FTTP vs. FTTN modems and routers

Contents

In this FTTP vs. FTTN modem guide:

What’s the difference between FTTN and FTTP?
Modems for Fibre to the Node
Modems for Fibre to the Premises
Plans with a modem included

The NBN is Australia’s universal pet peeve. How the network is perceived by each individual is dependent on a range of different factors, one of the big ones being technology type.

The technology type used in your NBN connection not only determines the maximum speeds you can achieve, but also the hardware that you need, such as a modem.

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What’s the difference between FTTN and FTTP?

Technology types are defined in part by how much copper is still used in order to connect to the NBN. Fibre to the Node (FTTN) uses the largest amount of copper, running from a central node out to houses in the neighbourhood. This means that the dwellings connected to this kind of technology will still be connected via the original copper phone lines and, in turn, have the slowest fixed-line NBN speeds available.

While it is possible to achieve 100Mbps downloads on an FTTN connection, you need to live fairly close to your Node for this to be a reality.

Here are some NBN 50 plans, which should be available to all FTTN connection types.

Belong	Belong All Fixed Line nbn® NBN Standard Plus – Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55 Go to Site	$55/mth for first 6 mths, then $91/mth Min. cost $55	Go to Site
Dodo	Dodo All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $87.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99 Go to Site*	$57.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $87.99/mth Min. cost $57.99	Go to Site
Moose NBN	Moose NBN All Fixed Line nbn® nbn 50/20 Premium All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $24/mth off for first 6 months - $59.80/mth for 6mths, then $83.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80 Link not supplied	$59.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $83.80/mth Min. cost $59.80	Link not supplied
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom All Fixed Line nbn® Value Plus NBN 50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $64.90/month for first 6 months, then $89.90/month. $64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90 Go to Site	$64.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.90/mth Min. cost $64.90	Go to Site
Flip	Flip All Fixed Line nbn® Unlimited Family nbn50 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16.90/mth off for 6 months - $68/mth for first 6mths then $84.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68 Go to Site	$68/mth for first 6 mths then $84.90/mth Min. cost $68	Go to Site
Swoop	Swoop All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® Home Everyday All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $15/mth off for 6 months, $69/mth for first 6 months then $84/mth + Get the eero 7 for only $175 (normally $249) $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $84/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Extra-value nbn50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet All Fixed Line nbn® Silver Unlimited All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $11/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $80.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $80.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
TPG	TPG All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Unlimited Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. T&Cs apply. $69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $69.99	Link not supplied
iiNet	iiNet All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Liimitless All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) uses no copper and can achieve speeds up to 2Gbps. FTTP connections are usually reserved for new developments (and those who were lucky enough to get NBN under the Labor government) and will have fibre cabling running all the way to the connection point within the dwelling. This means that FTTP connections don't use old technology and, as such, are faster and more reliable.

While you can't choose your technology type, the good news is the majority of FTTN users are be able to upgrade to FTTP. 95% of FTTN users can already request the free upgrade.

Compare NBN 100, NBN 500, and NBN 1000 plans below. NBN 500 and NBN 1000 are only available to those with FTTP and HFC connection types.

NBN TECH TYPE CHECKER

Find your NBN Technology Type

Some fixed-line NBN plan availability depends on your technology type. Check your address to find out yours.

Your address will be used to check against the nbn’s technology type database. It will not be stored by us.

amaysim	amaysim FTTN, FTTB, FTTC NBN100 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro Offer), then $90/mth. Ends 20.10.26 $50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50 Link not supplied	$50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50	Link not supplied
Belong	Belong FTTN, FTTB, FTTC NBN Premium – Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
Dodo	Dodo FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn100 Unlimited Plan FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Go to Site*	$62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99	Go to Site
Moose NBN	Moose NBN FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn 100/20 Elite FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for first 6 months - $63.80/mth for 6mths, then $86.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80 Link not supplied	$63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80	Link not supplied
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Speedy NBN 100/20 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $67.90/mth for first 6 months, then $92.90/mth. $67.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $67.90 Go to Site	$67.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $67.90	Go to Site
Flip	Flip FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Unlimited Turbo Boost nbn100 FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $19.90/mth off for 6 months - $69/mth for first 6mths then $88.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
Telstra	Telstra FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Premium Internet Only Plan FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 months ($69/mth for 6 mths then $99/mth) when you sign up to this plan. Offer ends 02.11.26 $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $99/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $99/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Optus nbn® Promo Plan FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 100/18 Mbps Unlimited Data Promo plan: $69/mth for 6mths, then $109/mth or as notified. Until 12/11/26. New services only. Minimum cost $375. Terms apply. $69/mth for first 6 months, normally $109/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth for first 6 months, normally $109/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTN, FTTB, FTTC Gold Unlimited FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 98/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $85.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site
iiNet	iiNet FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn Home Fast Liimitless FTTN, FTTB, FTTC nbn® 99/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for 6 mths - $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $94.99/mth. Use code SAVE25FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $94.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied

