Business broadband jargon explained

Table of contents

Why is broadband different for businesses?

Types of internet for businesses

Network terms

Connection types

More need-to-know terms

Cut through the noise with Focus Group

Staying connected is critical. Whether you're running a small startup or managing a large enterprise, reliable internet connectivity can be the backbone of your operations. However, navigating the world of business broadband can be daunting, with a myriad of technical terms and acronyms that can make your head spin. At Focus Group, we specialise in handling the complex parts of business technology, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters: growth. In this guide, we’ll demystify some of the most common broadband and connectivity terms to help you make informed decisions for your business.

Why is broadband different for businesses?

Business broadband isn't just a scaled-up version of what you use at home. The demands of a business—whether it's ensuring multiple employees can work online simultaneously or guaranteeing uninterrupted service—require a different calibre of connectivity. Business broadband offers greater reliability, higher speeds, and better support compared to consumer-grade connections.

Types of internet for businesses

Classic broadband

Classic broadband refers to the traditional high-speed internet service that is delivered over copper telephone lines (ADSL) or fibre-optic cables. It's cost-effective and widely available, making it a common choice for small to medium-sized businesses. However, the speed and reliability can vary depending on your location and the quality of the infrastructure.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband is a wireless internet service delivered over a mobile network. It’s particularly useful for businesses that require internet access on the go or in areas where traditional broadband isn't available. While it's convenient, mobile broadband can be limited by data caps and may not offer the same speeds as fixed-line connections.

Leased line

A leased line is a dedicated, private connection between your business and the internet. Unlike other broadband types, a leased line is not shared with other users, providing consistent, high-speed connectivity. This makes it ideal for businesses that rely heavily on internet services for critical operations, such as video conferencing, cloud computing, or large file transfers.

SoGEO

SoGEO (Satellite over Geostationary Earth Orbit) is a type of satellite internet service. It’s especially beneficial for businesses in remote areas where other forms of broadband are unavailable. While SoGEO offers broad coverage, it can suffer from higher latency due to the distance signals must travel to and from the satellite, which can impact real-time communications.

Network terms

Ethernet

Ethernet is the standard technology for connecting devices in a wired local area network (LAN). It allows multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and servers, to communicate with each other and access the internet.

LAN (local area network)

A LAN is a network that connects devices within a limited area, such as an office building. It enables employees to share resources like files and printers and to communicate with each other efficiently. LANs are typically confined to a single location and provide high-speed connectivity within that area.

WAN (wide area network)

A WAN connects multiple LANs over a broader geographic area, such as different office locations across cities or countries. WANs use various technologies, including leased lines and satellite links, to connect these dispersed networks, allowing seamless communication and data sharing between them.

SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network)

SD-WAN is an advanced version of WAN that uses software to manage the network. It provides more flexibility and control over how traffic is routed across the network, optimising performance and ensuring critical applications have the bandwidth they need. SD-WAN is particularly useful for businesses with multiple locations or those that rely heavily on cloud-based applications.

VPN (virtual private network)

A VPN extends a private network across a public network, such as the internet, allowing employees to securely access the company’s resources from remote locations. It encrypts data, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorised access.

MPLS and VPLS networks

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) and VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) are advanced networking techniques used to improve the efficiency and speed of data transmission across a WAN. MPLS routes data based on labels rather than long network addresses, reducing delays and improving performance. VPLS extends a LAN across multiple locations, making them appear as a single, unified network.

Connection types

APN (access point name)

APN is a gateway between a mobile network and the internet. It determines the type of network a mobile device connects to and whether it's granted access to specific services. Businesses using mobile broadband or IoT devices often need to configure APNs to ensure reliable and secure connectivity.

ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line)

ADSL is a type of broadband that uses copper telephone lines to deliver internet service. It’s called "asymmetric" because it offers faster download speeds than upload speeds. ADSL is widely available and affordable, making it a popular choice for small businesses, although it may not meet the needs of larger enterprises with high data demands.

Modem

A modem is a device that connects your business to the internet by converting digital data from your computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over telephone lines or cable systems. It’s an essential component of any broadband setup, acting as the gateway between your local network and your internet service provider.

More need-to-know terms

IP address

An IP address is a unique identifier for devices on a network, crucial for directing internet traffic. Businesses often use static IPs for hosting services, while dynamic IPs change with each connection session, typically used for general internet access.

PSTN/ISDN

PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) are traditional communication networks that transmit voice and data over copper lines. While these technologies are becoming obsolete with the rise of digital and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, they’re still in use in some legacy systems.

5G

5G is the latest generation of mobile network technology, offering significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and higher capacity compared to previous generations. For businesses, 5G opens up new possibilities, enabling more seamless and responsive internet experiences.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT refers to the network of physical devices—such as sensors, cameras, and appliances—that are connected to the internet and can communicate with each other. In a business context, IoT can be used to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and gather valuable data, but it also requires reliable and secure connectivity.

Cut through the noise with Focus Group

Understanding business connectivity can feel like navigating a maze of jargon and technical terms, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Focus Group, we make it our mission to simplify the complex world of broadband and networking, helping you find the perfect solution tailored to your business. Whether you need robust, reliable internet for a growing enterprise or cutting-edge technology to support your team’s innovation, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us today, and let’s connect your business to its future.