Internet Terms Glossary
Confused by technical jargon and NBN terminology? This glossary explains common internet and networking
terms in simple language. Whether you're trying to understand your speed test results or comparing NBN
packages, you'll find clear explanations here.
A
ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)
Australian government body that monitors ISP performance and enforces consumer protections. Publishes
quarterly reports showing actual NBN speeds vs advertised speeds for major ISPs.
Example: The ACCC requires ISPs to advertise typical busy hour speeds, not just maximum speeds.
B
Bandwidth
The maximum amount of data that can be transferred over your internet connection in a given time,
usually measured in Mbps (megabits per second). Think of it as the width of a pipe - wider pipes
(higher bandwidth) can carry more water (data) at once.
Example: NBN 100 has higher bandwidth than NBN 50.
Broadband
High-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up. In Australia,
this includes NBN connections, cable, and some wireless services. Generally refers to connections
faster than 1 Mbps.
Buffering
When a video or audio stream pauses to load more content. This happens when your internet speed
is too slow to keep up with the stream, or during network congestion. Frequent buffering indicates
insufficient bandwidth or unstable connection.
Busy Hour
The period of peak internet usage, typically 7-11 PM on weeknights in Australia. ISPs must report
typical speeds during busy hours as this is when congestion is most likely. A key metric for comparing
ISP quality.
Example: An ISP that maintains 90% of advertised speed during busy hours has good network capacity.
C
CVC (Connectivity Virtual Circuit)
The capacity ISPs purchase from NBN Co to service their customers. ISPs that don't buy enough CVC
create bottlenecks, resulting in slow speeds during peak hours. This is the main differentiator between
budget and premium ISPs.
Example: Budget ISPs often under-invest in CVC, causing slower speeds from 7-11 PM.
D
Download Speed
The rate at which your connection receives data from the internet, measured in Mbps. This is what
ISPs advertise (NBN 50, NBN 100, etc.) and affects how fast web pages load, videos stream, and files
download.
Example: NBN 100 provides 80-100 Mbps download speed under good conditions.
F
Fibre Optic / Fiber
High-speed internet technology using glass or plastic cables that transmit data as light pulses.
Much faster and more reliable than copper phone lines. The NBN uses various amounts of fibre depending
on connection type.
Fixed Wireless
NBN connection type using wireless transmission from a tower to an antenna on your roof. Used in
regional and rural areas where fixed-line NBN isn't feasible. Typically provides 25-75 Mbps depending
on tower capacity and distance.
Example: Fixed Wireless is common in regional NSW and Queensland towns.
FTTC (Fibre to the Curb)
NBN technology where fibre runs to a small pit in the street near your home, then existing copper for
the last few meters. Can support up to NBN 100. Generally provides good, reliable speeds. About 17% of
Australian premises use FTTC.
FTTN (Fibre to the Node)
NBN technology where fibre runs to a street cabinet (node), then existing copper phone lines to your
home. Speed degrades with distance from node - can range from 25-100 Mbps. About 25% of premises use
FTTN. Most variable performance of NBN technologies.
Example: Houses 500+ meters from the node may only achieve NBN 25-50 speeds even on NBN 100 plans.
FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)
NBN's premium technology - fibre optic cable runs directly to your home. Supports all NBN speed tiers
up to NBN 1000. Most reliable and fastest NBN technology. About 20% of Australian premises have FTTP,
with NBN Co upgrading more areas.
Example: Only FTTP connections can access NBN 250 and NBN 1000 speed tiers.
H
HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)
NBN technology using the former Foxtel/Optus cable TV network. Fibre to neighborhood nodes, then
coaxial cable to homes. Can support NBN 100-250 depending on area. About 25% of premises use HFC.
Can experience peak hour congestion in some areas.
I
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
Company that provides you with internet access. In Australia's NBN system, also called RSP (Retail
Service Provider). Major ISPs include Telstra, Optus, TPG, Aussie Broadband, and Superloop. They
purchase wholesale access from NBN Co and resell it to customers.
