- Bandwidth
- The maximum rate of data transfer across a given path in a network, typically measured in bits per second (bps).
- Bandwidth Cap
- A limit imposed by an ISP on the amount of data that can be transferred over a network connection in a given time period.
- Bandwidth Throttling
- The intentional slowing of internet service by an ISP, often used to regulate network traffic and minimize bandwidth congestion.
- Broadband
- A high-capacity transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies, allowing for fast internet connections.
- Buffering
- The process of preloading data into a reserved area of memory (a buffer) to prevent interruptions during streaming or downloading.
- Coaxial Cable
- A type of electrical cable commonly used for cable internet connections, consisting of an inner conductor surrounded by insulating layer and metallic shield.
- DNS (Domain Name System)
- A system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses, affecting the speed of initial connections to websites.
- Download Speed
- The rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your device, typically measured in Mbps (megabits per second).
- Dynamic IP Address
- An IP address that is automatically assigned to a device by a network when it connects, which can change over time.
- Ethernet
- A wired networking technology that provides a fast and stable internet connection through a physical cable connection.
- Fiber-optic
- A high-speed internet technology that uses thin glass or plastic fibers to transmit data using pulses of light.
- Firewall
- A network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Gateway
- A network node that serves as an access point to another network, often used to connect different network architectures.
- IP Address
- A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.
- IPv6
- The most recent version of the Internet Protocol (IP), designed to replace IPv4, providing a vastly larger address space.
- ISP
- Internet Service Provider, a company that provides internet access to customers.
- Jitter
- The variation in latency or delay of received packets in a network transmission.
- Latency
- The time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination, often measured in milliseconds (ms).
- MAC Address
- A hardware identification number that uniquely identifies each device on a network.
- Mbps
- Megabits per second, a unit of data transfer rate. 1 Mbps = 1,000,000 bits per second.
- Mesh Network
- A network topology where each node relays data for the network, providing multiple paths for data to travel, enhancing reliability and coverage.
- Modem
- A device that modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission over telephone lines or cable systems.
- NAT (Network Address Translation)
- A method used by routers to translate a public IP address into a private IP address and vice versa, allowing multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address.
- Network Protocol
- A set of rules and conventions for communication between network devices, ensuring data is transmitted correctly.
- Packet Loss
- The failure of data packets to reach their destination during transmission over a network, often resulting in slower performance or connection issues.
- Ping
- A network utility used to test the reachability of a host and measure the round-trip time for messages sent to that host.
- Ping Rate
- The frequency at which ping tests are conducted to measure the latency of a network connection.
- Port Forwarding
- A networking technique that allows external devices to access services on a private network by redirecting communication requests from one address and port number to another.
- Proxy Server
- An intermediary server separating end users from the websites they browse, providing varying levels of functionality, security, and privacy.
- QoS (Quality of Service)
- A set of technologies and techniques used to manage and prioritize network traffic, ensuring better performance for critical applications.
- Router
- A device that forwards data packets between computer networks, directing the data along the most efficient routes.
- SSID (Service Set Identifier)
- A unique ID that consists of 32 characters and is used for naming wireless networks.
- Static IP Address
- An IP address that is manually configured for a device and remains constant, often used for servers and other critical devices.
- Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Internet
- Symmetric internet offers equal download and upload speeds, while asymmetric (more common) typically provides faster download than upload speeds.
- TCP/IP
- A suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet, with TCP ensuring reliable transmission and IP handling addressing and routing.
- Throughput
- The actual amount of data successfully transferred over a network connection in a given time period.
- Traceroute
- A network diagnostic tool used to track the pathway taken by a packet on an IP network from source to destination.
- Upload Speed
- The rate at which data is transferred from your device to the internet, typically measured in Mbps (megabits per second).
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- A service that encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online identity by creating a private network from a public internet connection.
- Wi-Fi
- A wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another without the need for cables.