3G - Third generation of mobile systems. Provides high-speed data transmission and supports multi-media applications such as video, audio and internet access, alongside conventional voice services.
4G - Fourth generation of mobile systems. It is designed to provide faster data download and upload speeds on mobile networks.
Access network - An electronic communications network which connects end-users to a service provider; running from the end-user's premises to a local access node and supporting the provision of access-based services. It is sometimes referred to as the 'local loop' or the 'last mile'.
ADSL - Asymmetric digital subscriber line. A digital technology that allows the use of a standard telephone line to provide high-speed data communications. Allows higher speeds in one direction ('downstream' towards the customer) than the other.
APN - Access Point Name as standard, delivering enhanced security.
Broadband - A data service or connection generally defined as being 'always on' and providing a bandwidth greater than narrowband connections.
CN-SP - Consumer network service provider
DOCSIS - Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. It is a standard for the high speed transmission of data over cable networks.
DSL - Digital subscriber line. A family of technologies generally referred to as DSL, or xDSL, capable of transforming ordinary phone lines (also known as 'twisted copper pairs') into high-speed digital lines, capable of supporting advanced services such as fast internet access and video on demand. ADSL and VDSL (very high speed digital subscriber line) are variants of xDSL).
FTTC - Fibre to the cabinet. Access network consisting of optical fibre extending from the access node to the street cabinet. The street cabinet is usually located only a few hundred metres from the subscribers' premises. The remaining segment of the access network from the cabinet to the customer is usually a copper pair.
FTTH/FTTP - Fibre to the home/premises. A form of fibre optic communication delivery in which the optical signal reaches the end user's home or place of work.
IP - Internet Protocol. This is the packet data protocol used for routing and carrying data across the internet and similar networks.
IPv4 - The fourth and most widely used version of the Internet Protocol. It defines IP addresses in a 32-bit format, which looks like 111.111.111.111
IPv6 - The successor to IPv4. It uses 128-bit addresses, increasing the number of possible addresses.
ISP - Internet service provider. A company that provides access to the internet.
MNO - Mobile network operator, a provider who owns a cellular mobile network.
Modem sync speed - The modem sync speed represents the highest possible speed at which data can be transferred across the line.
Not-spot - An area which is not covered by fixed or mobile networks.
Peering Exchange - For example, LINX London Internet Exchange. A not-for-profit membership organisation that provides peering services to Internet Service Providers.
RIPE NCC - Europe and the Middle East, Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre - The regional internet registry with responsibility for Europe, the Middle East and parts of Central Asia. It oversees the allocation and registration of IP addresses in these areas.
RIR - Regional internet registry. Provide blocks of IP addresses to telecommunications companies and internet service providers within an allocated region.
Smartphone - A mobile phone that offers more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary basic 'feature' phone.
Superfast broadband - The next generation of faster broadband services, which delivers headline download speeds of greater than 30 Mbit/s.
Usage cap - Monthly limit on the amount of data that users can download, imposed by fixed and mobile operators for some of their packages.
VDSL - Very high speed DSL. A high speed variant of DSL technology, which provides a high headline speed through reducing the length of the access line copper by connecting to fibre at the cabinet.
VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol. A technology that allows users to send calls using internet protocol, using either the public internet or private IP networks.
Wi-Fi - A short range wireless access technology that allows devices to connect to a network through using any of the 802.11 standards. These technologies allow an over-the-air connection between a wireless client and a base station or between two wireless clients.
xDSL - The generic term for the digital subscriber line (DSL) family of technologies used to provide broadband services over a copper telephone line.