You Should Know about Common Internet Terminology – Hathway Broadband

The internet revolution has us grappling to keep up with all the new concepts and terms brought about by it. As the digital world expands into our personal and professional lives, it’s important to stay on top of the new terms and lingo, so we understand what’s going on around us. While some terms are well known, others are often misunderstood or less known. Below is a list of internet terms which are important for you to know:

Broadband

In telecommunications, broadband is wide bandwidth data transmission which transports multiple signals and traffic types. The medium can be coaxial cable, optical fiber, radio or twisted pair. In the context of Internet access, broadband is used to mean any high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than dial-up access over traditional analog services.

ISP

An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organization that provides a myriad of services for accessing, using, or participating in the Internet. Internet service providers can be organized in various forms, such as commercial, community-owned, non-profit, or otherwise privately owned. Internet services typically provided by ISPs can include Internet access, Internet transit, domain name registration, web hosting, Usenet service, and colocation . An ISP typically serves as the access point or the gateway that provides a user, access to everything available on the Internet

Bandwidth

The term bandwidth means the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a connection in a certain amount of time. Although it is often confused for internet speed, it actually refers to the volume of data that can be sent over an internet connection. It is calculated in megabits per second, (Mbps). Understanding bandwidth is vital when subscribing to an internet connection. If you have multiple devices that need to be connected to the internet, or you frequently engage in activities such as streaming or gaming, then you will need a higher bandwidth internet connection.

Modem and Router

People are often confused about what these two are and about the difference between them A modem is a network device that both modulates and demodulates analog carrier signals (called sine waves) for encoding and decoding digital information for processing. Modems accomplish both of these tasks simultaneously and, for this reason, the term modem is a combination of "modulate"; and "demodulate."; A modem is a small box that connects your devices to the Internet using cables. Unlike a router, a modem doesn't provide your home with Wi-Fi connectivity. A modem acts as a digital translator, taking an information signal from your cable, fiber or phone lines and making it accessible to your computer. A router is a device that communicates between the internet and the devices in your home that connect to the internet. As its name implies, it “routes” traffic between the devices and the internet. With the right kind of router in your home, you may be able to enjoy faster internet service, help protect your family from cyberthreats, and avoid those maddening Wi-Fi dead spots. A typical home has a range of internet-connected devices — personal computers, tablets, smartphones, printers, thermostats, smart TVs, and more. With your router, these devices form a network. A router directs incoming and outgoing internet traffic on that network in the fastest and most efficient way.

IP Address

An IP address is a unique address that identifies a device on the internet or a local network. IP stands fo,Internet Protocol; which is the set of rules governing the format of data sent via the internet or local network.

An Internet Protocol address (IP address)I is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two main functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing.

The IP address space is managed globally by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), and by five regional Internet registries (RIRs) responsible in their designated territories for assignment to local Internet registries, such as Internet service providers (ISPs), and other end users.

Internet of Things

The term internet of things refers to all the things, the objects and smart devices that connect to the internet. These devices can all talk to each other, collect data and exchange it over the internet. The term most commonly refers to smart homes, including devices and appliances such as lighting fixtures, thermostats, home security systems, cameras, and other home appliances. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a system of interrelated, internet-connected objects that are able to collect and transfer data over a wireless network without human intervention.

Phishing

Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive details by impersonating oneself as a trustworthy entity in a digital communication. Phishing is a crime where cyber criminals use fake but convincing emails, web pages, and pages like PayPal screens to get you to type your passwords and PINs.

Malware

Malware is any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. A wide variety of malware types exist, including computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, rogue software, wiper and scareware Malware is software that is designed to corrupt, damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a computerised system. Malware includes computer viruses, spyware, and ransomware. The best ways to prevent malware is to install anti-virus and anti-spyware software, use secure authentication methods, and keep your software updated.

Spamming

Spamming is the use of messaging systems to send multiple unsolicited messages to large numbers of recipients for the purpose of commercial advertising, for the purpose of non-commercial proselytizing, for any prohibited purpose, or simply sending the same message over and over to the same user.

Firewall

A firewall is a network security device. It monitors incoming and outcoming network traffic and permits or blocks data packets based on a set of security rules. It establishes a barrier between your network and incoming traffic in order to block malicious traffic like viruses and hackers. For more on broadband technology, use of broadband, and internet of things, check out our other blogs and website.