WHAT IS FIXED WIRELESS?
nbn FW (Fixed Wireless) is a fixed wireless service – it is delivered by radio communications, via antennas that transmit a signal direct to a small outdoor antenna attached to the premises. It is a different technology to mobile broadband / wireless internet.
Fixed wireless (FW) does not provide mobile phone service, and can not be moved (hence the term ‘fixed’).
ARE YOU ELIGIBILE?
Check your address for FW eligibility here: nbn : Check your Address
IMPORTANT PRE-INSTALLATION READING
- Preparing for a nbn Fixed Wireless Connection
- nbn Fixed Wireless Explained
- nbn Fixed Wireless User Guide
GETTING FW ORGANISED
If you are able to obtain an nbn FW service at your address (if you are in the fixed wireless coverage area) you will need to contact a RSP (Retail Service Provider) also known as ISP (Internet Service Provider) to arrange for the equipment to be installed. (nbn is an internet wholesaler and does not provide internet services directly to the public.)
A technician (nbn contractor) will be booked by the RSP to install the equipment. In the case of faulty equipment or connection problems you will need to contact your provider (not nbn).
BASIC FW INFO
nbn Fixed wireless installations require that two pieces of nbn-owned equipment are installed at your premises: the INDOOR unit and the OUTDOOR unit.
Please remember, the indoor unit (the connection box) needs to be installed on a wall in a sheltered, dry area with access to power. The indoor unit will be connected to the outdoor antenna by a cable, which provides power to the antenna and also connects the data from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. You are entirely within your rights to ask that the installation take place in a location that is not the main house / residence on your property, but you need to keep in mind where you will be using the computer as it will need to be close to that point.
The outdoor unit has to have direct line of sight to and be less than 14 km from the serving nbn wireless tower. Other factors, such as local vegetation / tree density/ mountains etc can also prevent a sufficiently strong signal being achieved. 14 km is an absolute maximum and may be less, depending on local factors.
POSITIONING CONSIDERATIONS
The best place for your indoor Network Termination Device is one that is:
- Near your existing phone or network cabling or devices that you will use the most
- Within 1.5 metres of a dedicated 240V power point (a mandatory requirement)
- In a cool, dry, ventilated area
- Away from busy areas where it may be knocked and damaged
- Where it will be easy for you to check the indicator lights if there is a problem
Customers who wish to make use of a VoIP service over the nbn connection will have additional considerations (i.e. be close to existing phone cabling). BIRRR recommends that you maintain your exisiting phone service and NOT switch to a VOiP Based service.
In order to obtain nbn fixed wireless service you must be able to receive and transmit minimum levels of wireless signal between your property and a base station. Currently a signal test reading of -99dBm is needed. A signal of -99dBm or stronger will result in an install of nbn equipment. The lower the number the stronger the signal ie -76dBm is better than -99dBm and anything over -99dBm will be signal failure.
You may need a mast to get an nbn fixed wireless signal. This is still a ‘standard’ nbn installation, however the installer may need to come back with the right sized mast.
All FW equipment is the property of nbn and should not be moved or adjusted.
CONNECTING YOUR FW EQUIPMENT
The next step once the nbn Fixed Wireless equipment is installed will involve connecting your Internet access equipment. The antenna on the outside of a home will be connected by a cable running through the wall to the Network Termination Device (NTD) which will be located within the home. If you require WiFi from your nbn FW connection you will need to purchase a wireless router. BIRRR recommends purchasing a ‘plug and play’ router from your provider.
The ability to directly connect a computer to the NTD via an ethernet/LAN cable is very important (see below).
An RSP may request that you by-pass any routers etc when testing, to ensure that any fault/problem is not with your equipment. The ability to LAN cable connect a computer to the NTD is very important. This is how the installer commissions the service. The router enables you to connect other devices by LAN cable or WIFI to the internet.
In the event that the ‘standard installation’ procedure fails you can consider a ‘non-standard’ install. Please read the BIRRR Notes on nbn Fixed Wireless: NON-STANDARD INSTALLATIONS
*Please note, while all care has been taken in compiling BIRRR documents, we recommend that you check with nbn or your ISP regarding your own connection issues. Thanks to nbn for assistance in compiling this document. Information has been obtained from nbn, Skymesh, Whirlpool forums and BIRRR members. This page was updated on 15th July 2018.
Better Internet for Rural, Regional & Remote Australia (BIRRR) 