Explanation of broadband terms - Part 1 of 4

At moneysupermarket.com we want you to find not just the cheapest broadband offer on the market, but the best broadband deal available. That is why we want to help you understand exactly what you will receive for your money so you avoid the pitfalls and get the most from your broadband internet connection.

Consequently, we have compiled an exclusive glossary to help you bust through that broadband jargon.

3G:

Mobile phone technology that includes services and applications with faster access to the web.

ADSL:

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - the technology that allows you to receive broadband using existing telephone networks. It works like a very fast telephone line that is always connected to the internet. By converting data more efficiently over a wider frequency range than a computer´s modem, ADSL makes the line much faster.

ATM:

Asynchronous transfer mode. This is a way of transferring voice, video and data over a high-speed network.

Bandwidth:

This is the amount of data that can be transferred over a connection usually expressed in bits/bytes per second (bps).

Be Box modem:

Part of the Be broadband range of packages, the Be Box Modem is a wireless router that is ADSL enabled and provides voice over IP functions for home and office users.

Bit:

This is a single unit of data — and in broadband terms this means the unit of transmitted data. A kilobit (Kb) is 1,000 bits. A megabit (Mb) is 1,000,000 bits.

Broadband:

Broadband is a faster version of the internet that works at higher speeds because of an increased bandwidth. The most commonly used form is ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) which is an upgraded home telephone line that remains connected so there is no need to dial it up each time and you can make phone calls while using the internet. Broadband can also be obtained through cable TV or satellite.

Broadband/Landline bundle:

An all-inclusive package in which you pay for both broadband and line rental together.

BT Home Hub:

A wireless internet router available from BT.

BT Hub Phone:

This is a digital cordless phone that allows you to make low cost calls over the BT Broadband Talk service.

BT Vision:

A digital television service offered by BT. The set-top box includes access to the video on demand service. The service works with a BT Home Hub.

Bundle:

This is effectively a package deal. For example, with mobile phones you could get a text and minutes bundle offering you call-time and text messages for a predetermined fee. A broadband bundle could be a combination of broadband and line rental, for example.

In part two we´ll look at everything from cable broadband to download restrictions.