the iinetwork

What is the iiNet ADSL2+ network?
Part of our commitment to delivering better broadband and telephone services Australia-wide, is the construction of our own telecommunications network. The network is made up of advanced broadband equipment installed into telephone exchanges across the country. These are called iiNet DSLAMs. Installing our own DSLAMs allows us to give our customers faster ADSL2+ broadband speeds and a more cost effective phone service.

What is an Exchange?
The telephone line in your home terminates in a building called an exchange. This building houses the equipment that allows you to make and receive phone calls and also to connect to broadband.

What are DSLAMs?
A DSLAM is the infrastructure placed in an exchange which makes it possible for you to receive broadband. If you prefer a more technical explanation, "DSLAM" stands for Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer. When the phone company receives a DSL signal, a broadband modem with a POTS splitter detects both voice calls and data. Voice calls are sent to the PSTN, and data is sent to the DSLAM, where it passes through the ATM (the switch that converts digital data into units to transmit across the line) to the Internet, then back through the DSLAM and broadband modem before returning to the customer's PC.

Why is iiNet rolling out its own DSLAMs?
We have been a reseller of broadband services since they were available in Australia, and now, with over 150,000 broadband customers we are Australia's second largest provider of broadband services. So now, we are implementing our own broadband infrastructure to offer improved service and allow us to provide customers great plans with speeds as fast as their line can handle. For those customers not on an iiNet DSLAM, we will continue to offer the best possible plans at the fastest possible speeds regardless of the hardware in your exchange. Check out the DSLAM update page for more info.

What is a DSLAM port?
A DSLAM port is basically a connection, or a 'place' reserved on an iiNet DSLAM.

How long does it take to build an iiNet DSLAM?
It varies; it can take as little as a few months to as long as a year. To build in an exchange we have to first ensure that the exchange room and associated services (power, aircon, etc) are in place. If they aren't, we have to arrange for them to be built, in extreme circumstances we have to construct a separate building. We also have to make sure there's space available for our equipment, have it installed and a migration scheduled and completed. It can be a straightforward process at times, but it just depends on the unique situation of every exchange.

When and where are you building iiNet DSLAMs?
This is what the rollout page is for. If you're exchange is not listed, it doesn't mean we're not planning on building there, it simply means we're not yet able to reliably tell you when (or even if) it will be built. As soon as we know, you can be certain we'll want to tell you. So keep checking back to the DSLAM rollout page for new information.

Can I request for an iiNet DSLAM to be installed in my area?
We haven't met a single person yet that doesn't want an iiNet DSLAM in their area. We've even had petitions signed by community members. We build iiNet DSLAMs for many reasons, not just individual demand. Our commitment is to provide a comprehensive next generation broadband network Australia-wide. To achieve this we need to make sure that we provide more opportunities for different areas to experience faster broadband.

I'm thinking of switching to iiNet but I want confirmation that an iiNet DSLAM will be built in my exchange after I join. Can you guarantee that?
No. This is a common request that we just aren't able to fulfil. As said, we have a number of reasons for building our DSLAMs - many of which are not merely related to demand. We are about providing a fair and comprehensive Australia-wide network, one that requires careful planning and execution.