Quick Answer: Understanding internet terminology helps you make better decisions when shopping for internet service, troubleshooting connection issues, and evaluating provider claims. This glossary covers over 40 essential terms from bandwidth and broadband to Wi-Fi 7 and zero-rating, explained in plain language with real-world context.
Why Internet Terminology Matters
The internet industry is filled with technical jargon, acronyms, and specialized terms that can be confusing and even misleading for consumers. Understanding these terms is not just about being technically literate. It directly impacts your ability to choose the right internet plan, evaluate provider claims, troubleshoot problems, and avoid overpaying for services or features you do not need. Whether you are comparing internet providers, setting up a new home network, or trying to figure out why your connection is slow, knowing the key terminology puts you in control.
This glossary is organized alphabetically and covers the most important internet-related terms you are likely to encounter when shopping for service, reading reviews, or managing your home network. Each definition includes practical context to help you understand not just what the term means, but why it matters to you as a consumer.
A through D
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be transferred over your internet connection, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Think of it as the width of a highway: more bandwidth means more data can flow simultaneously. Your internet plan's advertised speed is essentially its bandwidth capacity. However, your actual experienced speed may be lower due to network congestion, equipment limitations, and other factors. For help determining how much bandwidth you need, visit our bandwidth calculator guide.
Broadband
Broadband refers to high-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up connections. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) currently defines broadband as a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speed, though this definition is widely considered outdated and there are proposals to increase it to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. Broadband can be delivered through several technologies including fiber optic, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, 5G, and satellite.
Buffer / Buffering
Buffering occurs when a streaming device pre-loads a portion of content before playing it, creating a cushion of data to ensure smooth playback. When you see a loading spinner while watching a video, it means the buffer has been depleted and the device is waiting for more data to arrive. Frequent buffering usually indicates that your internet speed is insufficient for the quality of content being streamed, or that your network is congested by other devices using bandwidth simultaneously.
Cable Internet
Cable internet delivers broadband service through the same coaxial cable infrastructure that provides cable television. Cable internet offers speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 1.2 Gbps, with typical plans in the 100 to 500 Mbps range. Major cable internet providers include Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox. One limitation of cable internet is that bandwidth is shared among users in the same neighborhood, which can lead to slowdowns during peak usage hours.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services, including storage, processing power, and software applications, over the internet rather than on your local devices. Services like Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, and Microsoft 365 all rely on cloud computing. A reliable internet connection with adequate upload speed is essential for seamless cloud computing, especially for real-time collaboration and cloud backup.
Coaxial Cable (Coax)
Coaxial cable is a type of copper cable with a central conductor surrounded by insulation, a metallic shield, and an outer jacket. Coax is the primary delivery medium for cable internet and cable television service. While not as fast as fiber optic cable, coaxial cable can deliver internet speeds up to 1.2 Gbps using the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology and up to 10 Gbps with DOCSIS 4.0.
Data Cap
A data cap is a limit on the total amount of data you can download and upload in a billing period, typically measured in terabytes (TB). Common data caps are 1.2 TB per month (Xfinity, Cox) or 1 TB per month (some regional providers). Exceeding your data cap usually results in overage charges of $10 per 50 GB or throttled speeds. Many providers, including Spectrum and most fiber providers, do not impose data caps. Heavy users should prioritize providers with no data caps or budget for unlimited data add-ons.
DOCSIS
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) is the international telecommunications standard that enables high-speed data transfer over cable television systems. DOCSIS 3.0 supports speeds up to about 1 Gbps, DOCSIS 3.1 supports speeds up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1-2 Gbps upstream, and the emerging DOCSIS 4.0 standard promises symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds over existing coaxial cable infrastructure. When purchasing your own modem, ensure it supports at least DOCSIS 3.1 for compatibility with current and near-future cable internet plans.
Download Speed
Download speed measures how quickly data travels from the internet to your devices, measured in Mbps. This is the speed that matters most for common activities like streaming video, loading web pages, downloading files, and receiving email attachments. Internet providers typically advertise download speed prominently because it is the larger number in asymmetric plans. See our speed guide for more details on what download speeds you need.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
DSL is a broadband technology that transmits data over traditional copper telephone lines. DSL speeds typically range from 1 to 100 Mbps, with most plans offering 10 to 50 Mbps. While significantly slower than cable or fiber, DSL has the advantage of dedicated connections that are not shared with neighbors. DSL is gradually being phased out as providers like AT&T and Frontier transition their networks to fiber optic technology.
E through L
Ethernet
Ethernet is a wired networking technology that connects devices to a local network or directly to a modem or router using Ethernet cables (also called Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a cables). Ethernet connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, offering speeds up to 10 Gbps with Cat6a cables. For the best performance, connect stationary devices like desktop computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs directly to your router via Ethernet whenever possible.
