Broadband, Bandwidth and Gigabutts: A Tech Speak Primer: Part 1
Overview
Not only has the evolution of the Internet and computer usage introduced us to all sorts of new words, but it has adapted and distorted old words with new meanings. Let us help you wrap your head around all of this tech talk. We'll try to explain some of the more common terms. After reading this you may know what your kids are talking about. You might even be able to bluff your way through a conversation with that know-it-all IT guy in your office. We'll start with terms related to high speed internet service. In later segments, we'll tackle some Internet usage and generic computer terms you might also find useful. Let's begin.
Terms Relating to High Speed Internet Service
ISP
Internet Service Provider. The company you pay for Internet access. Refers to both dial-up and high speed providers.
Usage: "I switched ISP's to get a better deal."
Broadband
Broadband in its current use generally refers to a high speed internet connection. By definition, broadband refers to communication that includes a wide range of frequencies.
Usage: "We finally got rid of our dial-up and switched to broadband."
Bandwidth
The capacity of a communications channel. This is one of those words that was borrowed and adapted for internet use. Sometimes it is used to refer to the speed of a connection, while other times it refers to allowable monthly data transfer.
Usage: [monthly transfer] "My kid downloaded 80 hours of music videos and used up our bandwidth for the entire month. Can you believe that?" or [speed] "Yeah, we get wicked bandwidth now."
Server
A server is basically a computer whose function is to give out information. When you visit a website, you are connecting to a "web server" whose job it is to send out the requested pages of a website to the computers that ask for them. A mail server hands out mail. A file server hands out files.
Usage: "My mail server has been letting through a lot of junk mail lately."
Client
Any computer requesting information from a server is called a client. The programs used by the clients can also be called clients. This is what's called "client / server architecture". If you've ever used e-mail you can put this on your resume: "Hands on experience in a client / server environment."
Usage: "My e-mail client is Outlook Express."
IP Address
When your cable, dsl or even dial-up modem connects to the Internet you are assigned an "address". Called an IP number or IP address. The IP stands for Internet Protocol. If you have more than one computer on a home or office network your network will also usually assign each computer an ip address. These numbers are necessary to ensure that the information you request - by visiting a website for example - gets back to your originating computer. An IP can be dynamic or it can be static. Dynamic IP's are usually assigned by your Internet provider every time you logon or once every few days in the case of "always on" connections. A static IP is always the same. An ip address looks like this X.X.X.X where X is a number between 0 and 255.
Usage: "What's your IP address?"
VOIP
Voice Over Internet Protocol. VOIP is a reference to the modern Internet driven phone services that are currently available. Essentially, voice conversations are carried over the internet as digital data.
Usage: "I think I'll dump my phone company and get VOIP."
Downstream / Upstream
The speed at which requested data is sent to you is downstream speed. The speed at which you send data to others is upstream speed. For example, when you download a video or a page of information on the Internet, you first request the information using a small upstream or outgoing request. The information is sent back to you downstream. Most ISP's advertise fast downstream speeds, but purposely offer lower upstream speed in order to prevent users from operating servers using residential internet connections.
Usage: "My upstream bandwidth supports VOIP."
T1
A dedicated connection that supports 24 channels of data each supporting 64Kbits for a combined total of 1.544Mbits. These are often used in offices where some of the 24 channels can be separated for phone service and others for internet service. Fractional T1's are used in smaller office settings where fewer channels are needed. A half T1, for example, includes 12 channels.
Usage: "We've got a fractional T1 at the office."
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line. Read about DSL service here.
Usage: "I switched to DSL."
Cable Internet
Internet service provided by traditional cable TV companies. Read about cable internet service here.
Usage: "I switched to Cable Internet."
Router
Rather than repeat ourselves, there's a full explanation of routers here.
Usage: "My router has a built in firewall and wireless."
Practical Use
Now, the fun part. Let's put it all together and construct a true 21st century conversation.
You say. "I finally got rid of my dial-up ISP and switched to broadband."
"That's nothing." Says Office IT Guy. "My friend has a full T1 in his house."
"What would your friend need that for?" You say. "My cable internet service has 3 times the bandwidth of a T1 at a fraction of the cost."
"Downstream bandwidth maybe." He snorts.
"Yeah but the upstream bandwidth is still high enough for crystal clear VOIP service." You say.
"Well he's running servers." Says Office IT Guy.
"Oh." You say. "Well I guess that's why he would need that sort of upstream bandwidth. Not to mention some static IP's."
"I'm not sure. He plays a lot of video games."
Okay, maybe you won't run into this particular scenario, but at least now we have some context for your new found tech talk. Most of these words, at least in the context of high speed internet service, didn't exist 10 years ago. Context and usage examples can often help where simple definitions don't. Read our Tech Speak Primer Part 2
Be sure to evaluate all options
before choosing a High Speed Internet Provider.
