Glossary of Internet Terms – Explained in Easy Language

Getting internet for your home can be very challenging when you have no idea what you need or what to look out for. To help make this process easier for you, we have compiled a detailed glossary of internet vocabulary for beginners.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed understanding which internet service or features you need, make sure to come back here and get it all sorted!

A

What is an Access Point?

An access point is the device that creates a wireless signal within the router, enabling users to connect to the internet via WiFi. The router is the main device, while the access point is the part of it that’s responsible for transmitting signals and creating a wireless local area network (WLAN).

What is ADSL?

ADSL, or commonly known as DSL, is a type of broadband connection just like cable, fiber, or satellite internet. ADSL – asymmetrical digital subscriber line uses copper telephone lines to transmit internet from the internet provider to your home, and is asymmetrical due to higher download speeds and lower upload speeds.

What is Antivirus?

An antivirus is a computer program built to protect your software against digital threats like malware. The antivirus automatically blocks harmful websites and online attacks and builds a firewall for virtual protection. Most internet or WiFi services have built-in antivirus software to protect your home network.

B

What is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the capacity of your internet service to carry data in a set amount of time. The higher your bandwidth is, the heavier activity will feel smoother. Think of a bus taking people from point A to point B. The more seats (bandwidth) there are, the more people (data) can travel through.

What is a Byte?

A byte is a group of 8 bits. Bits and bytes are units to measure data. In internet terms, we measure speed in bytes per second. The ‘Mbps’ you read with your internet speed is the total amount of data (megabits) that can be transferred from one point to another within a second (per second).

What is Broadband?

Broadband is the type of internet connection that transfers large amounts of data continuously. It is derived from the term ‘broad bandwidth’ and quite literally means a connection with broad bandwidth. Internet connections like cable, fiber, DSL, and 5G home internet are all different types of broadband options.

What is Buffering?

Buffering refers to the pre-loading stage when your internet connection creates a space for data to be saved in temporary memory as you play a file. This term is mostly used when you are streaming an audio or video file, and it takes a while to load before playing. In simpler terms, that pause is called buffering.

C

What is Cellular Internet?

Cellular internet is the type of internet connection that uses a cell tower to catch and transmit signals. Fixed wireless or 5G home internet providers use cellular internet to deliver internet connectivity in rural areas where wired connections may not be available.

What is Coaxial Cable?

Coaxial cable is a type of network built to transmit large sets of data at a fast pace. It is the technology used by cable TV and cable internet providers to deliver fast speeds compared to a DSL connection.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the internet security measures taken to safeguard your devices from digital threats, virus attacks, data theft, or hacking. Various cybersecurity tools, software, and programs are installed on your devices that prevent, protect, and block digital threats from reaching your network.

D

What is a Data Cap?

A data cap is the amount of data that your provider allows you to consume within one billing cycle. Data caps are imposed by providers to ensure fair distribution of data among all users.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System and is like the identity of your unique connection. DNS converts human-readable data and converts it into machine-readable numbers to visit websites. A DNS server translates everything at the back end, so when you browse the internet, you can easily get information sent to your unique IP address after being fetched from the internet.

What is DOCSIS?

DOCSIS stands for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, a system that enables cable TV providers to use existing coaxial cables to deliver high-speed internet to end users. This system is often featured in modem-router combos that convert signals and allow you to access the internet via cable lines. DOCSIS 4.0 is the latest of this technology and delivers high-speed, low-latency internet for smooth connectivity.

What is Download Speed?

Download speed, measured in megabits per second, is the speed at which data is received from the server to your device. Most internet plans are advertised via their download speeds, and it is one of the most important things to match with your needs when choosing an internet provider or plan.

E

What is an Ethernet Cable?

An Ethernet cable is a direct connection from your router to your computer, delivering faster speeds and an unbroken channel, making your online activity feel more stable. Modern devices mostly connect through WiFi, which is a wireless connection and may be interrupted when multiple devices are connected at the same time. This is why it is recommended to stream or game by connecting a direct Ethernet cable for smoother online activity.

F

What is Fiber Internet?

Fiber internet is currently the fastest available internet connection in the world that uses fiber-optic cables to deliver symmetrical high-speed internet, low latency, and smooth connectivity. Fiber internet is not available everywhere since it requires a specific fiber-optic infrastructure; however, where available, it is one of the most reliable sources of blazing-fast internet, ideal for intensive online activity like lag-free video calling, live streaming, multiplayer online gaming, and more.

What is a Firewall?

A firewall is part of antivirus or cybersecurity software that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic to catch anything that could potentially harm your devices or network. It acts as the guard of your connection, allowing only safe digital interaction and blocking malware, viruses, cyberattacks, and hackers from accessing your connection.

What is Fixed Wireless Internet?

Fixed wireless internet uses radio signals travelling via cell towers instead of an underground wired network to deliver high-speed broadband connectivity to homes. Since no cables are required, it is available in rural and remote areas where existing cell towers are used to transmit internet to homes.

What is FTTP?

