Network congestion on the NBN happens when too many users access the network at once, slowing down speeds. This is most noticeable during peak hours (7 PM–11 PM) and impacts activities like streaming, gaming, and video calls. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Peak Usage: Congestion is worst during busy evening hours.
- Infrastructure Issues: FTTP performs better than FTTN or Fixed Wireless, which suffer more during high demand.
- User Habits: High-bandwidth activities and multiple devices per household strain the network.
- ISP Role: Providers manage congestion by purchasing adequate CVC capacity.
Quick Tips:
- Use fewer devices during peak times.
- Schedule downloads or streaming outside peak hours.
- Choose a plan with higher speeds for better performance.
NBN congestion is improving, but user habits and infrastructure upgrades remain critical for smoother connections.
How NBN congestion works
Causes of NBN Network Congestion
The NBN network faces several challenges that lead to congestion, causing noticeable performance fluctuations during different times of the day and across connection types.
Peak Usage Times
Congestion is at its worst between 7 PM and 11 PM, as households engage in activities like streaming, gaming, and video calls. This time frame sees the heaviest network usage, with multiple devices competing for bandwidth.
The ACCC reports that while NBN performance has improved, peak hours still pose challenges. Fixed-line connections now deliver 99.3% of their maximum speeds during busy times, while fixed wireless services reach 97.9% of their potential [2].
Infrastructure Limits
Different NBN technologies handle congestion differently:
- FTTP: Experiences minimal congestion thanks to its direct fibre connections.
- FTTN: Faces moderate congestion, often affected by the distance of copper lines.
- Fixed Wireless: Suffers the most, as bandwidth is shared among users connected to the same tower.
Recent changes, such as removing capacity-based charges for high-speed plans (100 Mbps and above), have eased some congestion issues. However, physical limitations – especially in FTTN and fixed wireless areas – continue to impact performance during peak demand periods [2].
User Activity and Data Usage
Household habits also play a big role in straining the network. High-bandwidth activities are now common in Australian homes, including:
- Streaming in 4K while gaming simultaneously.
- Daytime video conferencing and cloud backups.
With an average of 13+ connected devices per household [3], overlapping demands stretch the network’s capacity. Managing these increasing data needs remains a key challenge for reducing congestion.
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Technical Aspects of NBN Congestion
CVC Management
Internet providers play a big role in managing NBN congestion. They purchase CVC (Connectivity Virtual Circuit) capacity from NBN Co to handle users’ data needs. When providers skimp on this capacity to save money, it often results in slower internet speeds during busy times. However, recent changes, like removing capacity fees for plans over 100 Mbps, have helped improve performance during peak hours [2].
Network Design and Last-Mile Problems
Congestion issues go beyond how ISPs manage capacity – they’re also tied to the physical network itself. The "last mile", which connects the network node to individual homes or businesses, is often where things slow down the most.
Several factors contribute to these slowdowns, including:
- Aging copper wiring, which weakens signal quality.
- Poor building wiring, leading to inefficient data transmission.
- Delays from environmental or permitting issues, which hinder timely upgrades.
These challenges add to the strain caused by peak-hour usage and user habits, making infrastructure improvements and smarter consumer choices essential for better performance.
Ways to Reduce NBN Congestion
Infrastructure and ISP Solutions
Addressing NBN congestion involves a mix of policy updates and technical improvements. For instance, NBN Co’s decision to eliminate capacity-based charges has eased peak-hour congestion, especially for high-speed plans. At the same time, ISPs are taking steps to ensure smoother connections by improving their infrastructure and managing bandwidth effectively.
Here’s how ISPs tackle congestion:
- Buying enough CVC capacity to meet demand during peak hours
- Adjusting bandwidth automatically to maintain consistent speeds
- Monitoring peak usage to optimize network performance
- Upgrading infrastructure to handle faster speeds
These efforts have led to impressive results. Fixed-line NBN connections now deliver 99.3% of maximum plan speeds across all tiers, while fixed wireless connections hit 97.9% of plan speeds during busy hours [2].
Tips for Consumers
Get the Most Out of Your Connection
- Choose a modem that works well with your specific NBN connection type to avoid dropouts and speed inconsistencies [1].
- Turn on Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize critical applications. This works similarly to how ISPs manage bandwidth allocation on a larger scale.
- Limit the number of devices connected at the same time to reduce strain on your network.
Plan Your Usage Wisely
Schedule activities like downloads or streaming outside peak hours (7–11 PM) to minimize congestion.
Pick the Right Plan
When selecting an NBN plan, take these factors into account:
- Plans with higher speed tiers generally perform better during peak times.
- Look for evening speed guarantees.
- Match your plan’s capacity to the number of devices in your household.
Managing NBN Congestion
Fixed-line NBN connections are now delivering 99.3% of their maximum plan speeds across all tiers, reflecting recent progress in reducing network congestion [2].
This progress can be attributed to two key factors:
- Infrastructure upgrades and CVC adjustments: Providers have been enhancing network capacity and optimizing bandwidth allocation.
- Smarter consumer choices: Selecting appropriate plans and timing usage during off-peak hours has also played a role.
While providers continue to improve the network, users can take steps to enhance their connection quality. For instance, scheduling data-heavy activities during non-peak times and ensuring their hardware is up-to-date can make a noticeable difference [1].
For more insights, tools like the Oz Broadband Review Blog provide plan comparisons and practical tips for managing congestion effectively.
As highlighted, keeping up with rising bandwidth demands will require ongoing infrastructure enhancements and informed user habits.