Jargon Buster

Not sure about some of the more 'techy' terminology? See a jargon busting list below for further explanations.

1G – the original analogue mobile network very limited coverage, devices without SIM cards and the size of a brick and initially built into cars.

2G – the first digital mobile network. This saw the standardisation of all mobile numbers beginning “07” introduction of SIMs that allowed you to change phone without losing your number and smaller more powerful handsets

3G – 3rd generation mobile phone network. Increased the capacity and reach of the network. Introduced e-mail on the move, digital images and facilitated the move from phone smart phone.

4G – the next generation of service to be brought out in 2012. This will further extend the reach of the mobile network and have increased capacity supporting better access to live streaming of video on the move – no delays or jerkiness. Is capable of providing full quality high bandwidth broadband comparable with landline speeds for the first time.

Access network– part of the last mile or (first mile) communications network which connects subscribers to their first point of handover.

ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) uses the copper service provided for telephones and creates a data line by transmitting at a different frequency from that of telephone calls. This is easy to spot because a broadband service using ADSL requires a “splitter” or frequency separator to be attached to the telephone line with both the telephone and the network cable attached. It enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than the old dial up  modem and allows for the service to be always on . It does this by utilizing frequencies that are not used by a voice telephone call. The splitter allows a single telephone connection to be used for both ADSL service and voice calls at the same time. This is limited in both capacity and distance from the exchange.

Backhaul service– a backhaul service carries traffic from a handover point (e.g. a suitable telephone exchange) to an Internet Service Provider point of presence.

Bytes and bits – a measure of digital information storage as a sequence of bits; usually eight bits equals one byte. 

Community Broadband Hub – in the Connecting Cumbria project we are intending to create a wholesale network where internet service providers such as BT, Virgin Media etc, will be able to offer customers superfast broadband under the normal conditions of service and the normal price. In some cases the funding will not permit this service to the property approach. In those instances a local termination point (community broadband hub) will be established with the final work being done through a variety of routes. These termination points will be accessible by local communities for local initiatives to bring the service closer to their community by whatever means they choose. As far as possible they will be housed in local public buildings but may also be stand alone 'mini cabinets'.

Dark fibre – the fibre cables transmit messages and data by the use of light. When the cable is laid light emitters and receivers are attached to both ends so that information can be passed along the fibre. In instances where the fibre has been laid but it is not in use there are no light emitting or receiving devices active and so the fibre is literally dark. Therefore the phrase dark fibre relates to fibre that has the potential to be sued but is not in use.

ERDF – European Regional Development Fund

Fibre based solutions – see FTTC, FTTH and FTTB.

Fibre optic cable – flexible, transparent fibre made of very pure glass which permits transmission of high data rates over longer distances with less loss than metal cables.

FTTC (Fibre-to-the-cabinet) – an access network consisting of optical fibre extending from the optical distribution point at a  handover point (telephone exchange) to the street cabinet, a radial distance of typically 25Km. The street cabinet is usually located only a few hundred metres from subscriber premises. The remaining segment of the access network from the cabinet to the customer is usually a copper pair but could use another technology, such as wireless.

FTTP (Fibre-to-the-premise) – a form of fibre optic communication delivered in which the optical signal reaches the end user#s living or office space. Typically it uses the same optical distribution frame as FTTC and uses the same duct access as FTTC, however rather using the existing copper, it takes fibre all the way to the customers premises. Homes or businesses connected via FTTP can expect broadband speeds of up to 100mb/s. FTTP is the preferred solution for broadband in Cumbria.

PtP (Point to Point fibre) FTTP  – where individual fibres are taking from the point of handover to an individual premise.

GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) FTTP –  a point to multi-point architecture, with a tree and branch infrastructure.

FTTB (Fibre-to-the-building) – a form of fibre-optic communications delivery in which an optical fibre is run into the basement of a building and another cable type is used through the building (common in high rise living accommodation in South Korea).

Gb (Gigagbit) – a measure if digital information storage, 1000,000,000 bits (see bytes and bits).

GB  (Gigabyte) – a measure if digital information storage, 1000,000,000 bytes (see bytes and bits).

Internet Service Provider (ISP) – a company that offers retail access packages to the internet. They combine the basic connectivity and services like email, voip, a home hub and internet security,

Mbps (Megabits per second) – a measurement of data throughput rate. 1 Mbps = 1,000,000 bits (see bytes and bits). Access speed or throughput is measured in Megabits. Access speed relates to a possible throughput, like the aperature of a pipe. The speed is constant.

MBps (Megabytes per second) – a measurement of the volume of data transferred. 1 MBps = 1,000,000 bytes (see bytes and bits).

MHz (MegaHertz) – a measurement in millions of frequency in electromagnetic spectrum.

Not spot – a geographic postcode area where customers do not have access to fixed line or wireless broadband.

PSN (Public Sector Network) – Public sector enterprise networks like any other private carrying voice and data traffic between public sector offices and provides access to and from other networks. This may include access to the PSTN and the public internet. A Public Sector Network compliant with Cabinet Office guidelines is configured with the appropriate equipment to allow traffic to be treated very securely at a variety of security levels.

RDPE – Rural Development Programme for England

Satellite Broadband- the provision of broadband services from satellites in geo-stationary orbit above the earth. Invaluable in areas where it is impossible to get broadband through any other route, the availability and price of the service can be comparable with land based solutions. Can be subject to atmospheric effects and tends to be expensive for high end users.

Slow spot– a geographic postcode area where customers have access to fixed line or wireless broadband at access speeds below 2Mbps.

Standard Broadband – BDUK has defined standard broadband as an internet access service which uses equipment supporting first generation ADSL equipment and cable broadband equipment. ADSL services have reduced throughput the further you are from the exchange. The further you are from the exchange the fewer Broadband signals are available to carry data.

Take-up – the acceptance of broadband services by an end user where offered.

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) - the 'grown up' version of the domestic and industrial wireless local area network (LAN) found on many buildings and common for home users. Typically a  wireless LAN has a range of 30m, WiMaX has a range about 50 km. It delivers high-speed Internet service to large geographical areas. It can support speeds of up to  40 Mbit/s the 2011 update is expected to bring speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s for fixed locations. Speeds deteriorate rapidly as distance increases from the transmitter it is capable of providing super fats broadband in hard to reach areas. Performance is affected by obstacles in the line of sight.  

Wireless Broadband – the transmission and receipt of broadband connectivity from a wireless transmitter which is, itself, often attached a land line based fibre solution. A useful part of the toolkit for delivering broadband in remote areas. It requires line of sight to between the transmitter and the recipient and is subject to atmospheric and arboreal interference (trees growing or waving in the wind can lead to breaks in service as the line of sight is disturbed).  

Wireless networks– any type of computer network that is not connected by cables of any kind.