Cabling for the NBN

So, you’re moving to the NBN and you’re thinking about cables. Not exactly the most exciting topic to consider, however it is a very important one to ensure your data cables are capable of doing everything the NBN has to offer. People often overlook the cables providing the NBN network, but the proper set-up will ensure you receive the best service both to and around your home. But, seeing as though we know you aren’t exactly running to learn about cabling, we thought we would provide you a little start-up info to help you out.

Home data cabling

Let’s start at the beginning – with home data cabling itself and a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to choosing and installing cabling.

Do

• Make sure you plan the best cabling to provide the services to suit your technology needs
• Use a registered cabler
• Make sure your installer provides you with a TCA1 form for all cabling works

Handy tip – If you are renovating or building a new home, try and get as much cabling installed as you can during this process. This will save you both time and money in the long term!

Don’t

• Complete any cabling work yourself – it is dangerous and illegal
• Use an appropriately qualified cabler (always ask!)
• Use any telephone extension cords to connect any internet devices

NBN hardware

Now it’s time to take a look at the hardware that connects to the cables, which ensures a quick and effective NBN service.

NBN connection box

An NBN connection box is usually installed in the room that is closest to the front of the house or your garage.

Home gateway

A home gateway, or a modem and router, is usually positioned next to the NBN connection box and has 2 separate sockets – one for internet, and one for phone. They are wi-fi compatible, meaning it is important to note where they are located so that wireless internet can reach the whole house. This is especially important if you have a multi-levelled home, as you may need one on each floor for the best performance.

Cabling

And let’s not forget about the cables themselves – a crucial component to making everything work. If a cable is required to support both telephone and internet services it is known as a Category 5 or Category 6. The difference is a Category 6 can provide faster speeds than a Category 5, meaning extra years of faster service.

In order to keep everything together, a home distributor is a handy little addition, as it allows everything to be in the one spot and protected – this includes an RJ45 socket, which is placed on a wall plate and the cabling that runs from the home distributor to every room stops there.

Wi-fi vs Ethernet

This brings us to the common question that many ask when moving over to the NBN… wi-fi- or ethernet? Wired or wireless? It is all good to have reliable and fast internet in your home, but are you getting the best out of it with your wired or wireless system? Let’s take a look at both of them.

Wi-fi

If you ask a lot of people these days who have access to the internet, they will say that the ability to have the internet at the tips of their fingers all day long is great. The use of wi-fi and wireless devices is phenomenal, and their big perk is they are exactly that – wireless. No tripping over cables or being tethered to your desk – you can go anywhere and still be connected. And, for devices such as phones and tablets, sometimes wireless is the only option. In saying this though, wireless connections can be blocked and interfered with and, if your wi-fi router isn’t in a great location, you may find you have ‘black spots’ around your home where the wi-fi just doesn’t work. But, in saying this, how does it compare against a wired system?

Ethernet

Now, cables can be a pain, we aren’t going to argue with you on that point. However, if you can overlook this wired connections actually offer much better speeds and better reliability than wi-fi. This is especially true when you are looking at jobs that require greater bandwidth, such as streaming videos or music or the transferring of large files. Additionally, if your computer stays in one place and does not move, connecting it to an ethernet cable will then free up the wireless network for other devices to use it (such as devices that don’t have wired capabilities).

If you are a serious gamer, wired arrangements generally offer better speed and stability, especially when it comes to first person shooter games or games that run in ‘real time’. You don’t want your connection to dropping out in crucial moments, therefore a wired system is definitely a better option.

If you have any questions or would like some assistance with your cabling as you move across to the NBN, give us a call on 1300 911 307 or complete an online job booking form. We are your local data cabling specialists and can assist with all your NBN data cabling needs, so get in contact today!