Understanding your HFC connection box's set-up, features and lights
A great online experience starts with the new nbn Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) connection box. Our guide takes you through the features, how to set it up, what each light indicates, and how you can troubleshoot and resolve any issues.
Getting to know your HFC connection box
Available with new HFC connections from February, the new nbn HFC connection box is equipped with a 2.5GE (Gigabit Ethernet) port to support the wholesale multi-gigabit speeds that will be available with nbn’s upcoming Hyperfast plan#.
What type of nbn HFC connection box do you have?
If your connection box was installed before February 2025, you’re likely to have our previous nbn HFC connection box.
Setting up your nbn HFC connection box
Before you start, make sure you complete this checklist:
- You’ve confirmed with your equipment providers that any services you rely on, such as security, medical and fire alarms, will work on your nbn powered plan.
- You’re aware that the nbn connection box needs to be placed out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry, ventilated area.
- You understand that your existing services, including any medical alarms (depending on the type you have), may not work while you complete this installation. You have a charged mobile phone on hand in case of an emergency.
- You’re aware that your nbn supplied equipment is the property of nbn and should not be removed from the premises in which it is installed.
What you'll need for your set up
In this box (supplied by nbn):
- nbn connection box
- nbn connection box power adaptor
- Fixed white cable
Supplied by you or your phone and internet provider:
- Wi-Fi router
- Wi-Fi router power cord
- Ethernet cable
How to set up your nbn connection
- Sign up to an nbn powered plan
To connect your nbn internet service, sign-up to an nbn powered plan with your preferred phone and internet provider. - Your connection box will be delivered
Once your order is confirmed, your new connection box and cabling will be delivered.
There are two ways your HFC connection box can be installed at your premises – through an nbn approved installer or if eligible, through self-installation. When you contact your provider to connect to the nbn network, they will confirm which installation process is available and applies to your premises.
You can then begin the connection process immediately if you’re supplying your own Wi-Fi router or once you receive a router from your internet provider.
- Connect the fixed white cable to your wall outlet and connection box
Connect the fixed white cable to the nbn connection box via the fixed white cable port.
You’ll know you’re using the correct outlet if all four lights on the front of the nbn connection box turn solid green during Step 4.
- Connect to the power outlet
Connect the power adaptor to the nbn connection box via the power port. Plug the nbn connection box into a power outlet using the power adaptor. - Turn on the power
Switch on the power outlet to activate the nbn connection box and wait for all four lights to turn solid green. Allow up to 20 minutes.
No solid green lights? Check all your cables are securely connected. - Connect your Wi-Fi router to the nbn connection box
Connect the Ethernet cable from your Wi-Fi router into the Ethernet port on your connection box labelled ‘Port’.
Understanding your HFC connection box lights
Your nbn connection box has four indicator lights on the front panel.
Power
| Indicator | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Off | There is no power to your nbn connection box. | Check the power supply is plugged in and switched on and is connected to your nbn connection box. If there is still no power light, contact your provider. |
| Green – flashing | There is an issue with your nbn connection box. | nbn is a wholesaler. If you’re having internet service issues, please contact your provider for assistance. |
| Green - solid | Your power supply is working normally. | No action is required. |
Downstream
| Indicator | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Green - solid | You're able to receive incoming data. | No action required. |
| Green – flashing | Firmware update in progress. | Allow up to 10 minutes for the upgrade to finish. Existing services, including some types of medical alarms, may briefly stop working during these periodic network/firmware updates. Please keep a charged mobile phone on hand in case of an emergency. |
Upstream
| Indicator | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Green - solid | You're able to send outgoing data. | No action required. |
| Green – flashing | Firmware update in progress. | Allow up to 10 minutes for the upgrade to finish. Existing services, including some types of medical alarms, may temporarily stop working on the nbn network during these periodic network/firmware updates. Please keep a charged mobile phone on hand in case of an emergency. |
Online
| Indicator | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Green - solid | Your nbn network connection is active. | No action required. |
What are the ports on the connection box?
Port order (top to bottom):
Ethernet port > Reset > Fixed white cable port > Power
| Ethernet port | Used to connect the connection box to your Wi-Fi router. |
| Reset | A button to force a reset of the connection box. |
| Fixed white cable port | Securely connects the connection box to your cable wall outlet. |
| Power | The port for connecting the power supply unit to the connection box. |
How to temporarily unlock the fixed white cable
We recommend not removing the fixed white cable from your wall outlet and/or device to minimise the risk of damage to your nbn connection box.
If you do need to temporarily unlock it (like when painting or decorating), you can remove the lock connectors from the port using any small object that fits into the hole in the connector.
Get the most out of your nbn connection
To make the most of your nbn experience, we recommend you review your internal setup and optimise the building blocks of your internet connection.