Delve into the backbone of our digital world with terms that define the physical and virtual components essential for internet and network connectivity. From routers and modems to fiber optics and network protocols, understand the critical infrastructure that supports seamless communication and data transfer across the globe.
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5
5G (): 5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology that offers faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity compared to previous generations, enabling enhanced mobile broadband and home internet services.
6
6G (): 6G refers to the sixth generation of wireless communication technology, which is expected to succeed the current 5G networks and offer even faster speeds, lower latency, and more advanced capabilities for residential broadband and other applications.
A
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) (): ADSL is a type of broadband internet connection that uses existing telephone lines to provide high-speed internet access to homes and businesses.
B
Backhaul (): Backhaul refers to the portion of a telecommunications network that connects the core network to the smaller subnetworks or end users.
Broadband Access (): Broadband access refers to high-speed internet connectivity that allows users to quickly send and receive data, stream media, and engage in online activities.
Broadband Availability (): Broadband availability refers to the presence and accessibility of high-speed internet services in a given area, typically offering faster download and upload speeds compared to traditional dial-up connections.
Broadband Infrastructure (): Broadband infrastructure refers to the physical components and technologies that enable high-speed internet access and data transmission.
C
Cable Internet (): Cable Internet is a type of broadband internet service that delivers high-speed internet access to homes and businesses through the same coaxial cable lines used for cable television.
Cable Modem (): A cable modem is a device that allows homes to connect to the internet through the same coaxial cable lines that deliver cable television service.
Cell Phone Coverage (): Cell phone coverage refers to the geographic area where a mobile phone can receive a reliable signal from a cellular network provider, enabling users to make calls, send texts, and access mobile data services.
Cellular Coverage Map (): A cellular coverage map is a visual representation of the geographic areas where a specific mobile network operator provides cellular service, indicating the signal strength and quality in different locations.
Cellular Dead Zone (): A cellular dead zone is an area where mobile devices cannot receive a signal from cellular network towers, resulting in a lack of cellular service.
D
Dead Zones (): Dead zones, in the context of bandwidth and internet connectivity, refer to specific areas within a building or property where wireless signals are weak, unstable, or non-existent, resulting in poor or no internet access.
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) (): DOCSIS is a telecommunications standard that allows high-speed internet access to be delivered over the same coaxial cable lines used for cable television.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) (): DSL is a type of broadband internet service that transmits data over traditional copper telephone lines, offering faster speeds than dial-up connections.
Dual-Band Wi-Fi (): Dual-band Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to communicate over two distinct frequency bands, providing improved performance, compatibility, and reduced interference compared to single-band Wi-Fi.
E
Ethernet (): Ethernet is a widely used wired networking technology that enables devices to communicate and share data within a local area network (LAN), such as in homes and offices.
Ethernet Cable (): An Ethernet cable is a type of network cable used to connect devices within a local area network (LAN), such as connecting a computer to a router or modem for wired internet access.
F
Fiber-Optic (): Fiber-optic refers to a high-speed internet technology that uses thin, flexible glass or plastic fibers to transmit data using light signals, enabling faster and more reliable internet connections compared to traditional copper wire-based technologies.
Fiber-Optic Internet (): Fiber-optic Internet is a high-speed broadband connection that uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data using light, providing faster and more reliable Internet access compared to traditional copper wire or cable-based connections.
Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) (): Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) is a type of broadband internet connection that uses fiber-optic cables to deliver high-speed internet directly to a residence.
Fixed Wireless Internet (): Fixed Wireless Internet is a type of broadband connection that uses radio waves to transmit data from a fixed point to a subscriber's location, providing high-speed internet access without the need for physical cables.
G
Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Satellites (): Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites are satellites that orbit the Earth at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, allowing them to maintain a fixed position above a specific location on the Earth's surface. They are commonly used for telecommunications, including residential broadband internet services.
Guest Network (): A guest network is a separate Wi-Fi network set up in a home to provide internet access to visitors while keeping the primary network secure and private.
H
Hotspot (): A hotspot is a physical location where people can access the internet wirelessly using Wi-Fi technology, often provided by a router or a mobile device with cellular data connectivity.
I
IP Address (): An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network, including home networks and the internet, which allows devices to communicate with each other.
L
Last Mile (): In telecommunications, the last mile refers to the final segment of the network that connects service providers to end-users or customers, such as homes or businesses.
Line of Sight (LoS) (): Line of Sight (LoS) refers to the unobstructed path between a wireless transmitter and receiver, which is essential for reliable wireless broadband connections.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite (): Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are small satellites that orbit close to the Earth's surface and are used to provide global telecommunications services, including residential broadband internet.
M
MAC Address (): A MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique identifier assigned to a device's network interface, used for communication within a local network.
Mesh Wi-Fi System (): A mesh Wi-Fi system is a wireless networking solution that uses multiple interconnected devices to create a seamless, wide-ranging Wi-Fi network throughout a home or building.
Middle Mile (): The middle mile refers to the segment of a telecommunications network that connects the core network to the last mile, which reaches end users.
Mobile Hotspot (): A mobile hotspot is a portable device or smartphone feature that allows you to share your cellular data connection with other devices, creating a localized Wi-Fi network.
Modem (): A modem is a device that enables a computer or other internet-enabled device to connect to the internet through a telephone line, cable, or fiber optic connection.
