The National Broadband Network (NBN) in Australia has employed a variety of technologies to bring high-speed internet to the nation, and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) has been a key player in this effort.
By utilizing existing cable TV infrastructure, HFC provided a practical and cost-effective solution, especially in areas where deploying Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) wasn’t initially feasible.
In this article, we take a closer look at NBN HFC—its origins, advantages, and the challenges it has faced. We’ll also explore how this technology has evolved and its role in shaping Australia’s future broadband landscape.
What is NBN HFC?
NBN Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) is a broadband technology that delivers high-speed internet using a combination of fibre optic cables and existing coaxial cables, traditionally used for cable TV services.
This hybrid solution allows homes and businesses to access reliable and fast internet through infrastructure already in place.
NBN HFC is one of the many technologies that make up the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Australia, and it is designed to provide an efficient and widespread internet service.
How Does HFC Work Compared to FTTP and FTTN?
NBN HFC works by using fibre optic cables to carry data from the network to a nearby node, then coaxial cables to cover the “last mile” into homes and businesses.
This setup offers higher speeds than Fibre to the Node (FTTN), which relies on older copper lines for the last mile.
In comparison to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), HFC is slightly less future-proof since FTTP uses fibre optic cables all the way to the end user, offering the potential for even faster speeds and greater scalability.
However, HFC offers a cost-effective alternative to FTTP while still providing solid performance.
HFC Service Classes
NBN HFC connections are divided into several service classes based on the readiness of a property for connection:
- Service Class 20: This indicates that the location will be serviceable by HFC in the future, but the network in the area is not yet complete. Customers can pre-register, but will have to wait until the local infrastructure is ready for activation.
- Service Class 21: The location is ready to connect using HFC, but additional work is required to install lead-in cabling. Customers can place an order and schedule an installation appointment.
- Service Class 22: The location is HFC-ready, but further work is needed to install a network device and wall outlet. You can order a service, and an installation appointment will be scheduled.
- Service Class 23: The premises are prepared for HFC connection, but a network device may need to be installed. Customers can either use a self-installation kit or arrange an installation appointment if the kit is not applicable.
- Service Class 24: The location is fully ready for HFC connection, with all necessary cabling and equipment installed. You can place an order, and the service will be activated within 1 to 5 days. If the network device (NTD) is missing when you move in, contact your provider to arrange a replacement.
Each of these service classes represents a different stage of readiness for NBN HFC connections, ensuring a streamlined process for connecting homes and businesses to the network.
Benefits of HFC
In the early days, cable internet, which forms part of the HFC infrastructure, was considered superior to technologies like ADSL, providing faster and more stable internet access. Even today, HFC continues to offer consistent high-speed internet.
While ADSL speeds varied significantly based on distance from the exchange, HFC’s use of coaxial cables helps maintain stable speeds over longer distances.
HFC’s architecture allows it to support high-demand applications like streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers without frequent buffering or interruptions.
NBN HFC Speeds
NBN HFC technology offers a range of high-speed internet plans, providing reliable performance for both everyday users and those with higher bandwidth needs.
The typical speed tiers available for NBN HFC include:
- Standard Plans: Up to 100 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload.
- Higher Speed Plans: In some areas, speeds of 250 Mbps and even 1 Gbps are available, depending on local network conditions and infrastructure capabilities.
While these speeds are impressive, the actual performance users experience can vary due to several factors, such as:
- Internal Wiring: The quality of the internal cabling in your premises can impact the speeds you receive.
- NBN Plan: The speed tier you choose directly affects your maximum possible speeds.
- Service Provider Management: Network congestion and how your internet service provider manages traffic can also influence your connection speeds.
These factors combine to determine the real-world performance of NBN HFC, but overall, it consistently delivers fast and reliable internet access across many Australian homes.
Transition to FTTP
NBN Co has announced plans to upgrade some areas from HFC to Fibre to the Premises, ensuring even faster speeds and more reliable service in the future.
This transition is part of a broader effort to improve the overall quality of the NBN by increasing the availability of full-fibre connections.
For homes and businesses currently on HFC, the upgrade to FTTP will offer higher maximum speeds and future-proof their internet service.
Conclusion
NBN HFC is a hybrid broadband solution that leverages existing infrastructure to provide fast, reliable internet across many Australian homes.
While it may not match the performance of full-fibre FTTP connections, it still delivers significant improvements over older technologies like ADSL and FTTN.
With ongoing upgrades and the potential transition to FTTP, NBN HFC remains a robust and valuable part of the NBN's technology mix.
