nbn HFC: Speeds, Setup & Best Modems for Hybrid Fibre

Internet & Mobile Security Blog | MATE | 21 March 2025

internet modem displaying connection lights, plugged into a wall outlet.

Navigating the world of internet connectivity can often feel like wandering through a maze of jargon and acronyms. If you’ve found yourself asking, “What is HFC nbn?” or “What equipment do I need for an HFC connection?” you’re not alone. At MATE, we’re committed to de-mystifying everything concerning nbn HFC boxes, giving you the confidence to make an informed decision when it comes to your internet services.

In this blog, we take a deep dive into nbn Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)—one of the leading nbn technologies that has revolutionised Australia’s internet landscape.

What is HFC nbn?

The fundamentals

Often abbreviated to HFC, Hybrid Fibre Coaxial, is a type of connection used in the National Broadband Network (nbn) to deliver high-speed internet to homes and businesses across Australia. This innovative technology utilises a practical and innovative hybrid fibre coaxial cable that combines the best of both fibre optic cables and traditional coaxial cables, resulting in a potent mix of speed, stability, and performance.

Let’s take a look at the components that make the hybrid nature of HFC connections so powerful:

Fibre Optic Cables

The journey of your internet data begins on fibre optic cables. Originating from the core of the nbn network, these strands of flexible drawing glass, no thicker than a human hair, carry digital information as pulses of light. They are capable of transporting this data across considerable distances at lightning-fast speeds with minimal loss, ensuring your connection retains its speed and efficiency while minimising latency.

Coaxial Cable

Upon reaching a local node in your area or your curb, the responsibility of data transmission transfers from the fibre optic cables to a more traditional companion—the coaxial cable. While seemingly less advanced than its fibre counterpart, coaxial HFC cables are a tried-and-true technology with a stellar track record. It confidently handles the shorter distance from the local node to individual premises with ease, completing the final leg of the data’s journey. This robust cable, encased in a metal shield, ensures that your data arrives safely and reliably at your home or business, ready for you to use in your internet activities.

Many homes in Australia often already have a coaxial connection to collect Pay TV broadcasts, making installation easier and less disruptive. For easy installation of your nbn that preserves the stability of your internet service, most installers recommend placing your nbn HFC box by the coaxial wall socket in your house if you already have one. If you currently use Pay TV services, you don’t need to worry about losing your entertainment — your installer will fit a splitter to distribute the service from one cable to two. This ensures you can simultaneously maintain a connection for your Pay TV subscription and nbn co box without interruption.

Quick comparison of HFC, FTTN, FTTC and FTTP

Technology	Connection Type	Performance and Stability	Weather and Distance Impact	Availability
HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)	Uses a mix of fibre optic and coaxial cables to deliver internet.	Maintains strong signal strength over long distances, providing fast and stable internet.	Less affected by environmental factors compared to copper-based technologies.	Widely available in many urban and suburban areas.
FTTN (Fibre-to-the-Node)	Uses fibre optic to a nearby node, then copper cables to connect homes.	Speed and stability depend on the distance from the node.	Highly susceptible to heavy rain and distance from the node, impacting speed and reliability.	Common in older infrastructure areas.
FTTC (Fibre-to-the-Curb)	Runs fibre optic cables closer to homes, with copper cables covering the final stretch.	More stable than FTTN but still limited by copper wiring.	Can be affected by weather and distance, though less than FTTN.	Found in select suburban areas.
FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises)	Uses 100% fibre optic cables directly to the home or business.	Ultra-fast, highly stable, and the gold standard for internet connectivity.	Unaffected by weather or distance since there’s no reliance on copper.	Limited availability, but users may be eligible for a free upgrade — check with MATE.

TLDR

HFC offers strong signal retention and reliability, making it a solid choice for stable, high-speed internet.
FTTP is the most advanced, offering the fastest and most reliable performance where available.
FTTN and FTTC rely on copper, making them more vulnerable to slow speeds and disruptions.

If you’re considering an upgrade, check with MATE to see if FTTP is available in your area!

How fast is nbn HFC?

Many users are excited about nbn HFC because of its promise of high-speed internet. Depending on the plan and service provider you choose, nbn HFC can theoretically provide download speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (or 1 Gbps). However, actual speeds can be influenced by factors like the quality of the HFC cable, distance from the local node, and the number of devices connected at once.

