NBN Business Setup Guide: Configuring Your Network for Reliable Internet

# NBN Business Setup Guide: Configuring Your Network for Reliable Internet

The National Broadband Network (NBN) has transformed how Australian businesses connect to the internet, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections than traditional ADSL. However, configuring NBN connections properly requires understanding different connection types, router configuration, and network optimisation techniques that ensure your business gets maximum performance and reliability.

Understanding NBN Connection Types

NBN Technology Types

Different premises receive different NBN technologies:

Fibre to the Node (FTTN):

• Connection method - VDSL over existing copper phone lines

• Typical speeds - 25-100 Mbps depending on distance from node

• Equipment required - VDSL2-compatible modem/router

• Distance dependency - Performance decreases with distance from node

• Business suitability - Good for most small to medium businesses

Fibre to the Building (FTTB):

• Connection method - Fibre to building, VDSL to premises

• Typical speeds - 25-100 Mbps with more consistent performance

• Equipment required - VDSL2-compatible router in basement/communications room

• Advantages - More reliable than FTTN due to shorter copper runs

• Common in - Commercial buildings and office complexes

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP):

• Connection method - Direct fibre connection to your building

• Available speeds - Up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)

• Equipment required - Ethernet-capable router or firewall

• Best performance - Highest speed and lowest latency option

• Business applications - Ideal for high-bandwidth requirements

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC):

• Connection method - Fibre to neighbourhood, coaxial cable to premises

• Typical speeds - 25-100 Mbps with potential for gigabit speeds

• Equipment required - DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 compatible modem

• Shared bandwidth - Performance can vary during peak times

• Availability - Common in areas with existing cable TV infrastructure

Business-Grade Router Configuration

Cisco Router Setup for NBN

Business environments require enterprise-grade routing equipment:

Cisco 2900 Series Configuration for FTTN/FTTB:

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0
 description WAN Connection to NBN NTD
 ip address dhcp
 ip nat outside
 duplex auto
 speed auto
 no shutdown

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/1
 description LAN Connection
 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
 ip nat inside
 duplex auto
 speed auto
 no shutdown

ip nat inside source list 1 interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0 overload

access-list 1 permit 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255

ip route 0.0.0.0 0.0.0.0 dhcp

VLAN Configuration for Business Networks:

vlan 10
 name STAFF_NETWORK
vlan 20
 name GUEST_NETWORK
vlan 30
 name SERVERS_NETWORK

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/1.10
 description Staff Network
 encapsulation dot1Q 10
 ip address 192.168.10.1 255.255.255.0
 ip nat inside

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/1.20
 description Guest Network
 encapsulation dot1Q 20
 ip address 192.168.20.1 255.255.255.0
 ip nat inside

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/1.30
 description Server Network
 encapsulation dot1Q 30
 ip address 192.168.30.1 255.255.255.0
 ip nat inside

Network Security Configuration

Implement essential security measures:

Firewall Rules:

ip access-list extended OUTSIDE_IN
 deny ip any any log

ip access-list extended INSIDE_OUT
 permit ip 192.168.1.0 0.0.0.255 any
 deny ip any any log

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0
 ip access-group OUTSIDE_IN in

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/1
 ip access-group INSIDE_OUT in

VPN Configuration for Remote Access:

crypto isakmp policy 10
 encr aes
 hash sha256
 authentication pre-share
 group 14
 lifetime 86400

crypto ipsec transform-set ESP-AES-SHA esp-aes esp-sha-hmac
 mode tunnel

crypto map VPN_MAP 10 ipsec-isakmp
 set peer [REMOTE_PEER_IP]
 set transform-set ESP-AES-SHA
 match address VPN_TRAFFIC

Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation

Prioritising Business Traffic

Configure QoS to ensure critical applications receive adequate bandwidth:

Traffic Classification:

class-map match-all VOICE_TRAFFIC
 match dscp ef

class-map match-all VIDEO_TRAFFIC
 match dscp af41

class-map match-all BUSINESS_APPS
 match dscp af21

class-map match-all BULK_DATA
 match dscp af11

policy-map WAN_QOS_POLICY
 class VOICE_TRAFFIC
  priority percent 20
 class VIDEO_TRAFFIC
  bandwidth percent 30
 class BUSINESS_APPS
  bandwidth percent 30
 class BULK_DATA
  bandwidth percent 10
 class class-default
  bandwidth percent 10

Application-Specific QoS:

• VoIP traffic - Highest priority for voice communications

• Video conferencing - High priority for Teams, Zoom, WebEx

• Database applications - Priority for practice management systems

• Email and web - Standard priority for general business use

• File transfers - Lower priority for large file uploads/downloads

Bandwidth Management

Upload/Download Prioritisation:

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0
 service-policy output WAN_QOS_POLICY
 bandwidth 50000

Per-User Bandwidth Limits:

class-map match-all USER_TRAFFIC
 match access-group 101

policy-map USER_LIMIT
 class USER_TRAFFIC
  police rate 10000000 conform-action transmit exceed-action drop

access-list 101 permit ip host 192.168.1.100 any

Network Monitoring and Management

Performance Monitoring

Implement comprehensive monitoring for business networks:

SNMP Configuration:

snmp-server community public RO
snmp-server community private RW
snmp-server host 192.168.1.200 private
snmp-server enable traps

Network Traffic Analysis:

