NBN Speed Test

This diagnostic utility validates the performance of your NBN connection against the ACCC's "Typical Evening Speed" standards. Because the NBN utilizes a Multi-Technology Mix (MTM), your potential speed is physically limited by the infrastructure at your premises: FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), or copper-based legacy technologies like FTTN (Node) and FTTC (Curb).

While FTTP users can easily achieve gigabit speeds, FTTN and HFC users frequently report inconsistent performance caused by "CVC Congestion" (ISP bandwidth limits) or physical copper degradation during rain, rather than a router fault.

Understanding Your Speed Metrics

When analyzing your NBN connection, focus on these three performance vectors:

Download Throughput: This is the headline number (e.g., NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 1000). In Australia, ISPs are required to state "Typical Evening Speeds" (7 PM - 11 PM). If your speed drops by more than 30% during these hours, your provider has likely not purchased enough CVC (Connectivity Virtual Circuit) bandwidth for your area.

Upload Throughput: Most residential NBN plans (Traffic Class 4) are Asymmetrical. For example, the popular "100/20" plan offers 100 Mbps download but only 20 Mbps upload. If you need faster uploads for cloud backups, you must upgrade to a plan explicitly labeled "100/40" or a Business TC2 service.

Latency (Ping): FTTP connections typically deliver 3-10ms ping to local capital cities. FTTN connections often range from 25-50ms due to the copper "last mile." If you see spikes >100ms, it is often due to an uninsulated "Bridge Tap" on your internal phone wiring.

What Results Should You Expect?

The "Technology Lottery"

Your hardware dictates your maximum theoretical speed. Typical benchmarks include:

FTTP (Fiber): ~950 Mbps (on NBN 1000 plans). Rock solid stability.

HFC (Cable): ~90-100% of plan speed, but may suffer from "micro-dropouts" if the Arris modem signal (dBmV) drifts.

FTTN (Node): Highly variable. If you are >800m from the green roadside cabinet, you may physically never achieve 100 Mbps, regardless of the plan you pay for.

If you are on an NBN 50 plan but your speed test is stuck at exactly 12 Mbps, your port has likely been "policed" (capped) due to line instability, or you are running on a backup 4G dongle.

Why Is Your NBN Connection Slow?

Before calling your RSP (Retail Service Provider), investigate these common premise-level faults:

Bridge Taps (FTTN): If you have unused telephone wall sockets in your house, they act as antennas for interference. Disconnecting all sockets except the one used by the modem often boosts speed by 20-30%.

Arris Modem Dropout (HFC): The black Arris NTD box is sensitive to heat. If the "Upstream" or "Downstream" lights flash, the coaxial signal is too weak (or too strong). Remove any splitters between the wall and the black box.

NCD Clicking (FTTC): If you hear a clicking sound from the white NBN box (NCD) and the blue light turns red, the device is failing to power the distribution point unit (DPU) in the street pit. This often happens after storms.

NBN Technical Configuration Data

How to Get an Accurate Test

Wi-Fi performance in Australian homes is often poor due to the size of properties and double-brick walls.

To confirm the NBN speed delivered to your property, connect a Cat6 Ethernet cable directly to the UNI-D 1 port on the NBN NTD (for FTTP/HFC) or directly to the modem (for FTTN). If this wired test meets the "Typical Evening Speed" promised by your RSP, the issue is your Wi-Fi router.

When to Call Support

Escalate the issue to your RSP (Telstra, Optus, Aussie BB, etc.) if you observe these failures:

Red Optical Light: On FTTP boxes, a red "Optical" light means the physical fiber cable is cut.

Clicking NCD: On FTTC connections, if the white box clicks and resets continuously.

Speed Degradation: If your sync speed (found in modem settings) is significantly lower than your plan speed (e.g., syncing at 25 Mbps on a 50 Mbps plan).

You cannot contact NBN Co directly. You must lodge faults via your Retail Service Provider's App or support line.