MATE prides itself on delivering reliable and fast HFC internet connections. We’ve made it our mission to provide unlimited data internet plans that make the most of the nbn HFC connection’s potential while also maintaining competitive prices and award-winning customer service.

What equipment do I need for HFC?

Getting your HFC nbn connection up and running requires a set of specialised equipment. Each piece plays a crucial role in transforming the internet data from the nbn network connection into a usable form for your devices. Here is a rundown of the equipment required:

nbn™ HFC Connection Device: This indoor connection box, which could be either an Arris CM820 or an Arris CM8200, depending on the HFC box installed by nbn, acts as the central connection point between the nbn network and your home or office. It’s linked to the cable wall socket in your premises through the included white coaxial cable.
Coaxial cable: This white coaxial HFC cable serves as the connecting link between your HFC Connection box and the wall socket within your premises. To establish your connection, you must ensure that the coaxial cable is properly inserted into the correct ports.
Power cable: This black cable, which is included with your nbn™ HFC Connection Device, ensures that the connection box has the necessary power to operate. One end connects to the power port at the back of the HFC Connection Box, while the other is plugged into a power wall outlet in your home.
Ethernet cable: This cable, often coloured blue, yellow, grey, or white, plays a vital role in connecting your modem/router to the nbn™ HFC Connection Box. One end of the cable plugs into the yellow port labelled UNI-D1 on the back of the nbn™ HFC Connection Box, while the other end plugs into the WAN port on your modem/router.
MATE-supplied modem/router: If you choose the MATE-supplied modem/router, it comes pre-configured and requires no setup. Ensure that the Ethernet cable is plugged from the UNI-D1 port on your nbn™ HFC Connection Device into the WAN or Internet port on the back of your modem. Once powered, your modem/router will start broadcasting wifi, allowing your devices like computers, phones, and tablets to connect via wifi.
BYO modem/router: If you’re opting for a BYO modem/router, you will need to manually configure it with your new MATE nbn™ details. This involves plugging in the Ethernet cable into the WAN port on your modem, connecting your device to your BYO modem/router, accessing the gateway of your modem/router, and configuring the settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For MATE customers, there’s nothing to fret over. We’ve got you covered by providing all the necessary equipment as part of our HFC plans. You’ll receive an nbn HFC modem, along with clear, step-by-step instructions for a seamless, stress-free setup.

What is the installation process?

Commencing your transition to the high-speed HFC nbn network involves a choice between two installation paths. These options could be either a professional setup by a certified nbn installer or, if your premises is eligible, you could undertake a self-installation process. Upon reaching out to your phone and internet provider about connecting to the nbn network, they will clarify which installation process best suits your premises. Here’s a brief introduction to these methods:

Professional Installation of nbn HFC

nbn utility box installation: The first step involves setting up the nbn co box on the exterior of your home or business. If you’ve used cable network services at your premises before, you might already have this box installed, saving you time and simplifying the process.
Coaxial wall outlet installation: Following this, the installer proceeds to the interior of your premises to install a coaxial wall outlet. This outlet serves as the connection point between the external nbn utility box and your interior HFC connection box.
HFC connection box: With the outlet in place, the nbn installer then connects your HFC nbn box to the outlet using a coaxial cable. To complete the setup, another cable, known as an Ethernet cable, is used to connect the box to your modem/router.

When you choose MATE as your service provider, you can leave these steps to us. Our proficient team liaises with the nbn installers to ensure a smooth and hassle-free installation, letting you enjoy your high-speed internet connection with minimal fuss.

Self-Installation of nbn HFC

If you’re someone who enjoys the satisfaction of doing it yourself, this could be the perfect solution for you. This section will guide you through a detailed, step-by-step self-installation process, regardless of whether you’re using Pay TV or not.

Remember, not all premises are eligible for self-installation. Therefore, it’s essential to first consult with your phone and internet provider. They will assess your situation, confirm your eligibility, allowing you to confidently embark on your DIY installation journey.