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber optic internet uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as pulses of light, delivering the fastest residential internet speeds available. Fiber offers symmetrical download and upload speeds from 300 Mbps to 8 Gbps, with latency as low as 1 to 4 milliseconds. Major fiber providers include AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, Google Fiber, and Frontier Fiber. For a comprehensive overview, see our fiber internet guide.
Firewall
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Most routers include a built-in hardware firewall that provides basic protection against unauthorized access. Software firewalls on individual devices provide an additional layer of security. Keeping your router's firewall enabled is an important step in protecting your home network from cyber threats.
Fixed Wireless
Fixed wireless internet delivers broadband service through radio signals from a nearby tower to a receiver installed on or near your home. Unlike mobile wireless, fixed wireless provides a stable, dedicated connection point. Fixed wireless is commonly used to provide internet service in rural areas where running cables is impractical. Speeds typically range from 25 to 100 Mbps, though newer fixed wireless technologies can deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Gbps (Gigabits Per Second)
Gbps is a unit of data transfer speed equal to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) or 1 billion bits per second. Residential internet plans offering 1 Gbps or higher are becoming increasingly common, especially from fiber providers. A 1 Gbps connection can theoretically download a 5 GB movie in about 40 seconds, though real-world speeds are typically 80 to 90 percent of the advertised rate.
Gateway
A gateway is a combination device that functions as both a modem and a router in a single unit. Many internet providers supply gateway devices to their customers, either included in the plan or for a monthly rental fee. While gateways are convenient, separate modem and router devices often provide better performance, more configuration options, and the flexibility to upgrade components individually.
IP Address
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet. Your home network has a public IP address assigned by your ISP that identifies your household on the internet, and each device on your local network has a private IP address assigned by your router. IP addresses can be static (permanently assigned) or dynamic (changing periodically), with most residential connections using dynamic IP addresses.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
An ISP is a company that provides internet access to consumers and businesses. ISPs deliver internet service through various technologies including fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, 5G, and satellite. Major ISPs in the United States include Comcast (Xfinity), Charter (Spectrum), AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Cox, and Frontier. Choosing the right ISP depends on availability at your address, speed requirements, pricing, and contract terms.
Jitter
Jitter is the variation in latency over time, measured in milliseconds. While latency measures the overall delay, jitter measures how consistent that delay is. High jitter causes audio and video quality to fluctuate during calls and can lead to choppy gameplay during online gaming. A jitter of less than 30 ms is generally acceptable, while less than 10 ms is ideal. Fiber connections typically have the lowest jitter of any internet technology.
Latency
Latency, also called ping, is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). Low latency is crucial for real-time applications like online gaming, video conferencing, and VoIP phone calls. Fiber internet offers the lowest latency (1 to 4 ms), followed by cable (10 to 30 ms), 5G (15 to 40 ms), DSL (25 to 50 ms), and satellite (500 to 700 ms for traditional geostationary satellites, 20 to 60 ms for Starlink).
M through R
Mbps (Megabits Per Second)
Mbps is the most common unit for measuring internet speed, representing millions of bits of data transferred per second. Do not confuse Mbps (megabits) with MBps (megabytes); there are 8 bits in a byte, so 100 Mbps equals approximately 12.5 MBps. When comparing internet plans, speeds are always advertised in Mbps. As a reference point, streaming HD video requires about 5 Mbps, 4K video requires about 25 Mbps, and casual web browsing requires about 3 to 10 Mbps per device.
Mesh Wi-Fi
A mesh Wi-Fi system uses multiple interconnected access points placed throughout your home to create a single, seamless wireless network with consistent coverage. Unlike traditional router and range extender setups, mesh systems allow your devices to automatically connect to the nearest node without dropping the connection. Popular mesh systems include Google Nest WiFi, Amazon Eero, TP-Link Deco, and Netgear Orbi. Mesh Wi-Fi is recommended for homes larger than 1,500 square feet or multi-story residences with Wi-Fi dead zones.
Modem
A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that converts the signal from your ISP's network into a format your home devices can use, and vice versa. Cable internet requires a cable modem (DOCSIS), DSL requires a DSL modem, and fiber internet requires an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). You can typically rent a modem from your ISP for $10 to $15 per month or purchase a compatible modem to save on rental fees over time. See our cheapest plans guide for tips on reducing equipment costs.
Network Congestion
Network congestion occurs when too many users or devices are trying to use the same network simultaneously, causing slower speeds for everyone. This is most noticeable on cable internet during peak hours (typically 7 to 11 PM) when many neighbors in the same area are streaming, gaming, and browsing. Fiber internet is less susceptible to congestion because it provides dedicated bandwidth to each household rather than sharing capacity among neighbors.
