for the UNI-V voice port. Phone and other services provided through the data (UNI-D) ports on the Network Termination Device, and mains powered telephones, alarms and other devices such as cordless phones connected to any port on the Network Termination Device will not work during a power failure. It is a good idea to have an unpowered traditional phone connected to a service provided over a voice (UNI-V) port or a charged-up mobile (cell) phone on hand for such emergencies.
The internet will not work during power outages.
The backup battery will typically last for up to five hours. You will receive a separate user guide with this piece of equipment when it is installed which will contain more detailed information. Please read this carefully.
What if the installer damages my property?
The installer will take appropriate care on your property during the installation however in the unlikely event that we cause any damage you can contact us on 1800 881 816.
What do I do if I can’t attend the appointment?
If you can’t be there on the day of your appointment, you can either reschedule it with us 1800 288 871, or ask someone you trust who is over 18 to give access to all areas of your property and make decisions about the installation for the technician.
Remember that if you authorise someone else to be present on your behalf for your appointment they will need to make decisions including where the Network Termination Device and Power Supply Unit should be installed. If you decide later to change the location of the Network Termination Device, additional charges may apply.