Explanation of broadband terms - Part 4 of 4

Moneysupermarket.com has compiled a glossary of broadband terms to help you make an informed choice on the best broadband deal for you. This is the final section.

Quad play:

A combination of broadband, television, mobile phone and landline phone services. This was first offered by Virgin Media in 2007.

Router:

With a router you can set up your own home network because it will buffer and forward data. It connects the Internet Service Provider´s network together with the LAN at home through a single broadband domain. So instead of paying for a connection for each PC, the router allows you to put your home network on the same connection.

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.

See Surf Speak:

A range of products offered by Sky that combine television (see), broadband (surf) and phone (speak) services.

Speed:

The rate at which you can receive downloads. For broadband, the connection is normally at least 256kbps and can be as much as 24Mbps.

Streaming:

Allows the user to watch/listen to a download as the download commences in the background. This is most common with live streaming, such as with commentary from sports events, etc.

Switch:

Of course this can mean to move from one broadband provider to another, for example "I switched from BT to Sky". However, a switch is also a term for a device that connects local area networks.

Unlimited download:

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

Upload:

Transferring files from your computer to the internet.

Usage cap:

With some broadband packages you are limited to the amount you can download over a set period. This will be outlined in your contract.

V+:

on a range of Virgin products, with V+ you can pause and rewind live TV as well as recording two programmes and watching a third.

Virgin Central:

A TV channel that offers Virgin´s video on demand service. By pressing a button a viewer can access an on-screen guide and view different episodes of a show they can select. A user can also stop, rewind and pause the TV show, much like using a DVD player.

VLAN:

A virtual local area network. This is a network of computers that behaves as though they are connected to the same wire even though they might actually be on different sections of the LAN.

VOD:

Video on Demand - a technology or service that allows a video feed to be called on near instantaneously for viewing, usually for a fee.

VoIP:

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

Web n Walk:

A T-Mobile package that gives the user unlimited broadband internet access on a mobile phone and laptop for a monthly fee.

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.