• Bandwidth utilisation monitoring - Track usage patterns and peak times

• Application performance - Monitor critical business application response times

• Connection quality - Track latency, jitter, and packet loss

• User activity - Monitor individual and departmental usage

• Security events - Track potential security incidents and breaches

Logging Configuration:

logging buffered 16384 informational
logging console warnings
logging monitor warnings
logging trap notifications
logging facility local0
logging source-interface GigabitEthernet0/0/1
logging host 192.168.1.201

Backup and Redundancy

Configuration Backup:

archive
 path bootflash:configs/config
 write-memory
 time-period 10080

Internet Redundancy Options:

• 4G/5G backup - Cellular connections for primary internet failover

• Secondary NBN service - Diverse NBN technology or different RSP

• SD-WAN solutions - Automatic failover between multiple connections

• Load balancing - Distribute traffic across multiple connections

• VPN failover - Backup connectivity through alternate routes

Industry-Specific Configuration

Medical Practice Networks

Healthcare environments have unique connectivity requirements:

Network Segmentation:

vlan 100
 name PATIENT_SYSTEMS
vlan 200
 name ADMIN_SYSTEMS
vlan 300
 name MEDICAL_DEVICES
vlan 400
 name GUEST_WIFI

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/1.100
 description Patient Management Systems
 encapsulation dot1Q 100
 ip address 192.168.100.1 255.255.255.0
 ip access-group HIPAA_COMPLIANCE in

HIPAA-Compliant Configuration:

• Network isolation - Separate patient data from administrative systems

• Access controls - Role-based network access for different staff types

• Audit logging - Comprehensive logging for compliance reporting

• Encryption - VPN tunnels for all external communications

• Guest network isolation - Completely separate patient and visitor Wi-Fi

Legal Practice Networks

Law firms require exceptional security and reliability:

Client Data Protection:

crypto key generate rsa general-keys modulus 2048
ip ssh version 2
ip ssh time-out 60
ip ssh authentication-retries 3

line vty 0 4
 transport input ssh
 login local
 exec-timeout 10 0

Document Management Integration:

• High-speed file access - Optimised for large document repositories

• Version control systems - Network configuration supporting document management

• Client portal access - Secure external access to case documents

• Backup integration - Network optimised for automated backup systems

• Court system connectivity - Reliable access to electronic filing systems

Troubleshooting Common NBN Issues

Connection Problems

FTTN/FTTB Sync Issues:

• Line quality testing - Check copper line condition and noise

• Distance factors - Verify distance from node and expected speeds

• Interference sources - Identify and eliminate electrical interference

• Modem compatibility - Ensure router supports VDSL2 standards

• ISP configuration - Verify correct VDSL settings from provider

Speed and Performance Issues:

• Speed testing - Regular testing at different times of day

• Network congestion - Identify internal bottlenecks and bandwidth hogs

• QoS configuration - Optimise traffic prioritisation settings

• Hardware limitations - Assess router and network equipment capacity

• ISP factors - Work with provider to resolve external issues

Network Optimisation

Performance Tuning:

ip tcp adjust-mss 1400
ip mtu 1500

interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0
 ip tcp adjust-mss 1400
 mtu 1500

DNS Optimisation:

ip name-server 8.8.8.8
ip name-server 8.8.4.4
ip domain-lookup

Buffer and Queue Tuning:

• Interface buffers - Optimise buffer sizes for connection speed

• Queue lengths - Configure appropriate queue depths for traffic types

• Polling intervals - Tune network polling for optimal performance

• Memory allocation - Allocate sufficient memory for routing tables

• Process prioritisation - Ensure routing processes get adequate CPU time

Maintenance and Updates

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Monthly Tasks:

• Configuration backups - Save current router configurations

• Performance review - Analyse network performance metrics

• Security updates - Apply IOS updates and security patches

• Usage analysis - Review bandwidth usage and patterns

• Hardware monitoring - Check router health and temperatures

Quarterly Tasks:

• Capacity planning - Assess whether current bandwidth meets needs

• Security audit - Review firewall rules and access controls

• Documentation updates - Maintain current network documentation

• Disaster recovery testing - Test backup connectivity options

• Vendor relationship review - Evaluate ISP performance and support

Future-Proofing Your Network

Technology Evolution:

• IPv6 preparation - Configure dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 for future readiness

• SD-WAN readiness - Prepare for software-defined networking adoption

• Cloud integration - Optimise for increasing cloud service usage

• IoT considerations - Plan for internet-connected devices and sensors

• 5G integration - Prepare for 5G backup and primary connections

Professional NBN Implementation Services

Configuring NBN connections for business environments requires expertise in networking, security, and business requirements analysis. While basic connections can be self-configured, businesses with complex needs benefit significantly from professional implementation.

SkyComm provides comprehensive NBN implementation services for Perth businesses, including network design, router configuration, security implementation, and ongoing monitoring. Our team understands the unique challenges facing Australian businesses and can help you maximise the benefits of NBN connectivity.

We specialise in business-grade implementations that provide the reliability, security, and performance that modern businesses require. From medical practices needing HIPAA-compliant networks to legal firms requiring exceptional security, we have the expertise to implement NBN solutions that meet your specific industry requirements.

For professional NBN implementation and network optimisation, contact SkyComm on 1800 957 977. Let us help you configure NBN connectivity that provides the foundation for your business success.