Understanding NBN Speeds and Network Cabling

NBN Speeds and Network Cabling: What You Need to Know

Equally important is the network cabling inside your home or office. Even the highest-speed NBN plan can feel slow if the cabling is outdated or poorly installed. In this guide, we’ll break down how NBN speeds work, why cabling matters, and how the two work together to deliver a stable, reliable connection for everyday use.

What is the NBN?

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia’s national internet network, designed to deliver faster and more reliable connections across the country. It uses a mix of fibre, fixed wireless, and satellite technologies to replace older copper lines, providing homes and businesses with high-speed internet for streaming, gaming, video calls, and other online activities.

What Are NBN Speed Tiers?

NBN speed tiers refer to the different levels of internet speed available on the National Broadband Network. Measured in megabits per second (Mbps), these tiers determine how quickly you can browse, stream, download, or upload content.

Here’s a quick overview of the most common NBN speed tiers:

• NBN12 (12/1 Mbps): Ideal for light browsing, emails, and occasional streaming.
• NBN25 (25/10 Mbps): Suitable for small households with multiple devices streaming in HD.
• NBN50 (50/20 Mbps): A popular choice for families, offering smooth HD streaming, online gaming, and video calls.
• NBN100 (100/20 or 100/40 Mbps): Great for large households or home offices with heavy data usage.
• NBN250 & NBN1000: Ultra-fast options for power users or small businesses with multiple connected devices.
• NBN100 (100/20 or 100/40 Mbps): Ideal for large households or home offices with heavy data use.
• NBN250 & NBN1000: Ultra-fast plans for power users, businesses, or homes with many connected devices.

Tip: Keep in mind that the typical evening speed (7 PM–11 PM) is often lower than the advertised plan due to network congestion. Always check the provider’s evening speed estimates before choosing a plan.

What technology does the NBN use?

The NBN uses a Multi-Technology Mix (MTM) to deliver internet across Australia. This means different connection types are used depending on your location, infrastructure, and household needs. Each technology impacts the speed, reliability, and overall experience of your internet.

Here’s a breakdown of the main NBN technologies:

• Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): Fibre runs directly from the NBN node to your home or business. It offers the fastest and most reliable connection.
• Fibre to the Curb (FTTC): Fibre reaches a pit near your property, then copper wires carry the connection into your home. A solid balance of speed and accessibility.
• Fibre to the Node (FTTN): Fibre runs to a local node, with copper wiring connecting to your property. Speeds depend on distance from the node.
• Fibre to the Building (FTTB): For apartments or multi-dwelling buildings, fibre runs to the building, then copper wiring connects each unit.
• Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): Uses existing pay-TV coaxial cables to deliver high-speed internet to homes.
• Fixed Wireless: An antenna on your home receives broadband from a nearby tower, mainly for regional areas.
• Satellite (SkyMuster): Internet is delivered from a satellite in orbit to a dish at your home. Ideal for remote locations where other options aren’t available.

Network Cabling: The Hidden Factor Behind Speed

Even the fastest NBN plan can feel slow if your in-home network cabling isn’t up to standard. Proper cabling is essential for speed and stability.

Key points to consider:

• Ethernet Cables: Older Cat5 cables may limit speeds. Use Cat5e or Cat6 for modern NBN plans.
• Router Placement: Keep your modem/router central and away from walls or electronics to reduce interference.
• Wi-Fi vs Wired: Wired connections via Ethernet deliver more reliable speeds than Wi-Fi.
• Structured Cabling: In large homes or offices, structured cabling prevents network congestion and supports multiple devices.

How to Choose the Right NBN Speed?

Select your NBN speed based on household size, number of devices, and usage. Casual browsing or emails may only need NBN12, while families streaming, gaming, or video calling should consider NBN50 or higher. Work-from-home setups also benefit from stable upload speeds to handle video calls and cloud work.

Budget and in-home cabling are equally important. Higher-speed plans cost more, but outdated cabling can prevent you from reaching full speed. For professional advice and cabling upgrades to get the most from your NBN plan, contact Aquila Electrical, serving Adelaide and surrounding areas.

Can You Upgrade Your NBN Speed with Better Cabling?

Yes! Upgrading your cabling can unlock full plan speeds, reduce dropouts, lag, and interference, and future-proof your home or office. Using Cat6, Cat6a, or fibre cables ensures smooth streaming, gaming, and video calls.

If your connection feels slow despite a high-speed plan, it could be your cabling. Aquila Electrical can assess, install, and optimize your network in Adelaide and surrounding areas, ensuring maximum speed and reliability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right NBN speed and understanding the technology behind it is crucial for a seamless online experience. From casual browsing to 4K streaming and heavy work-from-home use, the right plan paired with quality in-home cabling ensures fast, stable, and reliable internet. Upgrading to Cat6, Cat6a, or fibre cabling can unlock your plan’s full potential and reduce lag, dropouts, and connectivity issues.

To get the most from your NBN connection, professional cabling and network optimization are essential. Contact Aquila Electrical for expert installation, assessment, and upgrades. Serving Adelaide and surrounding areas, our team ensures your home or office network delivers maximum speed, reliability, and future-proof performance.

📞 Call us on 0488 551 630

‍📍 Based in Hove, SA 5048