Defining Common Internet Terms You May Not Know

By Beehive Broadband | March 17, 2025

The internet is a vast, ever-expanding digital universe that connects people, businesses and communities across the globe. While most of us use the internet daily, there are plenty of technical terms that can seem confusing if you’re not a tech expert.

At Beehive Broadband, we believe in making high-speed internet simple and accessible, so we’ve put together this guide to help define some common internet terms you may not know.

1. Bandwidth

Bandwidth is often mistaken for internet speed, but they’re not quite the same thing. Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given period, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Think of it like a highway—more lanes (higher bandwidth) allow more cars (data) to travel at once, reducing congestion and improving performance.

2. Latency

Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back. When you visit a website, your computer sends a request to the server hosting that site, asking for access. The server then responds, allowing you to connect. For example, when you visit beehive.net, your computer communicates with our server to load the site. If you’re running a latency test to a site like google.com, you’re measuring how long it takes for data to travel from your device to Google’s server and back. The lower the latency, the faster the connection—making for a smoother, more responsive online experience. Gamers and video callers often notice latency the most—if there’s too much delay, you may experience lag or choppy video.

3. Ping

Ping is a test that measures latency. When you “ping” a website or server, you’re sending a small data packet to see how long it takes to get a response. A lower ping (under 50ms) is great for online gaming, video conferencing and live streaming, while a higher ping (over 100ms) can lead to noticeable delays.

4. Fiber Optic Internet

Fiber optic internet, like what Beehive Broadband offers, is the fastest and most reliable internet technology available today. Instead of using traditional copper cables, fiber optic lines transmit data using light signals through glass or plastic fibers, resulting in ultra-fast speeds, low latency and minimal interference—even over long distances.

5. Router vs. Modem

These two devices are often confused, but they serve different purposes:

• Modem: Connects your home to your internet service provider (ISP), such as Beehive Broadband.
• Router: Distributes that internet connection to multiple devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables.

In some cases, a single device called a gateway combines both a modem and a router.

6. Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, offering faster speeds, improved efficiency and better performance in crowded environments (like homes with multiple devices connected at once). It’s designed to handle modern internet demands, making streaming, gaming and video calls smoother than ever.

7. Mesh Wi-Fi

Mesh Wi-Fi is a system of interconnected routers that work together to provide seamless wireless coverage throughout your home. Instead of relying on a single router, mesh systems use multiple access points to eliminate dead zones and ensure strong Wi-Fi in every room.

8. IP Address

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet. It’s like a home address for your computer, tablet, or smartphone, allowing it to communicate with other devices and websites.

9. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is a tool that encrypts your internet connection, helping to protect your online privacy. It can also allow users to access content that may be restricted based on location, making it popular for both security-conscious individuals and those looking to stream content from other countries. In addition, it can allow access to internal networks from remote locations. This makes it a popular choice for remote employees and companies who employ them

10. DNS (Domain Name System)

The DNS acts like the internet’s phonebook. When you type a website address (like beehivebroadband.com) into your browser, the DNS translates that human-readable domain into an IP address so your device can connect to the right server.

11. Streaming vs. Downloading

• Streaming: Watching or listening to content in real-time without saving it to your device (e.g., Netflix, YouTube, Spotify).
• Downloading: Saving a file to your device so you can access it later, even without an internet connection.

Streaming requires a stable, high-speed internet connection, while downloading takes up storage space on your device.

12. Buffering

Buffering occurs when your internet connection isn’t fast enough to keep up with a video or audio stream, causing interruptions or pauses. A strong fiber connection, like Beehive Broadband’s, minimizes buffering and ensures smooth streaming.

13. Gigabit Internet

Gigabit internet delivers speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) or more, providing ultra-fast downloads, seamless video calls and lag-free gaming. This level of speed is ideal for households with multiple connected devices and heavy internet users.

14. Upload vs. Download Speeds

• Download speed: The rate at which data is received from the internet (e.g., streaming videos, loading web pages).
• Upload speed: The rate at which data is sent to the internet (e.g., sending emails, uploading videos, video conferencing).

Most internet plans have faster download speeds than upload speeds, but Beehive Broadband’s fiber internet offers symmetrical speeds, meaning your uploads and downloads are equally fast.

15. Data Cap

A data cap is a limit on the amount of data you can use in a billing cycle before your ISP slows down your speed or charges extra fees. Fortunately, Beehive Broadband offers unlimited data with our fiber plans, so you never have to worry about hitting a limit.

16. Smart Home

A smart home refers to a residence equipped with internet-connected devices that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or voice assistant. Examples include smart thermostats, security cameras, smart lights and voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

17. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of connected devices that communicate with each other over the internet. This includes everything from smart refrigerators and fitness trackers to industrial sensors and home automation systems.

18. Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber attack where scammers attempt to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information (like passwords or credit card numbers) by posing as a trusted entity—often through fake emails or websites.

19. Malware

Malware (short for “malicious software”) includes viruses, spyware, ransomware and other harmful programs designed to infect and damage devices. Keeping your devices updated and using security software can help protect against malware threats.

20. 5G

5G is the latest generation of mobile network technology, offering faster speeds, lower latency and improved connectivity for smartphones and other wireless devices. While primarily used for mobile networks, it also plays a role in home internet solutions in some areas.

Understanding internet terminology can help you make informed decisions about your home network and online security. At Beehive Broadband, we’re committed to providing high-speed, reliable internet with clear, simple support—no technical jargon required. If you have any questions about your internet service or want to upgrade to fiber, contact us today!