FTTP stands for fiber to the premises, more commonly known as a ‘fully fiber’ connection. This connection delivers a fiber internet connection from the provider’s server to your home, offering equally fast upload and download speeds, low latency, and smooth online activity. This terminology exists simply to differentiate a fully fiber connection from a hybrid fiber-coaxial connection (HFC).

G

What is GEO Satellite?

GEO stands for geostationary Earth orbit and is a type of satellite that matches the Earth’s orbit and looks stationary in space. It is at a distance of more than 35,000 Km from Earth and takes a full day to complete one orbit. GEO satellites are used to transmit internet from up in space, broadcast TV, and provide phone communications to far-off regions without using any cables or wiring.

GEO satellites are employed by many satellite internet providers to deliver steady internet connectivity in rural areas where wired connections may not be available.

What is a Gigabyte?

A gigabyte is a unit to measure digital storage and equals a billion bytes, or 1024 megabytes. It is used to describe internet speed and bandwidth and is considered the fastest measure of digital connectivity today.

What is Gigabit Internet?

Gigabit internet is the fastest available internet today, delivering 1024 Mbps and above speeds that make online activity appear seamless. Gigabit internet is best for large homes, offices, businesses, gamers, remote workers, and heavy internet users.

H

What is HFC?

HFC stands for hybrid fiber-coaxial internet that merges two internet technologies – fiber and cable- to deliver smooth connectivity to users. HFC connections use fiber internet as a source that eventually merges with a cable wire to reach your home. Fiber internet runs across the neighborhood, delivering high-speed internet, but coaxial cables connect outdoor wires to the router within your home. This uses both fiber and cable technology, and while it does not come with symmetrical speeds like a fully fiber connection, it is the second-fastest connection in terms of speeds.

What is a Hotspot?

A hotspot is a device that provides WiFi connectivity to other devices, usually a mobile phone. It connects laptops and mobile phones using cellular data to help them get online. Mobile hotspots are one of the most common hotspots and are quite easy to set up.

What is a Hub?

A hub is the control center of a larger network of connected devices or software. A hub in a smart home may be one gadget that controls all other devices. Think of it as the control room for all your other connected apps or gadgets that you can remotely access through one device.

I

What is an ISP?

ISP stands for Internet Service Provider and is the company that offers you a connection for your home. When looking for internet in your area, you will have to research all available ISPs and pick one that offers the best deal based on your needs.

What is an IP Address?

IP address is the unique identifier of your device. It acts like the house address of your laptop, mobile, or any connected device. Older IP addresses are known as IPv4, and once all possible combinations were used, the newer IP addresses called IPv6 are assigned to devices. Here are some different types of IP addresses:

• Public IP – the address assigned to a larger home network
• Private IP – the unique address of each device connected to the main network
• Static IP – a fixed IP address that does not change
• Dynamic IP – a temporary address given to devices when they connect to a network

J

What is Jitter?

Jitter is another name used to refer to internet latency. It is the delay in online responsiveness. Data travels in packets. If those smaller packets are unsteady, it means you have high jitter, which may delay online activities. You can check your jitter by taking a speed test.

L

What is Latency?

Latency is the delay in time for a packet of data to travel to and back from the server. The higher your latency is, the longer your online activities will take time to happen. Having lower latency, on the other hand, means your internet will perform without any lag or delays. Fiber internet offers lower latency and is hence considered one of the fastest available internet options. You can check your latency by taking a speed test.

What is LAN?

LAN stands for local area network and refers to a group of connected devices within a home, office, or building. These devices are interconnected and can share a common internet connection, or devices like a printer, fax, or more.

What is LEO Satellite?

LEO stands for low-Earth orbit satellite, which, unlike a GEO satellite, orbits closer to the Earth’s surface at an altitude of 100 – 1600 km. LEO satellites take 90 to 120 minutes to complete an orbit. Their closer distance makes them deliver faster internet and lower latency to users on land.

What is LTE?

LTE stands for long-term evolution and is another name for 4G internet. It is a wireless cellular internet connection that offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Many fixed wireless providers use LTE technology to deliver internet connectivity to users. The existing LTE towers transmit signals via radio waves and give you access to the internet.

M

What is a MAC Address?

A MAC (Media Access Control) address is the unique identifier of a device, assigned by the manufacturer to track the device. It is like the name of your device that is used to identify anything related to it. It is a permanent address and can’t be changed by anyone. You might need a MAC address when you’re setting up your new device on a WiFi network, troubleshooting your internet, or when you want to grant your device access to a local network.

What is Malware?

Malware stands for malicious software that can damage your computer hardware or software by damaging, destroying, stealing, or hacking it. There are many types of malware, including:

• Virus
• Worms
• Trojans
• Ransomware
• Spyware

Cybersecurity suites are designed to protect and prevent threats from malware, and you should always have them installed on your devices or get a WiFi with built-in protection.

What is a Mesh WiFi?

A mesh WiFi is a wide-range WiFi that provides consistent connectivity all over your home using mesh WiFi nodes. If you have a larger house and WiFi signals feel weaker in some corners, a mesh WiFi will extend your coverage and distribute signals evenly throughout your home.

What is a Modem?