ONT (Optical Network Terminal)
An ONT is a device used in fiber optic internet connections that converts optical light signals from the fiber cable into electrical signals that your router and devices can use. The ONT is typically installed on an exterior or interior wall of your home during professional fiber installation. The ONT connects to your router via an Ethernet cable, and some providers combine the ONT and router into a single gateway device.
Ping
Ping is a network utility that measures the round-trip time for data to travel from your device to a specific server and back, expressed in milliseconds. The term is also used colloquially as a synonym for latency. A lower ping means a more responsive connection, which is critical for online gaming, video calls, and other real-time applications. You can test your ping by using online speed test tools or typing "ping" followed by a web address in your computer's command prompt or terminal.
QoS (Quality of Service)
Quality of Service is a router feature that allows you to prioritize certain types of internet traffic over others. For example, you can configure QoS to prioritize video conferencing and gaming traffic over file downloads, ensuring that time-sensitive applications get the bandwidth they need even when your network is busy. Most modern routers include QoS settings in their administration interface, and some newer routers manage traffic priorities automatically.
Router
A router is a networking device that distributes your internet connection to multiple devices in your home, both through wired Ethernet connections and wireless Wi-Fi. The router also manages traffic between devices on your local network and provides security features like a firewall and network address translation (NAT). Upgrading to a modern Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 router can significantly improve your wireless speeds and the number of devices your network can handle efficiently.
S through Z
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet delivers broadband service by transmitting data between a satellite dish at your home and satellites orbiting the Earth. Traditional geostationary satellite internet (HughesNet, Viasat) has high latency (500 to 700 ms) due to the 22,000-mile distance to the satellite. Starlink uses a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites to deliver much lower latency (20 to 60 ms) and faster speeds (40 to 220 Mbps). Satellite internet is primarily used in rural areas where other broadband options are unavailable.
Speed Test
A speed test is a tool that measures your internet connection's current download speed, upload speed, and latency. Popular speed test services include Speedtest by Ookla, Fast.com (by Netflix), and Google's built-in speed test. For the most accurate results, connect your device directly to your modem or router via Ethernet cable, close other applications and browser tabs, and run the test multiple times at different times of day. Speed tests help you verify that you are getting the speeds you are paying for from your ISP.
SSID
SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of your wireless network that appears when devices scan for available Wi-Fi connections. Your router comes with a default SSID, usually the manufacturer's name followed by a series of numbers, but you can change it to any name you prefer through your router's settings. For security, avoid using personally identifying information in your SSID and always protect your network with a strong password using WPA3 encryption.
Symmetrical Speed
Symmetrical speed means your internet connection provides the same download and upload speeds. A symmetrical 500 Mbps plan delivers 500 Mbps in both directions. Fiber optic connections typically offer symmetrical speeds, while cable and DSL connections are asymmetrical, with upload speeds that are a fraction of download speeds. Symmetrical speeds are particularly valuable for remote work, video conferencing, cloud backup, and content creation.
Throttling
Throttling is when an ISP intentionally slows down your internet connection speed, usually after you exceed a data cap or during periods of network congestion. Some ISPs also throttle specific types of traffic like video streaming or peer-to-peer file sharing. Throttling can make your connection significantly slower than what you are paying for. If you suspect throttling, run speed tests using a VPN to see if your speeds improve, which would suggest your ISP is slowing specific traffic types.
Upload Speed
Upload speed measures how quickly data travels from your devices to the internet, measured in Mbps. Upload speed is important for video conferencing, uploading files to cloud storage, posting content to social media, live streaming, and sending email attachments. Most cable internet plans offer upload speeds of 5 to 50 Mbps, while fiber plans typically offer symmetrical speeds where upload matches download. Remote workers and content creators should prioritize plans with strong upload speeds.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, protecting your online activity from being monitored by your ISP, hackers on public Wi-Fi networks, or other third parties. VPNs also allow you to appear to be browsing from a different location, which can be useful for accessing geo-restricted content. Using a VPN may slightly reduce your internet speeds due to the encryption overhead, typically by 10 to 20 percent depending on the VPN service and server location.
Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the current mainstream wireless networking standard, offering faster speeds (up to 9.6 Gbps theoretical), better performance in crowded environments with many devices, improved battery efficiency for connected devices, and support for more simultaneous connections than previous standards. Wi-Fi 6E extends Wi-Fi 6 capabilities into the 6 GHz frequency band, providing additional channels with less interference. Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router can significantly improve your wireless experience, especially in homes with many connected devices.
Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) is the newest wireless standard, offering theoretical speeds up to 46 Gbps, 320 MHz channels, and multi-link operation that allows devices to simultaneously use multiple frequency bands. Wi-Fi 7 routers became available in 2024 and are beginning to be adopted in new devices. For most consumers, Wi-Fi 7 is not yet essential, but it future-proofs your network for multi-gigabit internet plans and increasingly demanding applications.
