Understanding NBN POI: The Key to Your Internet Connection

When setting up an NBN (National Broadband Network) connection, the term "POI" or "Point of Interconnect" might come up. But what exactly is a POI, and how does it affect your internet experience? Here's everything you need to know about POIs and how they fit into the NBN system.

What is an NBN POI?

An NBN Point of Interconnect (POI) is where the NBN infrastructure connects to your Retail Service Provider (RSP) network. It's a critical piece of your internet connection that ensures data flows from your home to the wider world, through a chain of networks.

Across Australia, there are 121 NBN POIs, usually located in exchange buildings. If you're located far from one of these POIs, your data will be sent to a nearby exchange building, from which it will reach a POI in the NBN's transit network.

How Does an NBN POI Work?

To understand the role of a POI, think of your internet connection as a series of linked networks. These are the main steps involved in transmitting data from your home to the World Wide Web:

1. Home Network: Inside your home, devices connect through your modem/router, either via a wired connection or Wi-Fi. However, to access the internet, data needs to travel through the NBN.
2. NBN Network: This part of the system is responsible for moving your data between your modem and the nearest POI. The NBN is designed for high-speed data transfer, but it doesn’t handle data movement between homes.
3. RSP Network: From the POI onwards, your data is handled by your internet service provider’s network. The RSP manages traffic and connects you to national and international networks to give you access to the World Wide Web.

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How to Find Your NBN POI

There are numerous POIs across Australia, and they are distributed across various states. Each POI is typically located in an exchange building, and the specific POI your internet traffic uses depends on your geographical location. Some providers offer POI lookup tools or maps, which can help you determine which POI your data is routed through.

If you’re unsure where your nearest POI is located, some internet service providers offer POI checkers or maps that can help pinpoint the one your data travels through.

Here are a few examples of POIs in different states:

What is a Backhaul Network?

Once your data leaves the NBN POI, it’s transferred via your RSP's backhaul network. This network connects the POI to the nearest RSP data center, from where the data is sent to its final destination, whether that's within Australia or overseas.

Why is NBN POI Important?

While the NBN POI may seem like a minor part of your internet setup, it plays an essential role in ensuring that your data can travel seamlessly from your home to the internet. Understanding how POIs work and where they are located can help you better comprehend the internet infrastructure supporting your connection.

If you're considering a new NBN plan or want to learn more about POIs in your area, tools like POI lookups and provider websites can provide you with the information you need.

By Savannah Walker

Energy & Telecom SEO Specialist

Savannah Walker is Selectra’s SEO Project Manager and Editor, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology, across news, reviews and how-tos.