The National Broadband Network (NBN) plays a crucial part in Australia’s thriving digital infrastructure. Initiated to render a fast and reliable internet connection, the NBN connects homes and businesses to the world through its internet services. Built on the fibre-optic infrastructure, the National Broadband Network offers top-notch speed for gaming, streaming, and other purposes.
Some popular NBN technologies are Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and Fibre to the Node (FTTN). Apart from these, the provider also uses technology like Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC), which plays a crucial role in delivering high-speed internet to Australians. This article will discuss different aspects of NBN Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) technology.
What Is HFC?
HFC, also known as Hybrid Fibre Coaxial, is an NBN broadband technology that combines coaxial cable with fibre optic cable. Typically, the fibre optic cables deliver the data to a neighbourhood node. The coaxial cable collects data from the neighbourhood node and takes data to the homes or offices.
Since coaxial cables are traditionally used for cable TV services, there is a ready-made infrastructure of this cable in Australia. The NBN harnesses the ready-made coaxial cable infrastructure to provide internet connections to residential and commercial places. It reduces the cost of infrastructural development. At the same time, it becomes easier for the NBN to reach more potential internet users without hassles.
How Does NBN HFC Work?
Internet service through Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) works in a simple mechanism. Find a quick glance at the mechanism in the following section.
- Fibre to the Node: The fibre optic cable network will carry the data and reach out to a neighbourhood node. This node is the distribution point from which the data will be transferred to the home and office.
- Coaxial Cable Network: From the node or distribution point, signals are carried by the coaxial cables. Known for their high data transmission capability, these cables ensure a fast, secure, and effortless data transmission to various properties.
- HFC Modem: The coaxial cable that reaches to office or home should be connected to a modem to establish an internet connection. The NBN provides this modem to the customers, who can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
The Benefits of NBN HFC
The NBN’s HFC technology received praise from the experts and internet users for multiple reasons. In the following section, let us explore some of the reasons why HFC has been appreciated.
- Fast Download and Upload Speeds
A combination of fibre-optical and coaxial cables ensures a fast and reliable data transfer speed. Therefore, people using the internet service through HFC will find satisfactory upload and download speeds. From 4K streaming to online gaming and video conferencing, all modern online activities can happen smoothly with this type of network connection. The technology is compatible with high-speed internet plans.
- Reliable Performance
Compared to fixed wireless and ADSL, you will find a more reliable performance from HFC. The fibre component ensures stable signal quality and zero data loss, while the coaxial cable maintains an exceptional data transfer speed over a short distance. Therefore, the end users will find fewer inconveniences such as outages, slow speed, frequent signal disconnection, etc.
- Easy Deployment
The coaxial cable network is an existing cable network in urban areas. These cables carry cable TV network signals in urban regions. The same cable can be used to establish a strong and high-speed internet connection. The NBN does not need to create separate neighbourhood infrastructure since coaxial cables are pre-existing.
- Reducing Cost for NBN
The NBN encourages HFC since this type of deployment saves money for the organisation. There is no separate fibre cable installation after the neighbourhood node. Moreover, the coaxial cable network is pre-existing. Therefore, it reduces the fibre-optical installation cost and time, making the NBN project more cost-effective.
- Supports Future Upgrades
Another benefit of HFC is that it is compatible with the future upgrade plans of the NBN. For example, NBN aims to render plans like NBN 1000 to commercial places. The coaxial cable network is well-compatible for such future upgrades.
NBN HFC Drawbacks
Along with many benefits, there are a few shortcomings of the NBN HFC technology. Learn the shortcomings of HFC in the following section.
- Network Congestion: Since connections are shared among multiple users in a small area, experiencing network congestion is a common concern with the NBN HFC. There is a limited provision to increase the HFC bandwidth.
- Weather Issues: Coaxial cable connection is not as robust as the fibre-optical cable networks. Therefore, weather issues can cause mild to severe damage to the coaxial cable networks. Connection restoration may take days, depending on the magnitude of damage.
Bottom Line
The NBN HFC is a technology that helped the Australian broadband sector grow quickly. The existing coaxial cable network, coupled with the fibre-optic network, brings cost-effectiveness in broadband service expansion. Moreover, the coaxial cable network is compatible with the future internet service plans of NBN.
While understanding HFC technology is important before buying a new broadband plan, it is equally crucial to know different internet service providers. At Compare Your Broadband, you can check different internet plans from reputable broadband services in Australia. Compare the plans and pick the best-suited one for your home or office.