Looking for Some Advice on My nbn FTTC to FTTP Connection

Hi guys, I am looking for some advice on my NBN connection. Specifically in relation to cabling/connection point, and also modem/router.

Some background first:
• I'm in my house since 2015. When I moved in the only option for internet connection I had was Optus Cable, which is what the previous owners had as well.
• At that time I connected the Optus provided modem/router at Phone Line 1 – see images here: https://imgur.com/a/jUOl9Ze
• I had NBN (FTTC) connected in 2020 when it became available in the area. When the NBN technician came to do the cabling, he told me he could run the cables to that Phone Line 1 (which is facing exterior wall) or run the cables along the side of the property to my main living area. There was an existing phone line there (Phone Line 2) but that is not facing an exterior wall, its on an interior wall.
• I opted to just get it connected to Phone Line 1 as that is the point I was using for my Cable service, and I did not want to run the risk of shoddy drilling/workmanship.
• This went all ok. But after couple of months of this install I decided to move the NBN box + Optus modem/router from Phone Line 1 to Phone Line 2 – thinking placing it more centrally in the house makes more sense than having this sit near my front door.
• I wasn't sure if my speed would be impacted given the NBN guy ran the cable only to Phone Line 1. But again, no issues. I've continued to get the advertised 50/20 speeds.

The now:
• So now its 2025, and I figure its time for me to upgrade to FTTP which I've had available for some time.
• Also, with WFH and frequent video calls, I'm starting to experience some video lags (even though speed tests continue to show 50/20 speeds).
• Plus, I guess paying $84 per month for the Optus Internet Everyday 50/20 plan is not the best value.

Next steps:
• I'll stick with Optus for now given I've had Optus Sport with them, and I will continue to benefit having the Stan subscription for only $10 per month until January 2026.
• I plan on subscribing to the 100/18 plan and get the free FTTP upgrade.

Questions:
1) Similar to when I first got FTTC installed, can I get the NBN technician to just run the necessary cabling to Phone Line 1, and keep my NBN box and Optus modem/router at Phone Line 2?
2) If/when I decide to switch away from Optus to another provider, can I still use the Optus Ultra WiFi Modem Gen 2? Or will I have to get my own modem/router? Note: I've "paid off" the Ultra WiFi Modem Gen 2

Keen to get some thoughts.

TIA.

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Comments

  • The fibre gets connected to the nbn NTD box and can't be separated.

    The technician will probably put the nbn NTD box where P1 enters the home. Put the router here or get ethernet installed from the nbn NTD box to anywhere you want the router setup. They may put the nbn NTD box where P2 enters if it's easily accessible.

    Optus Ultra Gen 2 router can be re-used (VoIP is locked to Optus). Purchase a new router if you want better Wi-Fi speeds and range and access to all the router settings.

    • Purchase a new router if you want better Wi-Fi speeds and range

      Any particular reason you say this?

      • Optus Ultra Gen 2 Wi-Fi may not reach everywhere in a two level home.

        • Any alternative recommendations?

          • @Pbm33: I'll check. How much do you want to spend?

            • @Twix: No idea how much these things cost … ~$200

              • @Pbm33: [Prime] GL.iNet Flint 2 (GL-MT6000) router $186.48 ($176.12 with PayTo payment) @ Amazon AU.
                https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/914979

                TP-Link Deco X55 mesh Wi-Fi router 2-pack $226.10 ($214.80 with PayTo payment) @ Amazon AU.

  • +1

    Good luck with Optos No No No… Yes move Yes move…

    Optus are not the best RSP.

  • Thought all Optus cable got HFC? Anyways, no difference to your question. You’ll probably need a 3 unit mesh wifi setup which will give you a whole house result on the one SSID including upstairs, and won’t need any cabling.
    If you want freedom from Optus and your VOIP number try porting the number out to Crazytel before changing anything else - that’s a slow process compared to porting a mobile number. Once you’ve done that churning providers is easier.
    I always thought 50/20 was perfectly fine, but lately it’s become laggy - lots of extra stuff around home, lots of neighbours putting huge loads on the system. Now on 100/20 and it’s better, but provider has Speedboost days at 250/40, and that is Sooooo much better.

    • Most of Optus HFC got dumped for nbn FTTC. Telstra HFC turned into nbn HFC.

  • I have a very similar story/setup (Optus)
    Had the Optus Cable and Telstra phone installed to my computer room at the back of the house (2000, when they would install anywhere you wanted for the business) - I had already done all the ethernet points back to this room (when you could do this yourself). Router sits here.
    FTTC 2020 upgrade(from Optus cable)- they just hooked into the Telstra copper - OK still terminates where I want it.Currently on the 100/18

    Got excited by the free FTTP upgrades (I run a few game servers , so I like the idea of extra UP speed) but then realised they would certainly only do back to back installs somewhere at the front of the house (bedroom or garage). Cracked it , have left it alone,

    Septemberish speed upgrades are too good to pass up, gonna have to bite the bullet get the FTTP install assessed and see where they are going to put it and run ethernet from there to my back computer room.

    Optus modems have been serviceable (supplemented by mesh for the wi-fi) don't like the fact the firmware is locked down and cut down/restrictive. I would probably buy something 'normal' when I do the FTTP upgrade.

    (Yes, I wish HFC had been an option rather than the initial fibre upgrade in 2020, but there was no offering)

  • Hi guys, some additional questions:
    1) Does anyone have a photo of the 'nbn connection box' which is installed inside the house - would like to see what this looks like
    2) What are the dimensions of this 'nbn connection box'
    3) What is the length of the power cable of the 'nbn connection box'
    4) Does the 'nbn connection box' and Wi-Fi router need to be connected directly to a power point outlet each, or is it ok to use an extension lead and/or powerboard

    Thanks!

    • +2
      1. nbn FTTP connection box and has Gigabit ports.
      2. nbn FTTP connection box is 235mm (w) x 195mm (h) x 70mm (d).
      3. My IEC power cable is about 50cm however there are longer and shorter IEC power cables.
      4. nbn FTTP connection box power cable straight to a power point if possible. A power board can be used.

      The latest 1-port and 4-port FTTP connection box can be retrofitted to this existing FTTP bracket.

      .

      1. The latest nbn FTTP connection boxes are available from September.
      2. 1-port 2.5GbE nbn FTTP connection box is 97mm (w) x 200mm (h) x 40mm (d).
        4-port nbn FTTP connection box is 180mm (w) x 205mm (h) x 45.5mm (d).
        4-port has 1 x 10GbE and 3 x 2.5GbE.
      3. Power cable is 1.5m in length.
      • Where did you find this information?

        • nbn website and the imgur pictures from reddit.

          • @Twix: Are you able to share link where it has those dimensions please? Can't find it.

              • @Twix: Brilliant, thanks!

                Dilemma: upgrade to FTTP now on a 100 Mbps plan, and potentially get 500 Mbps at same price from September, but "old" connection box. Or wait till September to get new slimmer connection box, but potentially having to pay more for the 500 Mbps.

                Thoughts?

                • @Pbm33: Most providers said the 100/20 price is not changing. Some providers increased the 100/20 price 1st July. Who are you going with?

                  Do you prefer the Gigabit nbn FTTP connection box or the 2.5GbE 1-port or 4-port connection box?

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