Broadband Glossary

Activation
The process of activating a telephone line to receive broadband data and telephone calls at the same time.

ADSL Broadband
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) describes a DSL line where the upload and download speeds differ. Usually download speed is faster than the upload speed.

Always on
A connection to the Internet that is permanently available, broadband connections are ‘always on’.

Anti-virus software
Anti-virus software provides protection against computer viruses invading your computer. Most broadband packages offer this as standard or for a small additional cost.

Bandwidth
Bandwidth is a measure of how fast you can send and receive data using your internet connection.

Broadband
Broadband is the technology that allows multiple signals to share one cable allowing high speed connection to the internet. To check broadband available in your post code use our availability checker: compare broadband deals

Contention Ratio
Contention ratio describes the maximum number of users sharing the bandwidth on the broadband connection between your local exchange and your broadband provider. For example if you have a contention ratio of 20:1 would mean that no more than 20 users share the bandwidth. A lower contention ratio allows a high speed of access

DSL
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) s is a method of transmitting data over standard telephone lines and is more prevalent in the US than the UK (where ADSL is more common).

Firewall
A firewall is a computer program that sits between your pc and the internet. Firewalls filter the information received through the internet blocking unwanted threats and visits. Some broadband packages provide a firewall as standard. Others only supply it with more expensive packages or at an additional cost.

ISP
The Internet Service Provider (ISP) is the company that is supplying your broadband (or dial-up) service,

MAC address
The Migration Authorisation Code (MAC) allows you to migrate from one broadband provider to another and can be obtained by calling your Internet Service Provider.

Modem
A modem is the hardware that is used to connect computers to the Internet and is provided free with most broadband packages

Router
A router is the piece of hardware that connects a computer to the Internet. Most broadband packages include a router. A wireless router allows wireless access to the internet.

Spyware
Software that records user information through the user's Internet connection without their knowledge. This is usually for advertising purposes.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
VOIP enables broadband users to send voice calls via the Internet.  There are now a number of these services in operation and call can be made free of charge. Our guide to VoIP explains this technology and the providers in more detail: broadband voip

Wireless Broadband
Wireless broadband allows connection to the internet at high speed without the need for wires and can allow more that one user to access the internet from the same connection. Wireless broadband allows access from any where in the household (within the routers range). Wireless broadband can be password protected to stop others accessing your connection. A wireless router is required. The following broadband packages offer a free wireless router: free wireless router

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