Municipal Broadband (): Municipal broadband refers to internet services provided by a city, town, or county government to its residents, often as an alternative to private internet service providers (ISPs).
N
Network Congestion (): Network congestion occurs when the amount of data traffic on a network exceeds its capacity, leading to slower internet speeds, increased latency, and potential connectivity issues for users.
Network Name (SSID) (): A Network Name, also known as a Service Set Identifier (SSID), is the unique name given to a wireless network to distinguish it from other networks in the area.
Network Slicing (): Network slicing is a technique used in modern telecommunications networks, particularly in 5G, to create multiple virtual networks on top of a single physical infrastructure, each tailored to specific service requirements and user needs.
Network Switch (): A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices on a computer network, allowing them to communicate with each other efficiently.
R
Router (): A router is a device that connects your home network to the internet and allows multiple devices to connect to the network simultaneously, enabling them to communicate with each other and access online services.
S
Satellite Dish (): A satellite dish is a type of antenna designed to receive or transmit signals from communication satellites orbiting the Earth, enabling various services such as satellite TV, radio, and internet access for residential properties.
Satellite Internet (): Satellite Internet is a type of broadband connection that uses orbiting satellites to provide internet access to homes and businesses, particularly in areas where other broadband options are limited or unavailable.
Satellite Modem (): A satellite modem is a device that enables a home to connect to the internet via a satellite connection, providing broadband access in areas where traditional wired internet services may not be available.
Signal Booster (): A signal booster is a device that amplifies weak cellular, Wi-Fi, or other wireless signals to improve coverage and signal strength in a specific area.
T
Technology Infrastructure (): Technology infrastructure refers to the underlying systems, networks, and facilities that support the use and development of technology within a neighborhood or community.
Terahertz (Thz) Waves (): Terahertz (THz) waves are a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that holds promise for future high-speed, short-range wireless communications, including residential broadband.
U
Ultra-High-Speed Wireless (): Ultra-High-Speed Wireless refers to advanced wireless broadband technologies that provide extremely fast internet speeds and low latency, enabling seamless connectivity for homes and businesses.
V
VDSL (Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) (): VDSL is a type of digital subscriber line (DSL) technology that provides faster internet speeds than traditional DSL by using higher frequencies on existing copper telephone lines.
W
Wi-Fi (): Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or communicate with one another without the need for physical cables.
Wi-Fi 6 (): Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, offering faster speeds, improved efficiency, and better performance in congested areas compared to previous generations.
Wi-Fi Channels (): Wi-Fi channels are specific frequencies within the Wi-Fi frequency bands that wireless devices use to communicate with each other and with the internet.
Wi-Fi Coverage (): Wi-Fi coverage refers to the area in which a wireless network can be accessed by devices, allowing them to connect to the internet or communicate with each other.
Wi-Fi Dead Spots (): Wi-Fi dead spots are areas within a home or property where the wireless internet signal is weak, unreliable, or non-existent, resulting in poor or no connectivity for devices.
Wi-Fi Dead Zones (): Wi-Fi dead zones are areas within a building or property where the wireless network signal is weak, unreliable, or non-existent, resulting in poor or no internet connectivity.
Wi-Fi Extender (): A Wi-Fi extender is a device that helps expand the coverage area of your existing Wi-Fi network, allowing you to access the internet in rooms or areas where the signal is weak or non-existent.
Wi-Fi Interference (): Wi-Fi interference is the disruption or degradation of a wireless network signal caused by other devices or environmental factors, resulting in slower speeds, reduced range, or connection issues.
Wi-Fi Range (): Wi-Fi range refers to the maximum distance at which a wireless device can maintain a stable connection to a Wi-Fi network while still receiving an acceptable signal strength.
Wi-Fi Range Extender (): A Wi-Fi range extender is a device that helps expand the coverage area of a wireless network, allowing users to access the internet in parts of their home that may have weak or no signal.
Wi-Fi signal strength (): Wi-Fi signal strength refers to the power and quality of the wireless internet connection in a given location, affecting the speed and reliability of devices connected to the network.
Wi-Fi Site Survey (): A Wi-Fi site survey is an assessment of a property's wireless network coverage, performance, and potential interference sources to optimize Wi-Fi performance and user experience.
Wireless Dead Zone (): A wireless dead zone is an area within a property or neighborhood where wireless signals, such as Wi-Fi or cellular reception, are weak or non-existent, resulting in poor or no connectivity.
Wireless Fiber (): Wireless Fiber is a term used to describe high-speed wireless internet services that aim to provide speeds and reliability comparable to traditional fiber-optic internet connections.
Wireless Interference (): Wireless interference is the disruption or degradation of wireless signals caused by other electronic devices or environmental factors, leading to reduced performance or connectivity issues in home networks and telecommunications.
Wireless Range (): Wireless range refers to the maximum distance at which a wireless device can effectively connect to and communicate with a wireless network or another wireless device.
Wireless Range Extender (): A wireless range extender is a device that helps expand the coverage area of a home's Wi-Fi network, eliminating dead spots and improving internet connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.
Wireless Router (): A wireless router is a device that enables multiple devices to connect to the internet wirelessly within a home or small office network.
Wireless Standards (): Wireless standards are established protocols that define how wireless devices communicate with each other and with the internet, ensuring compatibility and performance across different manufacturers and service providers.
