Broadband guide Getting a good broadband deal is made easy with firsthelpline.com.  We can help you find the right one for you, and help you make an application online in minutes.  If you’re not sure of something or you’re confused by some of the jargon, there’s plenty of help and information on the website to make sure you’re fully informed before you apply.

Broadband jargon buster (M-S)

Megabit

The unit of storage for information or data is the bit.  A Megabit (abbreviated to Mb) is 1,024 Kilobits, which in turn is 1,024 bits, and is a standard unit of storage.

Microfilter

Microfilters are small devices that need to be plugged into your phone socket, and your broadband modem and telephone plugged into this.  They are used to stop your broadband signal interfering with your telephone calls.

Migration Authorisation Code (MAC)

A Migration Authorisation Code or MAC is an identification number specific to your broadband connection, and is used by your new internet company if and when you want to switch supplier.  When you want to switch you need to contact your existing broadband provider and ask for your MAC.  With a MAC, your broadband connection should only be lost for a few minutes while the transfer takes place.

Modem

A modem is a device that converts analogue signals into digital signals and vice versa, and allows your computer to connect to the internet via your telephone line.  They are typically connected directly to your computer, but some will allow your computer to connect to them wirelessly, perfect if you own a laptop or a number of internet devices spread out around the home.

Quad Play

Quad play is the term given to packages offered by internet providers that offer a bundle of broadband, fixed line telephone, mobile phone and digital TV.

Router

A router is a device that helps different networks communicate with each other.  It allows only authorised machines to connect to other computer systems.

Satellite Broadband

For those who don’t want or don’t have access to broadband via a phone line or cable broadband, there is satellite broadband, although this requires a special satellite dish to be installed.

SDSL

SDSL or Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line is a technology that allows more data to be sent over existing telephone lines.  It is different from ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) in that the speed of data being transferred down the line from the internet to a computer (download speed) is the same as that being transferred up the line from a computer to the internet (upload speed).

Speed

Speed is the rate at which you can receive data.  Broadband is much faster than traditional dial-up internet connections which usually only worked at speeds of 56 Kilobits per second (Kbps).  1 Megabit per second (1Mbps) broadband speeds are the norm, and some broadband packages offer speeds of up to 24 Mbps.

Streaming

Streaming allow files to be accessed and viewed at the same time as they are being delivered.  For example, radio or television broadcasts can be streamed over the internet, rather than waiting for the whole file to be delivered to the computer first.

Click here to start your broadband comparison >