- Bandwidth
- The maximum rate of data transfer across a given path in a network, measured in bits per second (bps). Think of it as the width of a highway - the wider it is, the more data can flow simultaneously.
- 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, measured in Mbps. This affects how quickly web pages load, files download, and streaming content plays. For HD streaming, 25+ Mbps is recommended per device.
- 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.
- Gbps
- Gigabits per second, a unit of data transfer rate. 1 Gbps = 1,000 Mbps = 1,000,000,000 bits per second. Commonly used for enterprise and high-speed fiber connections.
- Hardware Limitations
- Constraints on internet speed imposed by the capabilities of network equipment such as modems, routers, network cards, or cables.
- 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.
- Kbps
- Kilobits per second, a unit of data transfer rate. 1 Kbps = 1,000 bits per second. Typically used when measuring slower connections.
- Latency
- The time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower latency means more responsive connections, which is crucial for gaming and real-time applications.
- 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 Congestion
- A state where a network node or link is carrying more data than it can handle, leading to decreased performance and slower speeds for users.
- Network Optimization
- The process of improving network performance through various techniques such as QoS configuration, hardware upgrades, and reducing interference.
- 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. Normal packet loss should be less than 1%; higher values can cause stuttering in video calls and gaming lag.
- Peak Hours
- Time periods when internet usage is at its highest, typically evenings for residential networks, which can result in slower speeds due to network congestion.
- Physical Layer
- The fundamental layer of network infrastructure including cables, wireless signals, and hardware that physically carries data. Issues at this layer can significantly impact connection quality.
- Ping
- A network utility that measures round-trip time (latency) between your device and a server. Lower ping values (e.g., <50ms for gaming) indicate better responsiveness.
- 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.
- Real-world Speed
- The actual internet speed experienced during normal usage, which often differs from advertised speeds due to various factors like network congestion, hardware limitations, and signal interference.
- Router
- A device that forwards data packets between computer networks, directing the data along the most efficient routes.
- Signal Interference
- Disruption of wireless network signals by physical obstacles, electronic devices, or other wireless networks, which can reduce connection quality and speed.
- Speed Test
- A diagnostic tool that measures various aspects of your internet connection, including download speed, upload speed, and ping, by sending and receiving data packets to and from a test server.
- Speed Test Server
- A dedicated server used to measure internet connection performance. The distance to the server and its current load can affect speed test results.
- 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.
- Throttling
- The intentional slowing of internet service by an ISP, often implemented after reaching a data cap or during network congestion periods.
- 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, measured in Mbps. Critical for video calls, live streaming, cloud backups, and online gaming. Usually slower than download speed in residential connections.
- 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.