Explanation of broadband terms - Part 3 of 4

If you don´t know your ISPs from your IM, this is the place for you. Moneysupermarket.com has compiled a glossary of broadband terms to help you understand exactly what the broadband companies have to offer.

EON:

An Ethernet Optical Network. For a full description of Ethernet, see the next term.

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.

FTP:

File transfer protocol — a process of obtaining and uploading files to and from the internet.

GPS:

Standing for Global Positioning System. This allows the user to know exactly where they are on earth and is now used within mobile-broadband technology.

Internet protocol:

This enables information to be routed from one network to another. The information is sent in packets and then reassembled into information when it reaches its destination.

Instant messaging:

A service that allows you to ´chat´ with another internet user in real time by typing.

IP address:

An individual number attributed to every computer on the internet for identification purposes.

ISP:

Internet Service Provider - the company that supplies your connection.

Landline:

is the telephone line in a home — not a mobile, but a routed line.

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.

Mbps

Megabits per second. This measures how quickly data can be transmitted.

Mobile/Broadband bundle:

Basically an all-inclusive package in which you pay for both broadband and mobile phone network charges together.

Modem:

The device that allows your PC to connect to the internet via your telephone line — previously they had to be plugged in, but now they are inbuilt within computers.

Multiple port router:

This is a switch and a router sold in a single package.

Orange Livebox:

A VoiP service offered by Orange that allows users to make calls over the internet for less. You simply plug your phone into the livebox - you don´t have to have your computer switched on and you can even use your home phone line at the same time.

Pay-as-you-go broadband:

This means you only pay for your actual usage — that is, downloads and uploads, looking at websites, emails, etc. You pay based on the time you spend online.

Ping:

When a message is sent to another computer and the command waits for a response. This is a method often used to check if a network is reachable.

Protocol:

A command sent from one computer/network to another.

In part four we will conclude our guide to broadband terms.