A modem is the device that converts signals running through wires outside your home into digital signals that the router then turns into WiFi. You need a modem if you have a cable, DSL, or telephone line that is transmitting service from the ISP server to your home. If you have a fiber internet connection, you will need an ONT and a router only. You can also get a modem-router combo device that includes both functionalities in a single unit, also known as a gateway.

N

What is Network Congestion?

Network congestion is when there is too much traffic on a server at the same time. This traffic creates a delay in the response rate of your internet connection and causes lag or buffering. It usually happens during peak hours when most users are active on the internet, or when you’re trying to connect online while downloading a large file. The good thing is, it is a temporary slowdown and is usually fixed if you refresh your connection by rebooting the router.

O

What is an ONT?

An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is hardware equipment required to provide fiber internet access into your home by converting fiber optic signals into Ethernet signals that a router then converts into WiFi. Think of it like a doorway between the fiber internet provider’s connection and your home. You cannot access fiber internet without an ONT.

P

What is Packet Loss?

Packet loss happens when a set of data fails to reach its targeted destination through the internet due to network congestion and traffic on the server. In simple terms, it's when you take an action online, but it fails to go through. The most common fix for this issue is a quick WiFi reboot. Simply switch off your WiFi, wait for a few seconds, and restart it. A refreshed connection usually clears up the path for data to travel through.

What is Ping?

A ping is the unit used to measure the time it takes for data to travel back and forth from your system to the server, and is recorded in milliseconds (ms). It is basically the reaction time of your internet. The faster your reaction time is, the lower your ping will be. The ping rate that shows on a speed test tells you how good the response time of your connection is.

R

What is a Router?

A router is a device that converts a digital signal from the modem into Wireless WiFi signals that connect your devices to the internet. It is basically the equipment that is referred to when talking about a WiFi device. You cannot access the internet on your devices via wireless connectivity unless you have a router installed at home.

S

What is Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet is a type of broadband internet connection that uses satellites up in space to transmit internet signals down to Earth. Unlike wired connections that have a network of cables running from the server to your home, a satellite internet connection requires only an antenna installed at your home to catch internet signals and provide internet access. For this reason, it is one of the most commonly used internet types in rural or remote areas where wired infrastructure is not yet available.

What is a Speed Test?

A speed test measures the performance of your internet connection by telling you the download and upload speed, jitter, and ping rate in less than 60 seconds. It is important to take a speed test if your internet feels slower than usual so you can complain to your internet service provider or ask them to fix a possible issue.

U

What is Upload Speed?

Upload speeds, measured in megabits per second (Mbps), tell you how fast your connection can send data over the internet. A higher upload speed indicates that online activities like uploading large files, video calls, and live gaming will feel smooth and lag-free.

V

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a type of phone service that uses your home internet to connect voice calls instead of the traditional copper cables that telephone companies operate on. VoIP calls require a smooth internet connection, and this service is usually offered as a bundle or add-on by your internet company.

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and acts as a secure, fully encrypted, private channel between your device and the internet so your real IP address can be hidden. It is used as a security measure to avoid data theft, identity theft, or hacking. You can install VPN software on your device or use a browser VPN on your device’s browser.

W

What is WAN?

A Wide Area Network, unlike a Local Area Network (LAN), is a network of interconnected computers, devices, and systems over a wider area like a city, country, or region. It connects smaller LANs so people far away from each other can share files, data, and documents within the network. It is through the WAN that you’re able to connect with people from other countries over the internet.

What is Wi-Fi?

WiFi is a wireless technology that connects devices to the internet without any cables or wires using a router. All devices built today have WiFi in them that catches invisible signals transmitted through a router to access the internet. A router is also commonly known as the WiFi device because it is the bridge that connects you to the internet. The latest WiFi technologies include WiFi 6, WiFi 6e, and WiFi 7.

What is a Wi-Fi Gateway?

A WiFi gateway is a single device that combines the function of a modem and a router so you can reduce the amount of equipment but still get the same work done. Many internet service providers now provide a WiFi gateway to make home internet connectivity more convenient for users.

What is a Wi-Fi Extender?

A WiFi extender is a small device that you can connect to your main WiFi to boost signal strength so it can reach a wider area and provide stronger connectivity more consistently. If you have a large house with ‘dead zones’ where WiFi signals don’t reach, a WiFi extender is the most suitable solution.

What is a Wired Internet Connection?

A wired connection is one that is dependent on cables and wires for transmission of data. Wired internet connections include broadband types like fiber, cable, HFC, and DSL. These connections have a proper networked infrastructure of underground cables running from the provider to your neighborhood.

What is a Wireless Internet Connection?

A wireless internet connection does not require any cables or wiring to reach your home. Examples of wireless internet types include satellite internet and fixed wireless internet. Both of these connections transmit invisible radio signals that travel to your home without a wire and are caught via antennas installed at the top of your home to deliver internet at home.

What is WPA, WPA2, and WPA3?

WPA stands for WiFi Protected Access and is a security protocol built into WiFi devices to provide security, encryption, and data protection. WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 are three generations of the same WiFi protection protocols, and newer devices mostly have WPA3. These protocols safeguard your WiFi devices from any probable attacks.