Glossary


ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line is currently the most widely used type of broadband for business users. ADSL splits the signal into two frequency ranges - one for voice and one for data allowing users to make and receive telephone calls at the same time as accessing the internet.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth has a general meaning of how much information can be carried in a given time period (usually a second) over a wired or wireless communications link.
Broadband
High-speed transmission medium that can transmit large volumes of data in many frequencies. A broadband connection provides high-speed Internet access over a standard phone line. The advantage of a broadband connection over a standard dial-up service is that Broadband is considerably faster and is 'always-on'
Cable Broadband
Cable Broadband are very similar to that available through conventional telephone lines.
Cable Modem
A cable "modem" uses a cable TV signal to connect a computer to the Internet. A cable "modem" is a device that uses part of the capacity of the local cable TV system to transmit data rather than TV channels to the home.
Client/Server Networks
Client/Server Networks use one computer as a server - where shared files and programs are kept - which other PCs connect to. This central machine can be a normal PC, although it is a more powerful computer or a purpose-built server computer
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line - A technology that enables higher bandwith communications to be passed through conventional telephone lines
DSL Modem
A digital device that connects a computer or network to a larger network via plain-old telephone wiring using DSL techniques.
IP
Internet Protocol. The basis of Internet traffic. Pertinent to Open Access debate because some cable modem providers block many types of IP services.
ISDN
Integrated Subscriber Digital Network. A telephone-line technology that allows provision of data services at a rate faster than analog modems, but slower than broadband.
ISP
Internet Service Provider. May provide Internet access, but also applies to provision of connectivity to the larger Internet and web hosting (server) services.
LAN
Local area networks (LANs) were traditionally connected through CAT5 cabling. However, developing wireless technology has meant that wireless LANs have become easier to create and maintain and are now providing flexible networking options for many businesses.
LLU
Local loop unbundling (LLU) is the process of allowing telecommunications operators to use the twisted-pair telephone connections from the telephone exchange's central office to the customer premises. This local loop is owned by the incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC).
Peer-to-peer networks
Peer-to-peer networks connect two or more computers directly, allowing them to share files or programs.
Radio Broadband
There are several ways broadband services can be delivered. Radio broadband also called 'mesh radio' is a high capacity wireless network that enables downloads at up to 4Mbps. In effect, each user has a private connection to an optical fibre trunk line linked to the internet. Availability is limited and setting up a wireless network is complex.
Router
An active network device that determines the next network point to which a data packet should be forwarded enroute toward its destination.
Satellite Broadband
In locations where no other options are available, satellite broadband will provide a two-way link to the internet.
SDSL
Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line - the download and upload bandwidth is the same. SDSL tends to be used by organisations that are hosting web servers and by those who need to send large files over the internet regularly.
VoIP
(Voice over IP) This simply means using an Internet connection to pass voice data using IP instead of using the standard public switched telephone network. This can avoid long distance telephone charges, as the only connection is through the Internet.
Wireless Broadband
Systems that use wireless technology to access broadband via local area networks within corporate and business offices. Systems for remote rural communities that are unable receive the standard broadband services via phone or cable. Systems, mostly in urban areas, that enable users with suitably configured laptop computers to access the internet via local Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) hotspots. Systems that can access the internet via 3G mobile phone networks.