We have compiled a list of commonly used broadband terms and their definitions below in hopes of clarifying any confusion they may cause.
Acceptable Use Policy or Fair Use Policy: Broadband suppliers often have this policy, which monitors customer broadband usage. If usage is deemed excessive, the supplier can restrict or stop the customer from using the service to allow fair access to other customers.
ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. This is a technology that allows broadband connections to be established using existing telephone networks.
ADSL Filter: This device is used to make telephone calls whilst using a broadband connection. It is easily installed by plugging it into the wall socket and connecting the telephone to the ADSL filter socket.
Always On: This refers to an internet connection that is permanently available and ready for use.
Antispam Software: This program filters incoming mail and removes spam or junk mail.
Antivirus Software: This program protects your computer against virus attacks from malicious code sent from other computers.
Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transferred over a connection at any given time. Broadband bandwidth typically ranges from at least 2Mb up to 100Mb or higher with fibre optic.
Broadband: A high-speed internet connection that offers greater bandwidth than dial-up connections.
Cable: The name given to services that use fibre optic cable to carry telephone, television, and broadband signals to homes.
Cap (Broadband Download Limit): The maximum amount of data that an ISP allows customers to transfer via broadband before either stopping or charging them.
Contention Ratio: The maximum number of users sharing the bandwidth on the broadband connection between the local exchange and the provider.
Contract Period: The minimum length of time that customers are tied to their broadband provider. The average period is 12 months, but it can be up to 24 months.
Dial-up: A connection that uses a telephone line to access the internet.
Download: The process of transferring files from a location on the internet to a computer.
Fair Use Policy: See Acceptable Use Policy.
Fibre Optic Broadband: A new type of broadband that runs underground and can offer speeds up to 200Mbps.
Firewall: Software or hardware that is designed to prevent unauthorized access to a network.
GB (Gigabyte): A measure of storage capacity. One gigabyte is approximately 1000 megabytes.
ISP (Internet Service Provider): The company that provides the broadband connection.
MAC (Migration Authorisation Code): A code that allows customers to migrate from one broadband supplier to another.
Mbps (Megabits per second): The rate at which broadband data is transferred between computers.
Modem: A piece of hardware that connects computers to the internet.
MP3: A file format that uses compression software to make the file size smaller without significant reduction in quality.
Phishing: The act of tricking someone into giving out confidential information.
Router: A device that decides where to send packetized information, essential for networks with more than one computer.
Spyware: Any software that gathers user information without their knowledge.
Streaming: An alternative to downloading large files such as audio and video that allows users to commence playback whilst the remaining file is downloading in the background.
Upload: The process of transferring files from a computer to another location on the internet.
Web Space: The amount of storage space provided by a server to store emails or run a website.
Wireless Broadband (Wi-Fi): Radio-based systems that allow transmission of broadband information without a physical connection.