What is an nbn PCD and How Does it Help Support FTTP?

Internet & Mobile Security Blog | MATE | 11 October 2023

If you feel more than a little confused and overwhelmed by internet connectivity jargon and acronyms, then you’re not alone. At MATE, we’re all about helping people translate tech talk into a more user-friendly language everyone can understand. Once you have a better understanding of these terms and phrases, this puts the power back in your hands and enables you to make a more informed choice when it comes to choosing a provider or service.

Here we will zone in on the PCD, which is short for Premises Connection Device, and tell you everything you need to know. This means we will also take a look at why you need a PCD to connect with nbn FTTP technology, how a PCD affects your internet, and how to get a PCD installed. We’ll answer your questions and more in this blog.

What is a National Broadband Network PCD?

The PCD, also known as the nbn utility box, is an nbn external box that’s located outside your home and connects to the fibre optic cabling in your street. It may look like a simple little grey box, but inside it houses all the necessary components to connect you with the nbn.

Function of the nbn PCD

A PCD is required for an nbn premises connection. It essentially serves as the bridge between your premises and the nbn network. It plays a pivotal role in making the nbn accessible in your premises, whether that’s your home or business.

The PCD allows you to connect to the nbn via a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection. FTTP is the fastest and most reliable kind of broadband internet connection available in Australia. It’s capable of providing speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).

Beyond facilitating an nbn connection, the PCD also plays a protective role. The PCD contains specific mechanisms that shield a building’s internal network equipment from potential surges or interruptions from the broader nbn network. In this way, the PCD helps to ensure a seamless and safe data transfer between your premises and the nbn.

Installing a PCD at your address

If you’re wondering what you need to do to have a PCD installed at your address, then read on to discover the various requirements and equipment you need, as well as the process involved.

How to install a PCD at your address

If you’re wondering how to install a PCD at your address, then don’t worry. Only a trained nbn technician can install a PCD, which means all you need to do is organise the installation appointment. You don’t need to actually perform the PCD installation yourself.

If your house doesn’t already have a PCD, then you can contact nbn co. to organise an installation.

Here are the steps you need to follow to have a PCD installed at your premises:

First, find out if you’re in an eligible location for FTTP by visiting the nbn co. website.
If you are, you can speak with your nbn provider about setting up the installation of the PCD and the connection box, which is installed inside your premises.
An nbn technician will be scheduled to visit your home or office. Sometimes, a pre-installation visit will be required for the technician to assess the outside of your building before the PCD installation.
Choose a location to install the PCD. If you’re unsure, ask your nbn technician who will be able to offer their professional advice.
The nbn PCD installation visit can take a few hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the connection. If you’re renting, then just make sure you have the landlord’s permission to install a PCD as installation could require drilling into the properties external wall.
After the technician has completed the installation, they’ll stick around to test the nbn equipment and make sure everything is working.
Then, your nbn provider will finalise the connection of your FTTP service and you’re ready to go.

What Is An Nbn Pcd And How Does It Help Support Fttp

Where to install a PCD

So, we’ve already taken you through the process of installing the actual PCD. But where is the best nbn PCD location to install the box?

You’re free to choose the installation location of the PCD. However, there are a few prerequisites. Your technician will be able to help you find the perfect location that meets the right requirements.

The location of the PCD must be:

Located where the fibre can be safely and efficiently run from the utility box
On the inside surface of an exterior wall, or a wall which can be easily accessed for cabling the fibre
Near a dedicated power source
In a safe location away from hazards (for example, busy areas where it may be knocked and damaged)
In a cool, dry, ventilated area (with clearance of 100mm on all sides)
Out of direct sunlight
Accessible for troubleshooting and port access.

What are my nbn options?

If you live in an area that doesn’t have FTTP availability, then don’t worry. There are still plenty of options available to you that can give you fast, efficient and reliable nbn internet access.

For those households that may not have access to FTTP, nbn Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) is another option that uses existing pay TV or cable network lines combined with fibre optic technology. This innovative technology combines the best of both fibre optic cables and traditional coaxial cables, resulting in speed, stability, and performance.

How much does an FTTP nbn plan cost?

Whether you already have a PCD installed or are organising an installation in the future, there are a wide range of FTTP nbn plans that you can choose from.

That’s where MATE comes in. Our Fair Dinkum nbn 250/25 plan means that you can enjoy amazingly fast speeds of up to 202Mbps during typical peak periods. This is the perfect option for busy households, as it allows for all the basics plus simultaneous 4K video streaming and massive upload speeds. This plan allows you to make the absolute most of your nbn FTTP connection.

Looking for something else or additional information? Then make sure you check out the MATE website for more information on all our nbn internet plans.