Discover the features that characterize and differentiate internet and network services. Learn about key service aspects such as bandwidth, latency, data caps, and quality of service (QoS). These terms help you understand what to expect from service providers and how to choose the best options based on your needs.
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A
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) (): The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government initiative that provides discounts on monthly broadband internet service and connected devices to help low-income households afford high-speed internet access.
B
Bandwidth (): Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).
Bandwidth Caps (): Bandwidth caps are limits imposed by internet service providers (ISPs) on the amount of data a subscriber can use within a given period, usually a month.
Broadband (): Broadband refers to high-speed internet access that is faster than traditional dial-up connections and enables users to access online content and services quickly and efficiently.
Broadband Adoption (): Broadband adoption refers to the extent to which households and individuals subscribe to and use high-speed internet services, typically provided through cable, fiber, or wireless technologies.
Broadband Speed (): Broadband speed refers to the rate at which data is transmitted over an internet connection, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).
D
Data Cap (): A data cap is a limit imposed by internet service providers on the amount of data a subscriber can use within a specified period, typically a month.
Data Plan (): A data plan (mobile hotspot) is a service provided by mobile carriers that allows users to share their mobile device's internet connection with other devices, such as laptops or tablets, via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB.
Data Throttling (): Data throttling is the practice of intentionally slowing down a user's internet connection speed by their internet service provider (ISP).
Data Usage Monitor (): A data usage monitor is a tool or feature that helps homeowners and homebuyers track and manage the amount of internet data they consume through their residential broadband connection.
Download Speed (): Download speed refers to the rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your device, measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
Downtime (): Downtime refers to periods when an internet connection or telecommunications service is unavailable or not functioning properly, preventing users from accessing online services and resources.
F
Failover (): Failover is a backup mechanism that automatically switches to a redundant or standby system when the primary system experiences a failure or disruption, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing downtime.
G
Gigabit Internet (): Gigabit Internet refers to high-speed internet service that provides data transfer rates of at least one gigabit per second (Gbps), which is equivalent to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps).
Gigabit Speeds (): Gigabit speeds refer to internet connections that can transfer data at a rate of one gigabit (1,000 megabits) per second or higher, providing ultra-fast download and upload speeds for homes and businesses.
I
Internet Rush Hour (): Internet Rush Hour refers to the times of day when online traffic and internet usage are at their peak, potentially leading to slower connection speeds and increased latency for users.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) (): An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides individuals and organizations with access to the internet and related services.
Internet Speed (): Internet speed refers to the rate at which data is transferred between your device and the internet, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).
Internet Traffic Management (): Internet traffic management refers to the techniques and policies employed by internet service providers (ISPs) to optimize network performance and ensure fair allocation of bandwidth among users.
J
Jitter (): Jitter refers to the variation in the delay or timing of data packets arriving at their destination, which can cause disruptions in audio, video, or other time-sensitive data transmissions.
L
Latency (): Latency refers to the delay or time required for data to travel between its source and destination in a network or system.
Lifeline (): Lifeline is a government assistance program that provides discounted or free telecommunications services, including residential broadband, to eligible low-income households.
M
Mbps (Megabits Per Second) (): Mbps is a unit of measurement for data transfer speed, expressing the number of megabits (millions of bits) that can be transmitted per second.
Mobile Broadband (): Mobile broadband refers to high-speed internet access provided through wireless cellular networks, enabling users to connect to the internet using mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
N
National Broadband Map (): The National Broadband Map is an online tool that provides information about broadband internet availability and speeds across the United States.
Net Neutrality (): Network neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all internet traffic equally, without discriminating or charging differently based on content, user, platform, application, type of attached equipment, or method of communication.
O
Open Internet (): Open Internet refers to the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all internet traffic equally, without discriminating or charging differently based on content, user, platform, application, type of attached equipment, or method of communication.
P
Packet Loss (): Packet loss is the failure of data packets to reach their intended destination within a network, resulting in missing or incomplete data transmission.
Paid Prioritization (): Paid prioritization is the practice of internet service providers (ISPs) offering preferential treatment to certain online content or services in exchange for payment, potentially resulting in faster loading times or better quality for prioritized content.
Peak Hours (): Peak hours in telecommunications refer to the times of day when internet and network usage is at its highest, potentially leading to slower connection speeds and increased latency for residential broadband users.
Ping (): Ping refers to the time it takes for a small data packet to travel from a user's device to a server and back, measuring the latency or responsiveness of the internet connection.
Q
Quality of Service (QoS) (): Quality of Service (QoS) refers to the ability of a network to prioritize and manage different types of traffic to ensure a consistent and satisfactory user experience for specific applications or services.
R
Remote Work (): Remote work refers to the ability to perform job duties from a location outside of a traditional office setting, typically from home, using residential broadband internet connectivity.
S
Service Level Agreement (SLA) (): A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a contract between a telecommunications provider and a customer that outlines the expected level of service, performance standards, and the provider's responsibilities.
Signal Strength (): Signal strength refers to the quality and reliability of wireless network connections, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, in a specific location.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) (): Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is a measure of the strength and clarity of a desired signal compared to the level of background noise in a telecommunications system, such as a residential broadband connection.
Streaming Quality (): Streaming quality refers to the visual and auditory experience of watching online video content, which is affected by factors such as internet connection speed, video resolution, and buffering.
Symmetrical Bandwidth (): Symmetrical bandwidth refers to an internet connection that offers equal upload and download speeds.
T
Tethering (): Tokenization refers to the process of converting a user's data or access rights into a digital token on a blockchain network, enabling secure and efficient management of network resources and services.
Throttling (): Throttling is the intentional slowing down of internet speeds by an internet service provider (ISP), typically when a user exceeds a certain data usage threshold or during peak network congestion periods.
Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing (): Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing is a billing structure where the cost of a service, such as residential broadband internet, varies depending on the time of day or day of the week when the service is used.
U
Universal Service Fund (USF) (): The Universal Service Fund (USF) is a government program designed to ensure affordable access to telecommunications services, including broadband internet, for all Americans, particularly those in rural, low-income, and high-cost areas.
Unlimited Data (): Unlimited data refers to a residential broadband plan that allows users to consume as much data as they want without facing additional charges or speed throttling.
Upload Speed (): Upload speed refers to the rate at which data is sent from a user's device to the internet, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps).
Uptime (): Uptime refers to the amount of time that a residential broadband connection or telecommunications service is functioning properly and available for use.
W
Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) (): A Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) is a company that delivers high-speed internet access to homes and businesses using wireless technology, often in areas where traditional wired broadband options are limited or unavailable.
