Broadband Glossary
Activation
Activation is where your existing phone line becomes enabled to receive data and voice calls simultaneously. Activation takes place at your local phone exchange.
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. ADSL is a technology that transforms a standard telephone line into a high-speed internet connection capable of simultaneously carrying voice and data. It is called 'asymmetric' because data moves in one direction faster than in the other. With the vast majority of broadband connections downloading data is usually faster than uploading data.
Anti-virus software
Protection against malicious computer code usually sent via email but sometimes infecting web site downloads.
Bandwidth
The capacity of your internet connection to transmit and receive data. Bandwidth is usually measured in bits-per-second.
Broadband
A generic term for high speed digital internet connections. Broadband via a telephone line is currently available to 99% of households in the UK.
Bundle
A combination of services from a supplier such as combined broadband and line rental.
Contention Rate
This relates to the maximum number of users sharing the bandwidth available through the connection between your local telephone exchange and the Internet Service Provider. For example, a contention ratio of 10:1 means you will never have to share your broadband bandwidth with more than 9 other users.
Dynamic IP address
Your Internet Service Provider will have a range of dynamic IP addresses available and you are allocated one of these each time you connect to the internet.
Encryption
A method of codifying information to prevent unauthorised access.
Firewall
Gatekeeper software that guards against unauthorised access to your computer via the internet.
FTP
File transfer protocol is the process of sending and receiving via the internet.
Intranet
A private network or web site for the use of a company or organisation.
IP address
Internet Protocol address. A unique number used to identify your computer to the rest of the internet. An IP address refers to the host computer you are assigned by your internet service provider when you make an Internet connection.
ISP
Internet Service Provider. Typically this refers to the company supplying your Broadband service, e.g. Tiscali, BT, Sky etc.
Kbps
Kilobits per second (1 kilobit per second equals 1,000 bits per second). A measure of data transfer through a modem or on a network.
LAN
Local Area Network. Normally refers to a network confined to a tightly defined area, usually the same floor or building.
Login or logon
The method by which you identify yourself to a host computer. This often means typing a user name and password.
MAC
Migration Authorisation Code. This enable you to move easily between one broadband provider and another with minimal loss of service.
Mbps
Megabits per second. A unit measurement that defines the speed at which information can be transferred through a network or cable.
Micro filter
A filter (or splitter) that plugs into the phone socket to prevent interference from an ADSL connection. The filter prevents the ADSL signal from reaching the telephone handset.
PING
The method of bouncing a signal to a computer's IP address to check if it is online and to measure the response time.
Router.
A device that allows multiple devices to be connected together. Routers usually incorporate a modem to allow a shared bradband connection.
Satellite broadband
Broadband connectivity supplied from a satellite located in geostationary orbit.
Two way satellite
Broadband connection whereby the upstream (outbound) and the downstream (inbound) data are sent from and arrive via a satellite. The connection is usually asymmetric, i.e. the download speed is faster than the upload speed. One way satellite is when the upstream traffic is routed terrestrially, normally via a dial up modem.
Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Using broadband to send voice calls over the internet.
WAN
Wide Area Network. A group of linked local area networks.
WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy. A wireless network encryption used to protect data transmitted via wireless networks.
Wi-Fi
Wireless Fidelty. The connection of two or more computers without the need for cables.
Wireless
The use of radio signals to connect computers without cables whether it be a computer and a mouse or a network of computers that connect to the internet.
Wireless broadband
The ability to connect to the internet without the need for any cables. For example using a laptop or mobile phone.
WLAN
Wireless local area network. A network that relies on wireless technology.