Step-by-step installation of HFC without Pay TV

Begin by assembling your required materials from the nbn connection kit. This includes an nbn HFC connection box, a white nbn HFC cable, a black power adapter, and an nbn sticker.
Locate the cable wall outlet within your home. Attach one end of the white cable to this outlet, and connect the other end to the white panel on the rear of the nbn connection box.
Insert the black power adapter into the corresponding black power port. The other end of the adapter should be plugged into a suitable power outlet. Switch on the power to initiate the boot-up process of your nbn connection box.
Allow approximately ten minutes for activation. If you do not observe solid green lights on your nbn connection box, inspect the security of the white cable’s connection or experiment with a different wall outlet. In the case of continued difficulties, it’s time to get in touch with your service provider.
Once you notice four green lights illuminating on your nbn connection box, attach the nbn sticker to your cable wall outlet to mark it for future reference.
Now, proceed to connect your Ethernet cable to the modem/router supplied by your service provider (or your own router, if applicable). Insert one end of the cable into the data port labelled “UNI-D1”, and plug the other end into your router.
Congratulations, your nbn network connection is now active!

Nbn Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (hfc) What You Need To Know

Step-by-step installation of nbn HFC with Pay TV

For a setup involving Pay TV, gather the necessary materials from your nbn connection kit: an nbn HFC connection box, two white cables, a power adapter, a splitter, and an nbn sticker.

Identify your cable wall outlet within your premises. It might already be connected to your Pay TV or existing cable internet. Temporarily switch off your Pay TV and detach the cable from the wall outlet.
Connect one end of a white nbn HFC cable from your kit to the wall outlet, and plug the other end into the splitter connection labelled “IN”. The cable you disconnected from your Pay TV should be connected to an available splitter connection.
Use the remaining white nbn HFC cable from your kit to establish a connection between the final splitter connection and the white panel situated at the back of your HFC nbn box.
Connect the power adapter and switch on the nbn connection box, just as you would have in the previous process, and remember to allocate around ten minutes for activation.
Look for a solid green light before moving on. If you’re not getting this, it’s time to revisit your connections or possibly try a different wall outlet. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact your service provider.
Once you see four green lights on your nbn connection box, apply the nbn sticker to your cable wall outlet to ease future identification.
Finally, use an Ethernet cable to connect your modem/router to the HFC nbn box. If all steps have been followed correctly, your nbn network is now fully functional!

The benefits of HFC

The Hybrid Fibre Coaxial network is about more than delivering high-speed internet to your home or business—it’s about enhancing your online experiences and simplifying your digital life.

Let’s delve deeper into the benefits of using a powerful HFC nbn box to connect:

High-speed internet

First and foremost, HFC nbn speeds are some of the best you can expect. Harnessing the strengths of both fibre optic cables and coaxial cables, HFC promises high-speed data transmission that brings online content to your screen in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re a large family with multiple members streaming, gaming, and surfing the web simultaneously or a business that depends on lightning-fast, smooth connections for daily operations, HFC has you covered.

Reliability

HFC isn’t just about speed; it’s also about dependability. The fusion of fibre and coaxial technology at the nbn HFC connection box brings you an internet connection that stands resilient against unexpected hitches like network congestion or weather interference. One of the biggest benefits of what HFC is designed for is the minimisation of issues related to slow or interrupted connections. So, whether you’re in the middle of an important video conference, streaming your favourite TV show, or submitting critical online work, you can trust HFC to deliver without a hitch.

Efficiency

The Hybrid Fibre Coaxial network is a champion when it comes to handling vast amounts of data. With its powerful combination of fibre optic and coaxial cables, HFC ensures minimal data loss and maximum transmission efficiency. This means that your internet experience remains consistent and seamless, whether you’re uploading large files, streaming 4K video, or enjoying a lag-free gaming session.

Future-proof

In the rapidly evolving digital age, having a future-ready connection is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. HFC technology is designed with this in mind. It’s built to adapt to and cater to our ever-growing digital needs. As we lean more heavily into the digital realm—streaming more, gaming more, connecting more—HFC stands ready to keep pace with the future of internet usage.

Your HFC connection box is built to respond to Australia’s constantly changing internet and telecommunications market. NBN Co., the wholesale company responsible for managing the national broadband market, has announced they are in the process of helping retailers to potentially deliver internet speeds higher than 100 and 500 Mbps from their customers’ nbn HFC connection box.

Explore MATE’s nbn Plans

At MATE, we are 100% committed to ensuring that you get the best out of your nbn connection. Our range of unlimited data nbn plans are designed to cater to a variety of internet needs, whether you’re a casual browser, a work-from-home professional, or a hardcore gamer.

