ISP (Internet Service Provider)

The company that provides your internet connection. Examples include Comcast, Spectrum, AT&T, Verizon, etc. Your ISP maintains the infrastructure that connects your home or business to the broader internet.

Bandwidth

The maximum rate at which you can download data from the internet, usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Often incorrectly referred to as "speed," bandwidth actually describes capacity. Think of it as the width of a pipe – the wider it is, the more data can flow through it simultaneously.

Broadband

A high-capacity internet connection that's always on (unlike dial-up connections from the early internet days). The FCC currently defines broadband as connections with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps, though many argue this definition is outdated.

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)

A unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network. Think of it as your device's "home address" on the internet. There are two types:

• IPv4: The original system (e.g., 192.168.1.1) with approximately 4.3 billion possible addresses.
• IPv6: The newer system (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) with a vastly larger address space, designed to solve the IPv4 address exhaustion problem.

To see your device's IP address:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt and type "ipconfig"
• macOS: Go to System Preferences → Network, select your connection, and click "Advanced"
• Linux: Open Terminal and type "ip addr" or "ifconfig"

To check your public IP address (the one visible to websites), you can use our IP detection tool.

DNS (Domain Name System)

The system that translates human-readable domain names (like "google.com") into IP addresses that computers can understand. Think of it as the internet's phone book. For a deeper understanding of DNS and its impact on your browsing experience, see our guide on DNS Explained: Why It Matters for Your Internet Speed.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

The address you type in your browser to visit a website. A complete URL contains several parts:

https://www.example.com/page?query=term

• Protocol (https://): Defines how data is transmitted
• Domain (www.example.com): The website name
• Path (/page): Specific location on the website
• Query (?query=term): Additional parameters

Router

A device that forwards data packets between computer networks. In home networks, the router connects your local network to the internet and directs traffic between your devices and the outside world. Modern routers often include built-in switches, wireless access points, and sometimes modems.

Your router has an admin interface that can be accessed through a web browser:

• Common access methods: Type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in your browser, or check the specific address on your router's label
• Default credentials: Usually printed on the router or in its documentation (you should change these for security)

Modem

A device that connects your home network to your ISP's network. It converts the digital signals from your home devices into the format needed for transmission over your specific type of internet connection (cable, DSL, fiber, etc.) and vice versa. Many ISPs now provide combination modem-router devices, sometimes called "gateways."

Switch

A device that connects multiple devices together on a local network. Unlike routers, switches only forward data within the local network and don't provide a connection to the internet. They're used to expand the number of wired connections available on a network.

Access Point

A device that creates a wireless local area network (WLAN), allowing Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network. In home networks, the access point functionality is typically built into the router, but separate access points can be added to extend coverage in larger spaces.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

The hardware component that allows a device to connect to a network. Modern devices have built-in NICs for both wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) connections. These are identified differently across operating systems:

• Windows: Referred to as "Network adapters" in Device Manager
• macOS: Called "Network interfaces" in System Preferences → Network
• Linux: Typically named with patterns like "eth0" (Ethernet) or "wlan0" (wireless)

Ethernet Cable

A cable used for wired network connections. The most common type is Cat 5e or Cat 6, which supports gigabit speeds. Ethernet provides more stable and often faster connections than Wi-Fi. Key terminology:

• RJ45: The standard connector used on Ethernet cables
• Cat 5/5e/6/6a/8: Categories indicating performance specifications, with higher numbers supporting faster speeds and longer distances
• Patch cable: A shorter Ethernet cable used to connect devices to a network jack or switch

Range Extender/Repeater

A device that captures an existing Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcasts it to extend coverage to areas with weak or no signal. While convenient, repeaters typically reduce bandwidth as they must receive and retransmit each packet of data.

Mesh Network System

A system of multiple networking devices working together to provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout a home. Unlike traditional range extenders, mesh systems use multiple access points (or "nodes") that communicate with each other to create a single, unified network with the same network name.