amaysim	amaysim FTTP, HFC NBN500 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/43 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $40/mth off for the first 6 months ($30 NBN Sale + $10 Standard Intro Offer), then $90/mth. Ends 20.10.26 $50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50 Link not supplied	$50/mth for first 6 months, then $90/mth Min. cost $50	Link not supplied
Belong	Belong FTTP, HFC NBN Fast – Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $36 off for 6 months - $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59 Go to Site	$59/mth for first 6 mths, then $95/mth Min. cost $59	Go to Site
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTP, HFC Speedy Max NBN 500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42.5 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $33/mth off for the first 6 mths, $59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth. Ends 30.10.26 $59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $59.90 Go to Site	$59.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.90/mth Min. cost $59.90	Go to Site
Dodo	Dodo FTTP, HFC nbn500 Unlimited Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/48 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $92.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply. $62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99 Go to Site*	$62.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $92.99/mth Min. cost $62.99	Go to Site
Moose NBN	Moose NBN FTTP, HFC nbn 500/50 Turbo FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/45 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $23/mth off for first 6 months - $63.80/mth for 6mths, then $86.80/mth + Get eero 7 modem for only $175 (RRP $249). $63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80 Link not supplied	$63.80/mth for first 6 mths, then $86.80/mth Min. cost $63.80	Link not supplied
Flip	Flip FTTP, HFC Unlimited Fast Speed nbn500 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $19.90/mth off for 6 months - $69/mth for first 6mths then $88.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths then $88.90/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
SpinTel	SpinTel FTTP, HFC Home Turbo 500/50 FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $69/mth for first 6 months, then $89.95/mth. $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.95/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89.95/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
Telstra	Telstra FTTP, HFC Premium Internet Only Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/40 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $30/mth off for 6 months ($69/mth for 6 mths then $99/mth) when you sign up to this plan. Offer ends 02.11.26 $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $99/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $99/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus FTTP, HFC Optus nbn® Promo Plus Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/43 Mbps Unlimited Data Promo plan: $69/mth for 6mths, then $109/mth or as notified. Until 12/11/26. New services only. Minimum cost $375. Terms apply. $69/mth for first 6 months, normally $109/mth Min. cost $69 Link not supplied	$69/mth for first 6 months, normally $109/mth Min. cost $69	Link not supplied
Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTP, HFC Gold Plus Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 500/42 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $16/mth off for 12mths. $69.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $85.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90 Go to Site	$69.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $85.90/mth Min. cost $69.90	Go to Site

Plans with active links

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Belong	Belong FTTP, HFC NBN Ultrafast – Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 875/80 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $35 off for 6 months - $75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth (Offer ends 04.11.26) + Free $80 Mobile SIM $75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth Min. cost $75 Go to Site	$75/mth for first 6 mths, then $110/mth Min. cost $75	Go to Site
SpinTel	SpinTel FTTP, HFC Home Ultrafast 1000/100 FTTP, HFC nbn® 1000/100 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $28.95 off your plan for first 6 months! $76/mth for first 6 months, then $104.95/mth. $76/mth for first 6 mths, then $104.95/mth Min. cost $76 Go to Site	$76/mth for first 6 mths, then $104.95/mth Min. cost $76	Go to Site
Dodo	Dodo FTTP, HFC nbn Home Ultrafast Plan FTTP, HFC nbn® 800/92 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $30/mth discount for 6 months based on the standard price $109.99/mth. Ends 08.12.26. T&Cs apply $79.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $109.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Go to Site*	$79.99/mth for first 6 mths, then $109.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Go to Site
Superloop	Superloop FTTP, HFC Lightspeed nbn1000/100 FTTP, HFC nbn® 860/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $25/mth off for 6 mths! $89/mth for 6 mths, then $114/mth + Free eero 7 modem when you stay for 24 mths + Bundle & Save $89/mth for first 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89 Go to Site	$89/mth for first 6 mths, then $114/mth Min. cost $89	Go to Site
Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom FTTP, HFC Ultraspeedy NBN 1000/100 FTTP, HFC nbn® 860/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $25/mth off for the first 6 mths, $89.90/month for first 6 months, then $114.90/month. $89.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $114.90/mth Min. cost $89.90 Go to Site	$89.90/mth for first 6 mths, then $114.90/mth Min. cost $89.90	Go to Site
Kogan Internet	Kogan Internet FTTP, HFC nbn1000 Diamond Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 850/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $14/mth off for 12mths. $94.90/mth for first 12 months then revert back to $108.90/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $94.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $108.90/mth Min. cost $94.90 Go to Site	$94.90/mth for first 12 mths, then $108.90/mth Min. cost $94.90	Go to Site
Flip	Flip FTTP, HFC Unlimited Ultra Speed nbn1000 FTTP, HFC nbn® 850/85 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Get $20.90/mth off for 4 months - $89/mth for first 4mths then $109.90/mth. New customers only. Ends 31.10.26. T&Cs apply. $109.90/mth $89/mth for first 4 mths then $109.90/mth Min. cost $89 Go to Site	$109.90/mth $89/mth for first 4 mths then $109.90/mth Min. cost $89	Go to Site
Aussie Broadband	Aussie Broadband FTTP, HFC Ultrafast Fibre - Unlimited FTTP, HFC nbn® 875/92 Mbps Unlimited Data $129/mth Min. cost $129 Go to Site	$129/mth Min. cost $129	Go to Site