Crikey nbn 25/10 ($70/month): Designed for a small household of 1–4 individuals, Crikey provides typical busy period download speeds of 25Mbps. This plan is suitable for light internet activities such as browsing, engaging on social media, and streaming HD content on a single device.
Ripper nbn 50/20 ($80/month): Tailored for a medium-sized household of up to 6 individuals, our Ripper plan offers average evening speeds of 49Mbps. With increased capacity, this plan supports streaming, gaming, and all-around internet usage.
No Worries nbn 100/20 ($90/month): Boasting typical evening speeds of 97Mbps, No Worries is meant for larger households with over 6 users. This package is excellent for online gaming, streaming three HD videos simultaneously or a single 4K video, along with routine internet tasks like browsing, emailing, and music streaming.
You Beaut nbn 100/40 ($100/month): Comparable to the No Worries 100/20 plan, but with double the potential upload speed (up to 40Mbps instead of 20Mbps), this package is ideal for those who regularly upload content to platforms such as YouTube and social media.
Fair Dinkum nbn 250/25 ($115/month): Geared towards heavy internet users, with average evening speeds of 231Mbps, this plan covers all basic internet needs and supports simultaneous 4K video streaming and high upload speeds for seamless video calls.

Installing nbn HFC with MATE

If you’ve chosen to become a MATE, there are a few things you can expect from the installation process:

What to expect

Once your order is approved, your provider will schedule your HFC nbn box installation and send an SMS confirmation. You must reply to confirm your preferred time. A few days before, expect a call to check for obstacles that could delay setup.

Rescheduling? Contact your provider at least 24 hours in advance as SMS rescheduling is unavailable.
Renters — Notify your landlord or property manager beforehand to prevent issues.

On installation day, an nbn technician will:

Confirm the best location for your HFC nbn box and modem.
Install a lead-in nbn HFC cable, if needed.
Set up, activate, and test your connection for optimal HFC nbn speeds.
Perform drilling/ducting if required.
Clean up after installation.

For apartment buildings, ensure access to the communication cabinet is arranged. If you already have HFC nbn equipment, inform your provider in advance to streamline the process.

Installation Process & Requirements

How long it’ll take: A standard installation takes two to four hours, but it may extend up to eight hours if additional work is needed, such as connecting the hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable to the nbn utility box (PCD).

Who needs to be there for installation: An adult (18+) must be present for the entire appointment to provide access and approve equipment placement.

Completion in a single visit: The technician aims to finish the installation in one visit, but complex setups may require a follow-up appointment.

Equipment Placement & Setup

Choosing the right location: The nbn HFC box and other equipment must be within 80cm of a power outlet, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from high-traffic zones.

Approval before installation: You must approve all installation details before work begins. If the proposed location isn’t suitable, discuss alternatives with your technician or contact your provider.

Wall outlet relocation: If eligible, you can request a free relocation of your main wall outlet during installation, leaving two working outlets.

Location do’s and dont’s

Factors to think about when picking the location for your nbn-supplied equipment:

Do’s ✅	Don’ts ❌
Install within 80cm of a power point so the modem for HFC nbn and equipment remains plugged in.	Avoid areas far from power outlets or where extension cords may be needed.
Choose a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location.	Avoid damp or humid areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
Place the equipment away from high-traffic zones to prevent damage.	Don’t install in busy areas where it may get knocked or obstructed.
Ensure it’s easily accessible to check indicator lights.	Avoid hard-to-reach locations where troubleshooting will be difficult.
Install in the same building as the main electric meter box or distribution board.	Don’t place it in a detached garage or separate structure from the main power source.
If eligible, request a free relocation of your main wall outlet for better accessibility.	Don’t settle for an inconvenient location if a better placement option is available.
Approve all installation details before the technician starts.	Don’t proceed if you’re unhappy with the suggested location — discuss alternatives with your provider.

Take your time choosing the best location to ensure a smooth and reliable connection!

Pay TV & nbn Service Compatibility

No disruptions to Pay TV: Your nbn installation will not interfere with Pay TV services like Foxtel. The technician will install a splitter to distribute the connection.

Optimising Pay TV connectivity: For the best experience, connect your TV or set-top box to your provider-supplied modem via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. If you need further assistance, contact your Pay TV provider.

The takeaway

Fast, reliable internet is essential, and HFC technology delivers seamless streaming, gaming, and remote work for Australians.

As a leading provider, MATE offers unlimited data, no lock-in contracts, and Australia-based support with every HFC nbn plan. Our expert team is here to help you choose a plan and get it set up.

Ready for a better internet? Sign up today and experience the difference that MATE HFC nbn plans make!

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