WPA3
WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest security protocol for wireless networks, providing stronger encryption and better protection against password-guessing attacks than its predecessor WPA2. If your router supports WPA3, enable it in your router settings for the best wireless security. Most devices manufactured after 2020 support WPA3, though some older devices may only work with WPA2. Many routers offer a WPA2/WPA3 transitional mode that supports both standards simultaneously.
Zero-Rating
Zero-rating is a practice where an ISP does not count data consumed by certain services or applications against your monthly data cap. For example, a provider might zero-rate its own streaming service so that watching it does not use your data allowance. While this can benefit consumers with data caps, critics argue that zero-rating creates an uneven playing field and discourages competition. The FCC's stance on zero-rating has varied with different administrations and net neutrality regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Mbps and Gbps?
Gbps (gigabits per second) is 1,000 times faster than Mbps (megabits per second). A 1 Gbps connection equals 1,000 Mbps. Most residential internet plans are measured in Mbps, while the fastest fiber plans are increasingly advertised in Gbps. The distinction matters when comparing plans across different providers.
What does symmetrical speed mean?
Symmetrical speed means your download and upload speeds are equal. A symmetrical 500 Mbps connection delivers 500 Mbps downloads and 500 Mbps uploads. This is standard with fiber internet but uncommon with cable or DSL, where upload speeds are typically a fraction of download speeds. Symmetrical speeds are important for remote work, video calls, and cloud computing.
Why does my internet slow down at night?
Evening slowdowns (typically 7 to 11 PM) are usually caused by network congestion, where many users in your area are online simultaneously. This is most common with cable internet, which shares bandwidth among neighborhood users. Fiber internet is less affected because it provides dedicated bandwidth to each household. If peak-hour slowdowns are a persistent problem, consider switching to fiber if available.
What is a good ping for gaming?
For online gaming, a ping (latency) of less than 50 ms is considered good, while less than 20 ms is excellent. Competitive gamers should aim for under 15 ms. Fiber internet typically offers the lowest ping at 1 to 4 ms, followed by cable at 10 to 30 ms. High ping causes noticeable lag and can be the difference between winning and losing in fast-paced competitive games.
Do I need a modem and a router, or just one?
You need both a modem (to connect to your ISP's network) and a router (to distribute the connection to your devices). Many providers offer a gateway device that combines both functions. Using separate devices generally offers better performance and flexibility, while a gateway is more convenient and takes up less space. Some providers require you to use their gateway device.
What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
The 2.4 GHz band provides wider coverage and better wall penetration but slower maximum speeds and more interference from other devices. The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference but shorter range and weaker wall penetration. Most modern routers broadcast both bands, and your devices should automatically connect to whichever provides the best performance. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 add a 6 GHz band for even faster, less congested connections.
What is DOCSIS and why does it matter?
DOCSIS is the technology standard that cable internet modems use to communicate with your ISP's network. DOCSIS 3.0 supports speeds up to about 1 Gbps, while DOCSIS 3.1 supports up to 10 Gbps downstream. If you are purchasing your own modem, make sure it supports DOCSIS 3.1 to be compatible with current and future cable internet plans from providers like Xfinity and Spectrum.
What is a data cap and how do I avoid one?
A data cap is a monthly limit on the total amount of data you can use, typically 1 to 1.2 TB. Exceeding the cap incurs overage charges. To avoid data caps, choose providers that do not impose them, such as Spectrum, T-Mobile, or any major fiber provider (AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, Frontier Fiber). If you are stuck with a provider that has data caps, you can typically add unlimited data for $25 to $30 per month.
Should I use a VPN with my home internet?
A VPN adds privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic, preventing your ISP and others from monitoring your online activity. VPNs are particularly recommended when using public Wi-Fi and for privacy-conscious users. However, a VPN typically reduces your speed by 10 to 20 percent due to encryption overhead. For most home users, a VPN is optional but provides a valuable extra layer of privacy.
What does throttling mean and how do I detect it?
Throttling is when your ISP intentionally slows your connection, often after exceeding a data cap or for specific traffic types like streaming. To detect throttling, run a speed test normally and then again while connected to a VPN. If your VPN speed is significantly faster, your ISP may be throttling certain traffic. You can also compare speeds at different times of day and with different types of content to identify patterns.
Ready to find the best internet deal? Call now:
Xfinity: 1-844-963-0138Compare plans from top providers:
Spectrum: 1-844-481-5997Check availability in your area:
AT&T: 1-855-850-5977Get Verizon Fios deals:
Verizon: 1-855-387-1456Explore Frontier offers:
Frontier: 1-855-981-6281Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This does not affect our editorial independence or the price you pay. Our recommendations are based on thorough research and analysis.