L
Latency
The delay between sending and receiving data, measured in milliseconds (ms). Also called "ping."
Lower latency is better - crucial for gaming, video calls, and real-time applications. Australian
connections typically have 10-50ms latency to local servers.
Example: Satellite connections have 600+ ms latency, making real-time gaming impossible.
M
Mbps (Megabits per second)
The standard unit for measuring internet speed. One megabit is 1 million bits. NOT the same as
MBps (megabytes per second) - there are 8 bits in a byte, so 100 Mbps = 12.5 MBps.
Example: NBN 100 means 100 megabits per second download speed.
Mesh WiFi
WiFi system using multiple units throughout your home to create seamless coverage. Better than WiFi
extenders - maintains high speeds and single network name. Popular brands include Google Nest WiFi,
TP-Link Deco, and Netgear Orbi.
N
NBN (National Broadband Network)
Australia's government-funded wholesale broadband network, operated by NBN Co. Provides the
infrastructure that ISPs use to deliver internet to homes and businesses. Different technology types
include FTTP, FTTC, FTTN, HFC, Fixed Wireless, and Satellite.
NBN Co
The government-owned company that built and operates Australia's National Broadband Network. They
don't sell directly to consumers - they sell wholesale to ISPs who then sell retail plans to customers.
NBN Speed Tiers
Standardized speed packages offered on the NBN: NBN 12 (12 Mbps), NBN 25 (25 Mbps), NBN 50 (50 Mbps),
NBN 100 (100 Mbps), NBN 250 (250 Mbps), and NBN 1000 (1000 Mbps). Higher tiers only available on
certain connection types.
P
Ping
The time it takes for a signal to travel to a server and back, measured in milliseconds. Same as
latency. Lower is better - under 50ms is good, under 30ms is excellent for gaming. Satellite
connections have 600+ ms ping.
R
Router
Device that connects your home network to the internet and distributes the connection to your devices
via WiFi or ethernet. The NBN connection box connects to your router. Quality router crucial for good
WiFi performance, especially on NBN 100+ plans.
RSP (Retail Service Provider)
Australian term for ISP (Internet Service Provider). Companies like Telstra, Optus, TPG that purchase
wholesale access from NBN Co and sell retail internet plans to customers. Different RSPs provide
different levels of service quality and customer support.
S
Satellite (Sky Muster)
NBN connection type for remote areas using satellites in space. Typical speeds 25/5 Mbps, but very high
latency (600+ ms). Data limits apply. Weather can affect signal. About 3% of Australian premises use
satellite NBN.
Streaming
Watching video or listening to audio over the internet in real-time without downloading the entire file
first. Netflix, Stan, YouTube, Spotify are streaming services. SD streaming needs 3-5 Mbps, HD needs
5-8 Mbps, 4K needs 25+ Mbps.
T
Throttling
When an ISP intentionally slows certain types of traffic or specific users. Less common on NBN plans
with unlimited data. More common on mobile plans approaching data caps. Australian ISPs generally don't
throttle unlimited NBN plans.
U
Upload Speed
The rate at which your connection sends data to the internet, measured in Mbps. Important for video
calls, uploading files, live streaming. NBN plans have asymmetric speeds - e.g., NBN 50/20 means 50
Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload. FTTP can offer higher upload speeds.
Example: NBN 100/20 gives 100 Mbps down but only 20 Mbps up; NBN 100/40 (FTTP) gives 40 Mbps up.
W
WiFi
Wireless networking technology that lets devices connect to the internet without cables. Convenient but
typically 30-70% slower than ethernet. 5GHz WiFi is faster but shorter range than 2.4GHz. WiFi 6 is the
latest standard offering the best speeds and performance.
WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Latest WiFi standard offering faster speeds, better performance with many devices, and improved range.
Recommended for NBN 100+ connections. Older WiFi standards (WiFi 4, WiFi 5) may bottleneck faster NBN
plans.