A bridge tap, also called "star wiring," is a point where a single cable splits into multiple branches to connect additional sockets. This setup enables more locations in your home for plugging in phones or a modem.
Before the introduction of the NBN, most Australian homes used Telstra’s copper network. Multiple sockets were convenient, allowing phones and ADSL modems to be connected in different rooms—for example, a phone in the kitchen, another in a bedroom, and a modem in the office.
Bridge taps can create problems for NBN services because they interfere with signal transmission in copper-based technologies. Some of the issues include:
Think of it like a river splitting into smaller streams—when all but one stream is blocked, the water flows more efficiently. Similarly, a single, uninterrupted cable provides better internet performance.
No, bridge taps are only a concern for NBN connections that rely on copper wiring, such as Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Building (FTTB), and Fibre to the Curb (FTTC).
To find out which NBN technology you’re using, visit nbnco.com.au, enter your address, and check your connection type.
If you suspect a bridge tap, you can test your sockets
A licensed technician can adjust your home’s wiring to remove unnecessary branches, ensuring the main line connects directly to a single socket. This helps deliver faster and more reliable internet.
If you experience slow speeds or frequent dropouts and suspect a bridge tap, contact us for further testing. If necessary, arrange for a licensed technician to inspect your wiring and fix any issues.
Addressing a bridge tap can significantly improve the performance of copper-based NBN connections like FTTN, FTTC, and FTTB.
Article ID: 115
Created: April 3, 2024
Last Updated: November 25, 2024
Author: Annive Federicos [annive.federicos@spintel.net.au]
Online URL: https://articles.spintel.net.au/article/bridge-taps-on-nbn-connections.html