Broadband technology terminology update

Confused by all the new tech terminology? Here s a quick overview.

Bandwidth

All transmitted communications signals occupy a range of frequencies, and the bandwidth is the measure of that range.

Broadband

Telecommunication that provides the transmission of multiple channels of data via a single communications medium (such as phone lines).

56k dial-up

The common household connection to the Internet. The user connects to his or her Internet service provider, and the ISP connects the user in turn to the Internet.

Integrated software defined network

This medium functions via a two-channel phone line that permits both voice and data transmission. More technologically advanced than 56k dial-up.

Digital subscriber line

DSL brings broadband information to homes and offices via ordinary copper phone lines. It is always connected to the Internet, which means it is ready as soon as a PC is turned on. (xDSL, ADSL, HDSL and RADSL are all different variations of DSL technology.) This technology is usually used for data transmission, but with peripheral equipment, may also be used for voice transmission.

Fiber optics

This technology transmits data as pulses of light via a cable made up of super-thin filaments of glass (or other material). Its advantages are the transmission of vast quantities of data at the speed of light. The extreme fragility of fiber optics materials usually requires that the cable be installed underground.