Broadband jargon guide

ADSL

This is technology that enables fast data transfer over traditional telephone lines made of copper. Non-cable, home broadband is usually ADSL.The ‘A’ in ADSL stands for Asymetric, which essentially means you can download data faster than uploading. Click here for more on ADSL broadband

ADSL2+ (or ADSL2plus or ITU G.992.5)

Extends the capability of regular ADSL by doubling the number of downstream bits, this can be up to 24 Mb/s downstream and 1Mb/s upstream depending on the distance of the DSLAM to the customers home. To see if you can get ADSL2 or ADSL2+ in your area enter your postcode into our postcode checker. Find the ADSL2 package that's right for you.

Annex M (or ADSL2+M)

Increases the potential or ADSL2+ by doubling the number of upstream bits, dependent on the distance of the DSLAM. Only offered in the UK through Be Broadband but only on their most expensive package “Be Office”.

Bitrate

The number of bits (binary digits, either 0 or 1) that are conveyed or processed per unit of time.

Broadband

Fast internet access using data transmission through cable TV lines or via ADSL. Typically at least four times the speed of dial-up.

Cable Broadband

Cable Broadband is through a cable direct to your house, Virgin Media now provides this service, and cable broadband can be preferable as there is a higher chance of maintaining a constant broadband speed as opposed to ADSL. Click here to find the best cable broadband deals.

Dialup

Internet access through a dial up modem. This is a cheap form of internet access but is slower than a broadband connection.

Download Limits

This refers to the amount of data (in Gb) that your ISP will let you download each month without either a) restricting your broadband account or b) charging you for it. Find the best heavy-use broadband options now.

DSL

Digital Subscriber Line is the broadband technology behind your internet connection.

DSLAM

A Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer, this enable telephone lines to have faster connections to the internet. This network device is usually located at a telephone company office, this collects the digital signals from its multiple modem ports and combines them into one signal through a process called multiplexing. The distance of the DSLAM to your house has an impact on the level of Mb/s broadband you can obtain. Local conditions can vary, especially beyond 2km, but the closer you are to the DSLAM the higher your Mb/s will be.

Downstream/Downloading

The downstream refers to the speed in which data is sent from the server to your computer. This process is more commonly known as downloading. Therefore a 2Mb/s connection speed translates as being able to download near to 2 megabytes per second. The rate of the download speed is dependent on the downstream of the user and the upstream of the server/DSLAM

“Free” Broadband

A bit of a misnomer - many providers offer free broadband to their customers, but it’s often part of a home phone, TV or mobile contract. Buyer beware! Compare free broadband options and get free broadband as part of your package.

ISP

Internet Service Provider - this is the company who will provide your broadband service. We offer most of them!

IPTV

Internet Protocol Television is a system where television is delivered via Internet Protocol normally through a broadband connection. To use on a regular TV a set-top box is needed, which should be provided by your ISP. IPTV provides programs and shows on demand, letting you watch what you want, when you want. You can also fast-forward, rewind, stop and pause programs just like a DVD player. For more information on IPTV, why not read our "What is IPTV?" guide.

MAC number

Migration Authorisation Code is a unique individual code used for switching broadband providers. Due to Ofcom regulations in February it is now compulsory for your current broadband provider to give you your MAC upon request. The MAC makes it quick and easy to change providers, but is only valid for 30 days, after this you will need to be reissued with a new one. Switch broadband today and find a broaband deal that's better than your current one.

Mb

A unit of storage short for Mbit which dictates the speed of your broadband. In broadband terms, the higher the Mb, the faster the broadband. Internet connections are usually 0.5 Mb to 24Mb in the UK.

Mb/s

A Megabit per second is refers to the speed of your broadband connection, ie the rate at which one Mb of information is transfer. For example, with a connection speed of 8Mbps, data is transferred at a rate of 8 megabytes per second. Click here for fast broadband deals.

Mobile Broadband

It’s broadband for your laptop. All you need is a USB connection and you can get broadband while “on the go” or “mobile”. Click on this link for the best deals and more information about mobile broadband.

Monthly Cost

Broadband providers usually charge you monthly for your broadband, unless you pay up front for a year’s contract. Some providers offer "free broadband" in these cases, the cost of the broadband package is absorbed in the cost of the package. Click here for free broadband packages.

Streaming

A method of transferring data so that it can processed as a steady or constant stream. Streaming is a normally used as a form of viewing media without actually downloading the information, essentially listening to or watching media ‘live’.

Unlimited Broadband

If you have this, you can download to your hearts content! It simply means that you have no download limits on your broadband account and you can download as much as you like without restriction. Find out more about unlimited broadband and compare unlimited broadband deals here.

Upstream

Refers to the process of transferring information from the client to the server, the speed of this differs greatly to downstream as upstream is used mainly for web server application and where upload information to the server is critical.

VoD

Video on Demand allows viewers to download or stream video content through an interactive television service

VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol is the routing of voice conversations through an internet connection or any other IP-based network.

Wireless Broadband

This is broadband via WLAN (wireless local area network). These days, most broadband companies offer wireless broadband and a router as a standard package. It allows you to connect wirelessly at home to your broadband. If you’re looking to use wireless broadband at home, check out the following wireless broadband deals.