Cabling for the Smart Home of Tomorrow | NECA

Cabling for the Smart Home of Tomorrow

How to make sure you're nbntm ready.

As the nbn™ network rollout picks up pace, more and more new developments are set to become eligible to receive Australia’s new and upgraded telecommunications network. This means with the introduction of new technology, the way to cable a new home is changing.

In today’s new home market, high-speed internet is an important inclusion. Connected houses are transforming the property market with many home buyers expecting homes to be equipped with smart cabling. From automated heating and cooling, lighting and home security through to smart appliances such as smart fridges, we’re turning to our devices more than ever to get things done.

With increasing demand for smart homes, it’s important for cablers to become familiar with new technologies and cabling requirements for the nbn™ network - not only to stay up to date with the industry, but to avoid delays or additional fees that can occur when installation isn’t done right the first time.

Here’s a quick look at how to get your cabling right for tomorrow’s home buyer.

  1. Check if the nbn™ network is available

It’s important to plan ahead to ensure a new home is able to support all the benefits that high-speed broadband can bring. The first thing you should do is speak with your builder or developer to check if they have applied to have nbn™ network installed. If the development is a new address in a current nbn rollout area, chances are that nbn is now your telecommunications provider.  If you can’t speak with your builder, you can contact nbn for advice.

 

  1. Check the technology type and download the cabling guides

The nbn™ network is made up of a mix of technologies and installing cabling for each technology type is different. Speak with your builder to determine the type of technology being installed and visit nbn.com.au/cabling to download the specific cabling guidelines. These guides outline how to set up the premises to complete the connection to the nbn™ network, including internal and external conduit paths and utility box separations.

 

  1. Find out about the home buyers’ technology needs

It’s important that you talk to the new home owners about the telecommunications services they may want to access in their new homes. Asking questions such as where they will be using home computers, if they are installing home security, or whether they will be using smart energy and kitchen systems, will all help inform where nbn™ supplied equipment, phone and data outlets should be located. Technology needs should be planned out as early as possible, as installing cabling can be much more expensive for the home owner after construction is completed.

 

  1. nbn™ network installation

The final step is to install cabling for the nbn connection per the guidelines and Australian Standards AS/CA S009 2013. If your development is serviced by nbn fibre to the premise (FTTP), you can also request a pre-installation of in-home equipment if your builder hasn’t already. This means that all the in-home equipment is ready for the resident to connect as soon as they move in. To request a pre-installation of nbn™ supplied equipment, visit: nbn.com.au/preinstallrequest.

 

Are you also installing the street connection?
Some builders and cablers may also be asked to complete pit and pipe or lead in conduit installation on behalf of the developer.  If this is the case, it’s important for you to follow nbn’s guidelines to avoid remediation, delays or fees.  Visit the nbn website to view the latest guidelines.

 

Further Information

If you have any questions about cabling for the nbn™ network, visit nbn.com.au/cabling for more information or contact their team of specialists on: 1800 687 626 

newdevelopments@nbn.com.au