Think of Australia’s National Broadband Network like a big network of pipes that carry water to your home. But instead of water, it carries data – information from around the world, straight to your phone, computer, or smart device.

For example, when you watch a video on YouTube, you are using data. NBN is not an Internet Service Provider (ISP), but a provider of infrastructure. They're responsible for building and maintaining those ‘pipes’, which are used by ISPs to connect your home to the internet.

The NBN uses different types of technologies to carry data, such as fibre optic cables, copper wires, antennas, and wireless towers. The type of technologies connected to your property vary depending on where you live.

Not all internet service providers (ISPs) use the exact same networks to connect to your house. There are many factors controlled by the ISP that can affect your broadband experience.

Some of those factors include the different speeds they can offer, how they manage their own traffic, the scale of their redundancy network, the quality of customer service they offer, and the price they charge.

Some providers may also have extra features or benefits, such as unlimited data, free modems, or bundled phone or TV services.

That's why it's important to compare different internet plans and providers before you sign up, so you can find the best one for your needs and budget.

NBN boxes, which are also called Network Termination Devices (or Network Connection Devices), connect your home to the National Broadband Network.

These devices are made for each unique address in the NBN database – meaning you can't use the same box if you move to a different address, even if the new property has the same type of connection technology.

The answer to this question depends on a few factors.

First, you need to check what type of connection you have. If you have a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or a Fixed Wireless connection, you'll need to contact your internet provider and request a relocation of your NBN box.

If you have a Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) or a Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection, you will need to have the connection socket changed.

Changing the location of the NBN box or socket typically incurs a fee as it must be done by a NBN Certified Installer. You can contact your internet provider to organise an appointment to have your equipment moved and it may take some time to go through this process.

You can, however, move your modem or router, so long as your network cable is long enough to reach the new location!

If you're wondering whether you can use your old ADSL modem for your new NBN connection, the answer is probably no.

NBN modems are different to ADSL modems because they use different technologies and frequencies to connect to the internet. You'll need a compatible modem to enjoy the full benefits of your NBN service.

There are two types of NBN installations:

• If you have an activation, you don’t need to be at home. Your internet provider will remotely activate your NBN service.

• If you are given an appointment, an authorised adult will need to be onsite for the duration. This includes installation of the connection box inside your home. We strongly recommend you do not sign-off on installations until you are happy with the location of the equipment.

In Fibre to the Node (FTTN) locations, the Fibre Access Node (FAN) is the ‘node’ part of your connection – which is where the connection to your house changes from high-speed fibre to less favourable copper cabling.

The connection to the node comes from the nearest Point of Interconnect (POI), which you can learn more about in our Help Centre.

According to NBN, the average distance between a node and the properties it’s connected to is about 500 metres or less.

It’s important to know that this equipment is looked after by NBN, so only licenced technicians are allowed to open a node. Users should not try to open it themselves and could receive a hefty fine for tampering with it.

If you're wondering who is responsible for putting in the internet plug on your wall, the answer depends on your type of connection. For most connections, you'll need a technician to come to your home and set up the socket for you. They'll also connect your modem and make sure everything is working.

If your property is to be connected with FTTP, Fixed Wireless, or Hybrid Fibre (HFC), you cannot have your own chosen tradesperson to install or repair the socket and it must be done by a NBN Certified Installer.

For some connections that use telephone-style plugs (known as an RJ11 wall point), such as FTTC and FTTN, you will need to organise your own third-party electrician or certified cabler to do this before your NBN installation.

Either way, your provider should give you instructions on how to prepare for your appointment before your service is installed.

Fibre to the Curb and Fibre to the Node (or Building) uses a RJ11 type wall plate indoors. This is where you connect your modem or connection device.

Sometimes, older buildings may have more than one of these – but in most cases, only one point will be active and usable for a connection. The active socket is formally known as your property’s Network Boundary Point; as the name implies, this is where the network (NBN) stops, and anything connected beyond it is the managed by the end users.

In a property that is using Hybrid Fibre (HFC) internet, the wall socket has a round plug known as a F-Type wall plate. This is the same type of plug that has been used in the past for pay TV connections, so in some households there might be more than one of these – however the same as FTTN/FTTC applies to these as only one of those points is active and usable for an internet connection.