Wi-Fi

A wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet without physical cables. Wi-Fi standards have evolved over time:

• Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n): Older standard still common in many devices
• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Standard offering improved speeds up to 3.5 Gbps
• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Newer standard with better performance in crowded environments
• Wi-Fi 6E: Extended Wi-Fi 6 that utilizes the 6 GHz band for less interference

For more details about the latest Wi-Fi technology, read our article on Wi-Fi 6E: The Next Generation of Wireless Networking.

Ethernet

A wired networking technology using physical cables to connect devices. Ethernet standards include:

• Fast Ethernet: 100 Mbps connections (increasingly outdated)
• Gigabit Ethernet: 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) connections (current standard)
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet: 10 Gbps connections (used in business environments and high-end home networks)

Broadband Connection Types

Different technologies used by ISPs to deliver internet service:

• Cable: Internet delivered over coaxial cable TV lines
• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Internet delivered over telephone lines
• Fiber: Internet delivered over fiber optic cables, offering the fastest residential speeds
• Satellite: Internet delivered via satellite, available in remote areas
• Fixed Wireless: Internet delivered via radio signals from a nearby tower

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)

The fundamental communication language or protocol of the internet. It's actually a suite of protocols that work together:

• TCP: Ensures reliable, ordered delivery of data packets
• UDP: A faster, connectionless protocol used for streaming and gaming
• IP: Routes packets to their correct destination using IP addresses
• ICMP: Used for diagnostic and error reporting (ping uses this protocol)

HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure)

Protocols used for loading websites:

• HTTP: Basic protocol for websites (unencrypted)
• HTTPS: Encrypted version using SSL/TLS for security (shows a padlock in your browser)
• HTTP/2 and HTTP/3: Newer, faster versions of HTTP

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A service that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through servers in other locations. VPNs provide privacy and can make it appear you're connecting from a different location. They're commonly used for:

• Securing connections on public Wi-Fi
• Bypassing geographic restrictions
• Protecting browsing privacy from your ISP
• Accessing restricted work or school networks remotely

VPN clients are available for all major operating systems, but the terminology and setup varies:

• Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → VPN → Add a VPN connection
• macOS: System Preferences → Network → "+" button → Interface: VPN
• Linux: Varies by distribution; often using NetworkManager or OpenVPN

Download Speed

The rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your device, measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). This affects how quickly you can download files, load web pages, or stream video. To put it in perspective:

• 5-25 Mbps: Sufficient for basic browsing and standard video streaming
• 25-100 Mbps: Good for multiple users and HD streaming
• 100-500 Mbps: Excellent for 4K streaming and large file downloads
• 500+ Mbps: Ideal for multiple simultaneous 4K streams and large households

You can check your download speed using our speed test tool.

Upload Speed

The rate at which data is transferred from your device to the internet, measured in Mbps. This affects how quickly you can send emails with attachments, upload photos/videos to social media, or participate in video calls. Most home internet connections have slower upload speeds than download speeds.

• 1-5 Mbps: Basic functionality, may struggle with video calls
• 5-10 Mbps: Good for regular video calls and occasional file uploads
• 10-20 Mbps: Very good for remote work and video conferencing
• 20+ Mbps: Excellent for content creators and those who upload large files

Latency (Ping)

The time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower is better. Latency is crucial for applications requiring real-time interactions like online gaming, video calls, and remote desktop use.

• 1-20 ms: Excellent (ideal for competitive gaming)
• 20-50 ms: Very good (suitable for most online activities)
• 50-100 ms: Good (acceptable for most uses)
• 100+ ms: Poor (noticeable delays in interactive applications)

For a deeper understanding of latency and how to improve it, read our guide on Understanding Network Latency and How to Improve It.

Jitter

The variation in latency over time, measured in milliseconds. Lower jitter indicates a more stable connection. High jitter can cause stuttering in voice/video calls or online games, even if your average latency is acceptable.

