*If you get one of Superloop's eligible nbn plans and stay connected for 36 months.
What is an NTD — and why should you care?
An NTD (Network Termination Device) might not be the swankiest-sounding thing, but it's a critical piece of your internet ecosystem. It's the small box installed in homes or businesses with FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial) connections, and it acts as the gateway between the nbn® network and your internal setup.
What does it do?
It manages the connection between your internet provider (like Superloop) and your home devices. It’s where your modem plugs in to get access to the internet. NTD works backstage. While you don’t see it, without it, the show doesn’t go on.
Who gets one?
Homes and businesses with FTTP or HFC connections will have an NTD installed by NBN Co.
Why does it matter for faster speeds?
As new multigigabit speed tiers roll out (think 500 Mbps, 1000 Mbps, 2000 Mbps), your NTD needs to be up to the task. Older models can bottleneck your connection, even if you’ve paid for a faster plan.
Superloop can help check your device and, if needed, arrange a hardware upgrade — so your internet experience is smooth sailing no matter what you’re doing.
Why might your old NTD not cut it for new speed tiers?
Speed has outgrown the hardware
Old Network Termination Devices (NTDs) were fine when all you needed was to check emails or stream in SD. But today’s internet needs — 4K Netflix marathons, Google Meets calls, Fortnite showdowns, and backing up your entire Euro summer to the cloud — are a whole different story.
Limited ports and tech
Many older NTDs (especially on FTTP and HFC setups) have Ethernet ports that top out at 1000 Mbps. If you're eyeing a 2000 Mbps Superloop plan, that’s like driving a Ferrari with bicycle tyres. Sorry to be the one to deliver bad news, but you're not going anywhere fast.
Compatibility issues
The upgraded models support faster ports (like 2.5 Gbps) and better handling for modern network traffic. They’re built to manage multiple devices streaming, syncing and gaming at once.
Upgrade made easy
Not sure what box is on your wall? Superloop can help check if your NTD is up to speed. And if not, we’ll guide you through the upgrade with minimal fuss.
Modems supporting multigigabit speed
Not all devices are built for multi-gigabit internet. Older models can create bottlenecks that slow your connection, no matter how fast your plan is.
Other factors to consider when comparing modems and speeds is that wired connections using quality cables like Cat6 enable consumers to experience the full speed of 1Gbps plans—when a device such as a laptop is plugged directly into the modem-router, speeds should be close to maximum, barring network or hardware limitations. On Wi-Fi, actual speeds are typically lower due to factors like device capabilities (newer laptops, Wi-Fi 6E smartphones perform much better than older models), physical distance from the router, interference from walls, furniture, and other electronics, as well as the number of devices sharing the network.
Wi-Fi coverage also plays a critical role—testing speeds in different locations can reveal significant drops, especially if your device is far from the router or has legacy wireless standards (e.g., an older phone or laptop). For accurate results and the best experience, always consider device compatibility, the placement of your modem-router, and overall home layout when evaluating speed performance.
Here are some popular modems, and if they’re fast enough to support the speeds you need:
