[LINK] NBN upgrade

[David]

I received an email from Aussie Broadband yesterday afternoon which mentions an NBN upgrade in January next year, and it includes the following somewhat alarming information:

> NBN will introduce two new functions to FTTN and FTTB services called Save Our Showtime (SOS) and Robust Overhead Channel (ROC). These new functions are designed to improve the stability of your connection and help prevent dropouts.
> 
> As a result of the upgrade, some customers may no longer be able to use their current modem if it is not compatible with the planned upgrades, or they may see their service degrade and their speeds slow.
> 
> If your modem loses connection following the upgrade, you may need to update your modem’s firmware to the latest version (see your modem’s manufacturer’s website for more information) or, in extreme circumstances, you might need to replace your current modem with a compatible one.

I wondered what might happen if a significant proportion of the Nation's FTTN & FTTB users suddenly discovered they needed a new modem - "Sorry dear, no more NetFlix until the supply chains improve!"  Just in time for the election too.  And what about fibre to the curb?

It seems this upgrade to the node firmware has been applied and only has to be enabled.  I'm told the improvement in noise tolerance may be from 12dB to 22dB, but I don't know whether these apply to S/N ratios or just N1/N2 where N1 & N2 are before and after burst-noise power.

Maybe those glitches in media interviews and telephone calls where the remote end disappears for a few seconds will be no more.

Just thought it was worth mentioning...

David Lochrin