• 0-5 ms: Excellent (extremely stable connection)
• 5-15 ms: Good (suitable for most applications)
• 15-30 ms: Fair (may cause occasional issues with real-time applications)
• 30+ ms: Poor (likely to cause noticeable quality issues)

Packet Loss

The percentage of data packets that fail to reach their destination. Ideally, this should be 0%. Even small amounts of packet loss can significantly impact real-time applications.

• 0-1%: Excellent to good (minimal impact)
• 1-2.5%: Fair (may affect real-time applications)
• 2.5%+: Poor (noticeable performance issues)

Learn more about this issue in our article The Impact of Packet Loss on Your Internet Experience.

Signal Strength (Wi-Fi)

The strength of your wireless connection, usually measured in decibel-milliwatts (dBm). This is typically displayed as a percentage or bars in your device's Wi-Fi indicator.

• -50 to -60 dBm: Excellent (full strength)
• -60 to -70 dBm: Very good (reliable for most uses)
• -70 to -80 dBm: Fair (may have occasional issues)
• -80 to -90 dBm: Poor (unreliable connection)
• Below -90 dBm: Very poor (barely usable)

Different operating systems display Wi-Fi signal strength differently:

• Windows: Shows bars in the taskbar; detailed info available in "Network and Sharing Center"
• macOS: Shows bars in the menu bar; hold Option while clicking Wi-Fi icon for detailed dBm reading
• Linux: Various tools like "iwconfig" or "NetworkManager" show signal strength in dBm

Firewall

A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls act as a barrier between a trusted network and an untrusted network (like the internet).

Different operating systems have built-in firewalls with different names and settings:

• Windows: Windows Defender Firewall (Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security → Firewall & network protection)
• macOS: macOS Firewall (System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Firewall)
• Linux: Usually iptables or firewalld (commands vary by distribution)

Encryption

The process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access. In networking, encryption protects data as it travels between devices. Common types include:

• WPA2/WPA3: Wi-Fi encryption standards that secure wireless networks
• SSL/TLS: Protocols that secure website connections (the "S" in HTTPS)
• End-to-End Encryption: When only the communicating users can read the messages (used in messaging apps)
• AES: Advanced Encryption Standard, a widely used encryption algorithm

MAC Address

Media Access Control address - a unique identifier assigned to a network interface controller (NIC). Unlike IP addresses which can change, MAC addresses are typically permanent and physically assigned to network hardware. They're used for identifying devices on a local network.

To find your device's MAC address:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt and type "ipconfig /all" to see "Physical Address"
• macOS: Go to System Preferences → Network → Select interface → Advanced → Hardware tab
• Linux: Open Terminal and type "ip link" or "ifconfig -a"

SSID

Service Set Identifier - the name of a wireless network. This is the network name you see when scanning for Wi-Fi networks on your device. For security, you can hide your SSID to make your network less visible to outsiders, though this provides only minimal security benefit.

DHCP

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - a network management protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. Without DHCP, you would need to manually configure each device with a unique IP address.

DHCP concepts you might encounter:

• DHCP Server: Typically your router, which assigns IP addresses
• DHCP Lease: The period for which an IP address is assigned to a device
• Static IP vs. Dynamic IP: Manually assigned addresses versus those assigned by DHCP

NAT

Network Address Translation - a method that allows multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address. Most home routers use NAT to connect all your devices to the internet using the single IP address provided by your ISP.

Port

A virtual point where network connections start and end. Ports are identified by numbers (0-65535) and are used to direct different types of internet traffic. For example, web browsers typically use port 80 (HTTP) or 443 (HTTPS), while email might use port 25 (SMTP).

Common port terminology:

• Port Forwarding: Redirecting communication from one address/port to another
• Open Port: A port that accepts connections (potentially a security risk if unnecessary)
• Port Scanning: Checking which ports on a system are open (used by attackers and security professionals)

DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)

A feature in routers that exposes a specific device to the internet, bypassing the firewall protection. It's typically used for gaming servers or other applications requiring numerous open ports, but significantly reduces security for that device.

DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

A protocol for performing secure DNS resolution via the HTTPS protocol. It increases privacy by preventing eavesdropping and manipulation of DNS data by malicious actors. Modern browsers increasingly support DoH:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Security → Use secure DNS
• Firefox: Settings → General → Network Settings → Enable DNS over HTTPS
• Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Security → Use secure DNS

Ping

A network utility used to test the reachability of a host on a network and measure the round-trip time for messages sent from the originating host to a destination computer. It's often the first troubleshooting step when experiencing connection issues.

How to run a ping test:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt and type "ping google.com" or "ping 8.8.8.8"
• macOS: Open Terminal and type "ping google.com" or "ping 8.8.8.8"
• Linux: Open Terminal and type "ping google.com" or "ping 8.8.8.8"

You can also test your ping using our network diagnostics tool.

Traceroute

A network diagnostic tool for displaying the route (path) and measuring transit delays of packets across a network. It shows each hop a packet takes to reach its destination, helping identify where connectivity issues occur.

How to run a traceroute:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt and type "tracert google.com"
• macOS: Open Terminal and type "traceroute google.com"
• Linux: Open Terminal and type "traceroute google.com" or "mtr google.com" for a more detailed analysis

IP Flushing (Renewing)

The process of releasing your current IP address and requesting a new one from the DHCP server. This can sometimes resolve connectivity issues caused by IP conflicts or incorrect configurations.

How to release and renew your IP address:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt as admin and type "ipconfig /release" followed by "ipconfig /renew"
• macOS: Go to System Preferences → Network → Select interface → Advanced → TCP/IP → Click "Renew DHCP Lease"
• Linux: Run "sudo dhclient -r" followed by "sudo dhclient" (may vary by distribution)

DNS Cache Flushing

Clearing the local record of resolved DNS lookups. This can help resolve issues where you can't access a website due to outdated or corrupt DNS information stored on your computer.

How to flush your DNS cache:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt as admin and type "ipconfig /flushdns"
• macOS: Open Terminal and type "sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder"
• Linux: Varies by distribution; often "sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches" or "sudo service nscd restart"

QoS (Quality of Service)

A set of technologies that manage network traffic to reduce packet loss, latency, and jitter on the network. QoS settings in your router allow you to prioritize certain types of traffic (like video calls or gaming) over others (like downloads).

This can be especially helpful when multiple people share a connection with limited bandwidth. QoS settings are typically found in your router's admin interface.

Network Reset

Restoring network settings to their default state. This can resolve various connectivity issues by clearing corrupted settings or configurations.

How to reset network settings:

• Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset
• macOS: System Preferences → Network → Select interface → Advanced → Click "Revert Changes" or create a new location from the Location dropdown
• Android: Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
• iOS: Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings

MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit)

The size of the largest packet that can be transmitted on a network. If the MTU is set too high, packets may need to be fragmented, which can cause performance issues. If set too low, it can lead to unnecessary overhead.

The default MTU (1500 bytes for most connections) works for most situations, but adjusting it can sometimes resolve specific connectivity issues, especially with VPNs.

TCP/IP Reset

Restoring the TCP/IP stack (the fundamental communication architecture of the internet) to its default state. This can fix more complex network issues when other troubleshooting steps fail.

How to reset the TCP/IP stack:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt as admin and type "netsh winsock reset" followed by "netsh int ip reset" (requires restart)
• macOS: No direct equivalent; creating a new network location (System Preferences → Network → Location dropdown → Edit Locations) accomplishes similar results
• Linux: Restart the networking service with "sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager" or equivalent for your distribution

Bufferbloat

A phenomenon where excessive buffering in network devices causes high latency and jitter during periods of bandwidth saturation. This often manifests as increased ping times when heavy downloads or uploads are in progress.

Solutions for bufferbloat include:

• Using QoS settings to manage traffic
• Enabling "Smart Queue Management" (SQM) if your router supports it
• Upgrading to a router with better buffer management capabilities