Modems for Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

FTTP connections only need a router, as the NBN connection box serves as a modem. The NBN connection box is installed at a dwelling when FTTP NBN is first connected.

Stand-alone routers are relatively easy to set up and will just need to be plugged into your connection box and a power supply. The vast majority of mesh WiFi devices on the market are just routers, rather than modem-routers. This makes them ideal for use with FTTP.

Modems for Fibre to the Node (FTTN)

FTTN connections require a modem-router, which both connects you to the internet and distributes the connection to other devices. These pieces of hardware are relatively simple to set up, provided that your device is preconfigured; you’ll most likely just need to plug them into a power source and into an existing telephone port in your home.

Many NBN modems are, by default, modem-router combinations. The easiest way to tell is to read the box. If you can see both words ‘modem’ and ‘router’, then boom, you’re good to go.

If you can only find ‘modem’, then you may need to opt for a different modem or buy a router in addition.

In most cases, if you get hardware from your NBN provider, it will be a modem-router. Telstra, Optus, and TPG all give their customers modem-routers, for example.

We're now seeing many providers offer mesh WiFi products like Amazon's popular eero devices. These are only routers. If you plan to use these with an FTTN connection, you'll still need a modem to get online. You can then plug your primary mesh WiFi point into the modem.

NBN plans with a modem included

Most major providers include a free modem, modem-router, or modem within their NBN plans, or at least give you the option to add one on. The catch, however, is that you may need to pay the fee outright or a prorated amount if you choose to leave your plan within a certain timeframe.

Here are the most popular NBN 50 plans from providers where you've got the option for free networking equipment:

Superloop	Superloop All Fixed Line nbn® Extra-value nbn50/20 All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Incl. $20/mth off for 6 months! $69/mth for 6 mths, then $89/mth + Bundle & Save $69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69 Go to Site	$69/mth for first 6 mths, then $89/mth Min. cost $69	Go to Site
iiNet	iiNet All Fixed Line nbn® nbn50 Liimitless All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Includes $20/mth off for 6 mths – $69.99/mth for first 6 months, then $89.99/mth. Use code SAVE20FOR6 $69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99 Link not supplied	$69.99/mth + $10 Upfront for first 6 mths, then $89.99/mth Min. cost $79.99	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus All Fixed Line nbn® Optus Everyday nbn® All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Introductory Offer - $87/mth for 12 mths, then $97/mth or as notified. New services only. Minimum cost $393. Terms apply. $87/mth for first 12 months, normally $97/mth Min. cost $87 Link not supplied	$87/mth for first 12 months, normally $97/mth Min. cost $87	Link not supplied
Vodafone	Vodafone All Fixed Line nbn® Essential+ nbn® All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data Deal: Save $10/mth when you bundle with a mobile plan with Vodafone. T&Cs apply. $94/mth Min. cost $94 Link not supplied	$94/mth Min. cost $94	Link not supplied
iPrimus	iPrimus All Fixed Line nbn® Standard Plus Plan All Fixed Line nbn® nbn® 50/17 Mbps Unlimited Data $90/mth Min. cost $90 Link not supplied	$90/mth Min. cost $90	Link not supplied

The upside of going with a provider modem is that you’re damn near guaranteed for your connection to work off the bat.

You can also read more about what to look for in an NBN modem in our guide here.

Anula Wiwatowska

Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram

Anula is the Off-Site Editorial Lead for WhistleOut Australia, and an award winning tech journalist. She has been writing about the Australian telco industry, and consumer technology for over five years, and has been known to tell her Uber driver which phone they should upgrade to next.

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