Decode the jargon and understand what ISPs are really saying
Understanding internet terminology helps you make better decisions, avoid overpaying, and get the service you actually need. Florida residents save an average of $240/year by choosing the right plan!
Internet service where download speeds are faster than upload speeds. Most residential plans are asymmetric.
The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given time. Think of it as the width of a highway - more lanes mean more traffic can flow.
High-speed internet access that's always on and faster than traditional dial-up. The FCC defines broadband as minimum 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
Internet service delivered through the same coaxial cables used for cable TV. Available to 89% of Florida residents through providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox.
A limit on how much data you can use per month. Going over usually results in extra charges or throttled speeds.
The internet's phone book that translates website names (like google.com) into IP addresses computers can understand.
How fast data travels from the internet to your device. This affects streaming, web browsing, and file downloads.
A wired connection using cables to connect devices to your router. Always faster and more reliable than WiFi.
The fastest internet technology using glass or plastic strands to transmit data as light. Offers symmetric speeds and high reliability.
Internet delivered wirelessly from a tower to a receiver at your home. Common in rural Florida areas without cable or fiber.
1,000 megabits per second. Gigabit internet can download a 2-hour HD movie in about 40 seconds.
A device or feature that shares cellular data as WiFi. Can be a dedicated device or your smartphone.
Your device's unique identifier on the internet, like a digital home address. Can be dynamic (changes) or static (fixed).
The company that provides your internet connection. Florida's major ISPs include Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum, and Cox.
The time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). Critical for gaming and video calls.
The standard unit for measuring internet speed. 8 megabits = 1 megabyte.
Device that connects your home to your ISP's network. Translates the signal from your ISP into data your devices can use.
Slowdowns that occur when too many users in your area are online simultaneously. Common with cable internet during peak hours (6-10 PM).
The fiber-optic equivalent of a modem. Converts light signals from fiber cables into electrical signals for your router.
When data packets fail to reach their destination. Causes buffering, lag in games, and poor call quality.
Device that creates your home WiFi network and directs traffic between your devices and the internet.
Internet beamed from satellites in space. High latency but available everywhere, including rural Florida.
Watching video or listening to audio in real-time without downloading the file first.
Internet with equal download and upload speeds. Standard with fiber, rare with cable.
When your ISP intentionally slows your connection, often after exceeding a data cap or during network congestion.
How fast data travels from your device to the internet. Important for video calls, live streaming, and cloud backups.
Creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet. Can hide your browsing from your ISP but may reduce speeds by 10-30%.
Wireless networking technology that lets devices connect to the internet without cables. Different from your internet service itself.
| Acronym | Full Name | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| DOCSIS | Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification | Technology standard for cable internet (3.0, 3.1, 4.0) |
| FTTH | Fiber To The Home | Fiber connection all the way to your house |
| GPON | Gigabit Passive Optical Network | Common fiber technology offering up to 2.5 Gbps |
| HFC | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial | Cable internet using fiber + coax cables |
| QoS | Quality of Service | Router feature that prioritizes certain traffic |
| SLA | Service Level Agreement | Guaranteed uptime/speed for business internet |
| VDSL | Very High Bitrate Digital Subscriber Line | Faster version of DSL (up to 100 Mbps) |
| WAN | Wide Area Network | The internet connection coming into your home |
All-in-one device that combines modem and router functions. Convenient but often less powerful than separate devices.
Now that you speak ISP, find the best deals in your area
Check Internet OptionsWhen talking to ISP sales reps, use these terms to: