Internet Speed Glossary

Bandwidth
The maximum rate of data transfer across a given path in a network, typically measured in bits per second (bps).
Latency
The time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination, often measured in milliseconds (ms).
Mbps
Megabits per second, a unit of data transfer rate. 1 Mbps = 1,000,000 bits per second.
Ping
A network utility used to test the reachability of a host and measure the round-trip time for messages sent to that host.
Throughput
The actual amount of data successfully transferred over a network connection in a given time period.
Jitter
The variation in latency or delay of received packets in a network transmission.
ISP
Internet Service Provider, a company that provides internet access to customers.
Fiber-optic
A high-speed internet technology that uses thin glass or plastic fibers to transmit data using pulses of light.
Broadband
A high-capacity transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies, allowing for fast internet connections.
Wi-Fi
A wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another without the need for cables.
Download Speed
The rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your device, typically measured in Mbps (megabits per second).
Upload Speed
The rate at which data is transferred from your device to the internet, typically measured in Mbps (megabits per second).
Packet Loss
The failure of data packets to reach their destination during transmission over a network, often resulting in slower performance or connection issues.
Ethernet
A wired networking technology that provides a fast and stable internet connection through a physical cable connection.
Buffering
The process of preloading data into a reserved area of memory (a buffer) to prevent interruptions during streaming or downloading.
Bandwidth Throttling
The intentional slowing of internet service by an ISP, often used to regulate network traffic and minimize bandwidth congestion.
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.
QoS (Quality of Service)
A set of technologies and techniques used to manage and prioritize network traffic, ensuring better performance for critical applications.
Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Internet
Symmetric internet offers equal download and upload speeds, while asymmetric (more common) typically provides faster download than upload speeds.