UK Broadband Guide

ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - the technology that allows you to receive broadband using existing telephone networks. It works like a very fast telephone line that is always connected to the internet. By converting data more efficiently over a wider frequency range than a computer’s modem, ADSL makes the line much faster.

Bandwidth
This is the amount of data that can be transferred over a connection usually expressed in bits/bytes per second (bps).

Broadband
Broadband is a faster version of the internet that works at higher speeds because of an increased bandwidth. The most commonly used form is ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) which is an upgraded home telephone line that remains connected so there is no need to dial it up each time and you can make phone calls while using the internet. Broadband can also be obtained through cable TV or satellite.

Cable broadband
Broadband is carried through a fibre optic cable buried under the ground. With cable broadband, there is no need to have a landline.

Data
A general term for videos, text, pictures or sound stored on, processed, sent or received by your computer.

Download allowance
With some broadband packages you are limited to the amount you can download over a set period. This will be outlined in your contract. Also referred to as download cap or download limit or download restriction. If you go over you usually have to pay an amount per Gb that you go over, so it is wise to choose a limit that you are not going to go over.

Download speed
When figures are quoted for the broadband speed, it usually refers to the download speed, i.e. moving files from the internet on to your PC. For broadband, the connection is normally at least 256kbps and can be as much as 24Mbps. Transferring files from your PC to the internet is referred to as uploading.

DSL
Digital Subscriber Line - this technology transfers data over a phone line without interference.

Ethernet
This is a network standard for data transmission, most commonly used on local area networks (LANs) such as in the workplace. New systems are now capable of running at 1,000Mbps.

Exchange
The service area that your connection is associated with. For example if you are unable to receive broadband where you live it is because you are not within range of a broadband exchange.

IP address
An individual number attributed to every computer on the internet for identification purposes. If you opt for a static IP address, then this number remains fixed or static. This is handy if you need to let others connect to your computer.

ISP
Internet Service Provider - the company that supplies your connection.

Landline
This is the telephone line in a home – not a mobile.

LLU
Local Loop Unbundling - when a provider rents space from the exchange and then sells its own services on the line.

MAC
Migration Authorisation Code - allows you to migrate from one broadband provider to another.

Satellite broadband
An alternative to ADSL that uses a satellite connection to provide a permanent connection to the internet.

SDSL
Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line - allows more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines at rates up to 3Mbps.

Unlimited download
This means you can download as much as you like – ideal for heavy users such as online gamers.

Upload speed
The speed of transferring files from your computer to the internet – usually considerably slower than the download speed.

VOIP
Voice Over Internet Protocol – allowing you to make long distance phone calls using your computer.

Wireless broadband
This is when a broadband connection is formed without wires such as when using a laptop or through a mobile phone. Wireless networks can be set up using radio waves to link users.