The NBN 101
The National Broadband Network is currently the country’s fastest commercial broadband format, with speeds of up to a maximum of 100 / 40 Mbps. Owned by Australian government, it was launched online through NBNco.com.au, which provides all the details and updates in its continuing expansion. NBN was finally implemented in 2013 after successful initial trials. It was meant to update the current broadband format and replace older, copper based phone and broadband internet lines with the far more superior Fibre optic cables. These lines use laser to carry dramatically speedier broadband services. There is a current nationwide “Roll Out” that is underway to have this done and further expand the network across the country.
With the implementation of the NBN, the result is a much faster and more reliable broadband service when compared to other high level internet formats, and with competitive prices as well. The connection also carries with it unique advantages and strengths, both physical and performance wise over other previous broadband formats. This makes it a top choice especially for new subscribers and those wanting to go on to the next level. NBN is also wholesale, and the company does not deal direct with any retail NBN services. Internet Service Providers are the main distribution points for retail, and this is where households and businesses can avail of the service. To acquire NBN for home or business, the subscriber must find the NBN retailer of their choice in the area, and apply for the service.
When getting NBN, a quick check will be done first to determine service availability. The ISP looks into the network if the customer’s premises are already included in the coverage area, which has already been processed with Fibre optic cables and ready for installation. These retailers and broadband service providers are the main distributors who will facilitate the network connection as long as there is an existing NBN Fibre network. NBN may be classified into either a fixed wired connection, or through wireless NBN via a fixed wireless source or by satellite transmission. With its inherent qualities and a faster and higher level of performance, it is set to greatly enhance and even revolutionise many online based activities and emerging online technologies.
The Roll out across Down Under
The roll out process to install Fibre optic cable over existing copper line networks is currently ongoing; According to the latest tally on their website, a total of 1,864,029 premises have now been processed and are ready for NBN services as of this moment, with further expansion set until September 2018 from their projected 3 year plan, which was released to the press and general public with information regarding where the roll out status stands and what to expect within the three year conversion period.
The NBN Roll Out was carried out to facilitate the conversion of the older copper cable line network into NBN Fibre optic lines in order to construct the new network. This format carries with it many advantages over older previous broadband formats such as ADSL, Cable, and also wireless broadband services. This is on top of faster download and upload rates and bandwidth size. The Fibre optic cable is much more resilient than copper, and is resilient against extreme heat and rainy conditions. This type of “use it and leave it”, worry free nature lends itself to less maintenance issues and any common installation conditions found in other broadband connection types.
It also requires no further electronic components in the distribution hub. Power is only used in the premises and in the originating exchange point. This eliminates or greatly diminishes most of common access issues such as power outages and physical access issues from extreme outdoor conditions and other factors. There are also fewer chances of any electricity hazards and precautions associated with repair and maintenance. Additionally, cable length and connection distances are of no issue and won’t affect connectivity and quality of transmission.
In order to realise Australia’s fastest and most extended broadband network, NBN will use different technologies to bring the service to its subscribers, in more ways than one. The most common type installed is the Fixed Line NBN format, which uses their standard Fibre Optic Cable; and Wireless, which is transmitted either through Fixed Wireless NBN via transmission tower stations, and via Satellite. More recently, it was announced that HFC or Hybrid Fibre Co-Axial cable will also be included in its drive to expand the roll out. HFC uses the preexisting Cable TV lines in selected areas that already have them installed, and will be processed into NBN lines. These preexisting networks are included in the expansion, and with compatibility confirmed, NBN is to be activated by using DOCSIS 3.1 technology to carry the Fibre optic laser transmissions.
Currently, there are five general wholesale speed tiers or levels offered. The actual download and upload speeds from the retailer end could vary, depending on the retailer’s capabilities, and more importantly, how far off from the coverage area the subscriber is, especially when it comes to wireless versions. These are not concrete number metrics, but are still well within the upper ranges of speed and bandwidth. That said, we have 12 / 1 Mbps, 25 / 5 Mbps, 25 / 10 Mbps, 50 / 20 Mbps, and finally up to 100 / 40 Mbps maximum. There are also three main types of NBN service connections available, each depending on what NBN facilities are available in the area, and if the premises to be installed on is within the coverage area of the retailer or ISP. In some cases, the format of choice is not dependent on the subscriber’s choice, but what is actually viable and would work with no issues.
Looking through a Fibre Optic future with NBN
The NBN is slated to further spearhead many online based technologies and services just by the sheer speed, bandwidth size, and reliability of its actual physical connections. Achieving parallel development alongside many technologies, it is also expected to greatly speed up and improve their performance as well, making streamlined online activity something of a given standard, and elevating the format in market over its other competitors. Meanwhile, pricing remains on par with many other broadband formats and services, with only coverage area and line availability as primary concerns in getting the business or premises connected. It has become more market competitive alongside other broadband offerings, giving more potential customers better valued connection options.
Projected to simultaneously improve and enhance along with this broadband format are such fields like online multimedia entertainment, advanced online gaming, VOIP, business telecommunication demands especially those involved with large data and above average industry speeds and reliability, faster, more consistent, and more reliable wireless and mobile access although again, region dependent depending on existing NBN wireless facilities.
With NBN, it is now becoming possible to achieve higher level broadband activity. This is without sacrificing quality and connection performance, for a format which is also easy to install and more importantly, is within common budget ranges for families, households, single subscribers, all the way up to corporate accounts and businesses that require the level of speed and service only the NBN can deliver. Already, we are seeing competitive rates and bundle package deals from many popular ISP’s and broadband service providers in the market scene today. These are being offered at the same price level comparable with many ADSL, Cable, 4G LTE / wireless services and other broadband offers.
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