The measurement of internet speed. Higher numbers mean faster downloads. 1 Mbps = roughly 1 minute to download a 3-minute song.
How fast data comes to your device from the internet. Used for streaming, browsing, and downloading files.
How fast data goes from your device to the internet. Important for video calls, uploading photos, and online gaming.
The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over your connection. Think of it as the width of a pipe - wider pipes allow more water to flow.
The delay between clicking something and it happening. Measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower is better for gaming and video calls.
A test that measures latency. Gamers often refer to their 'ping' when talking about connection quality.
The actual speed you get in real-world use, which is often slower than the advertised maximum speed.
When a video pauses to load more content. Usually caused by slow speeds or high network usage.
The fastest connection type. Fibre optic cables run directly to your home. Also called 'full fibre' or 'ultrafast broadband'.
Fibre cables run to a street cabinet, then copper wires to your home. Faster than basic broadband but slower than FTTP.
Basic broadband using existing phone lines. Slower than fibre options but widely available across Northern Ireland.
Uses TV cable infrastructure for internet. Mainly offered by Virgin Media in Northern Ireland.
Internet delivered via mobile networks. Good for rural areas without fixed-line options.
Internet via satellite. Often the only option in very remote rural areas, but typically slower and more expensive.
Dedicated business connection not shared with other users. Guarantees consistent speeds but costs more.
The device that creates your WiFi network and connects multiple devices to the internet. Usually provided by your ISP.
Connects your home to your ISP's network. Often built into modern routers as one combined device.
Technology that lets devices connect to the internet wirelessly within your home.
Wired connection using cables. Usually faster and more reliable than WiFi.
Small box installed with full fibre connections. Converts the fibre signal for use in your home.
Small device that separates phone and broadband signals on ADSL connections. Prevents interference.
Devices that extend internet around your home using electrical wiring.
Multiple WiFi devices working together to provide coverage throughout larger homes.
A unique number that identifies your device on the internet. Like a postal address for internet traffic.
Translates website names (like google.com) into IP addresses. Sometimes called 'the phonebook of the internet'.
The amount of data you can use each month. Unlimited packages have no restrictions.
How many users share the same connection. Lower ratios mean more consistent speeds.
When ISPs slow certain types of internet use during busy periods to keep the network running smoothly.
Advanced setting that directs internet traffic to specific devices. Often needed for gaming or remote access.
Creates a secure, private connection over the internet. Popular for privacy and accessing geo-blocked content.
Feature that prioritizes certain types of traffic (like video calls) over others.
How long you must stay with a provider. Usually 12, 18, or 24 months. Breaking early typically incurs fees.
Charge for cancelling before your contract ends. Usually the remaining monthly fees.
One-time charge for setting up your broadband. Often waived in promotional offers.
Monthly charge for the phone line that delivers your broadband. Now usually included in the total price.
Rules about acceptable internet use, even on 'unlimited' packages. Extreme usage may be restricted.
Promise that prices won't increase during your initial contract period.
Contract automatically continues month-to-month after the initial period ends.
Time after signing up (usually 14 days) when you can cancel without penalty.
BT's brand name for their fibre broadband services (FTTC and FTTP).
Virgin's cable broadband packages, available in Belfast and other urban areas.
Sky's fibre broadband service, delivered over BT's Openreach network.
EE's router that provides WiFi coverage and connects to their network.
Plusnet's packages with no data usage limits, though fair usage policies may apply.
TalkTalk's premium fibre service with enhanced speeds and features.
BT's infrastructure division that maintains phone lines and fibre networks used by most UK ISPs.
Virgin's combined modem and router for their cable network. Different from other providers' equipment.