A glossary of internet terms

What is latency (or ping)?

Latency is the term used to describe how long it takes for a connected device to send a message and get a response back. A shorter latency means a faster response from one connected device to another. Latency is especially important for things like online gaming, where quick reaction times are important.

What are upload speeds and download speeds?

You’ll often see internet plans measured by upload speeds and download speeds. The download speed tells you how quickly you can move information from the internet onto your device. The upload speed tells how quickly you can send information from your device out to other parts of the internet.

What is Mbps?

Mbps stands for megabits per second. A megabit is a measurement of data. Megabits per second tells you how many megabits of data, on average, will move each second. For example, a download speed of 100Mbps means that information can move from the internet to a device at a rate of 100 megabits each second.

What is a modem?

A modem is a box that connects the devices on a home internet connection to the wider internet and vice versa. It works like a translator that moves information between your home connection and the internet at large.

What is a router?

A router connects multiple nearby devices to form a local area network (LAN). The devices on a LAN connect to each other through the router, usually using either Wi-Fi^® or ethernet cables. The router is also what connects all the other devices on the LAN with the modem.

What is Wi-Fi?

Most of us use Wi-Fi daily, but what exactly does that term mean? Wi-Fi is a networking technology standard that uses radio waves to allow devices to connect wirelessly over a local area network (LAN).

Sometimes, people will talk about Wi-Fi and home internet as if the two terms are interchangeable, but they are distinct concepts. Home internet is an informal term used to describe a LAN in someone’s home, while Wi-Fi is a specific type of wireless technology used to connect devices on a LAN. There are other ways to connect to home internet besides Wi-Fi, such as ethernet cables.

What is a Wi-Fi gateway?

A router connects the various devices in your home, while a modem connects your router to the wider internet. A Wi-Fi gateway combines the functions of both a router and a modem into a single device.

What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 is the most recent technology standard for local-area networks. If you see that a device, gateway, or router has a Wi-Fi 6 logo, that just means it’s capable of using the latest and greatest version of Wi-Fi. Learn more about Wi-Fi 6

What are Wi-Fi extenders, Wi-Fi boosters, and Wi-Fi repeaters?

Sometimes, if you live in a large house, the signal from your router won’t be strong enough to provide a solid Wi-Fi connection across your entire home. This can lead to areas where the connection is bad, or even nonexistent. People sometimes call these areas Wi-Fi dead zones. A Wi-Fi extender is an accessory that can help solve this problem by connecting to your Wi-Fi network and rebroadcasting the signal to provide wider coverage. Two other terms for devices meant to solve the same problem are Wi-Fi boosters and Wi-Fi repeaters.

All three of these are very similar devices. Some will say that a Wi-Fi extender has a wired connection to the router, while a Wi-Fi repeater rebroadcasts the original signal wirelessly. Others will use the three terms interchangeably.

That’s why when shopping for one of these products, read the device features closely to make sure you’re getting what you need.

What is a mesh network (or mesh Wi-Fi)?

A mesh network is different from a traditional Wi-Fi network in that it uses multiple connected routers to provide a home internet connection over a larger area. One router serves as the main router that connects to the modem. This router is often referred to as the base station.

The other routers use Wi-Fi technology to communicate between one another and broadcast information from the base station. These routers are often called nodes, or satellites. Some nodes might be out of the base station’s range, but the signal can still reach them without issues by traveling between nodes along the way. Think of it like a group of people at a dinner table passing the butter. The person on one end of the table might not be able to reach the other end, but if there are people in between, they can easily pass the butter until it arrives at its destination.

What is a mobile hotspot?

A mobile hotspot is simply a Wi-Fi hotspot created on-the-go using some type of wireless technology. For example, some people will use their wireless phone plan to broadcast a Wi-Fi hotspot that they can use to connect their other devices to the internet. There are also hotspot devices that are designed specifically for this purpose. 

What is mobile broadband?

Mobile broadband is a type of internet service where customers can connect to the internet through a cellular network. This is the same type of internet people usually use when they take their smartphone on-the-go. It’s also the way that a mobile hotspot connects. In some cases, internet service providers will also use this technology to connect a router and provide home internet service over a cellular network.

What is DSL?

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. This is a somewhat older form of internet technology that works by transmitting data over traditional copper telephone lines. AT&T no longer offers DSL service, but faster, high-speed internet may be available in your area.

What is cable internet?

Cable modem services, sometimes called cable internet, is a type of broadband that uses the same coaxial cables used for cable TV service. 

What is lag?

Lag is an informal term people use to describe when something is delayed or “lagging” behind on the internet. It’s often discussed in gaming, when what a person sees on their screen is slower or slightly behind what is happening for other players. In many cases, this problem comes down to latency, because the communication between the game’s server and the gamer’s computer is too slow. Many people might experience a similar problem with video calls, where the person on the other end of the call’s movements seems delayed.