GLOSSARY
Broadband
Defined by the ABS as an 'always on' Internet connection with an access speed equal to or greater than 256kbps.
Cable
Describes those technologies including coaxial cable, fibre optic cable and hybrid fibre coaxial cable which are capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 2Gbps.
Dial-up (analog)
Connection to the Internet via modem and dial-up software utilising the public switched telecommunications network.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
More properly referred to as xDSL as this covers several digital technologies (e.g. Asymmetric DSL or ADSL and Symmetric DSL or SDSL) for fast two-way data connections over the public switched telecommunications network.
Fixed Wireless Internet access
Point to point microwave link, generally building to building or tower to building which allows subscribers within the receiving building to access the Internet. Sender and receiver must be within line of sight and no more than 22 kilometres apart.
ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)
A digital access technique for both voice and data. Digital alternative to an analog public switched telephone service and carries data or voltages consisting of discrete steps or levels, as opposed to continuously variable analog data. ISDN enables digital transmission over the public switched telecommunications network.
Mobile Wireless Internet access
Mobile Internet access via 'hotspots' using a microwave connection often referred to as WiFi. Most commonly utilised by laptop users although it is also becoming increasingly popular within homes and businesses with multiple PCs.
Satellite/communications satellite
A satellite stationed in geosynchronous orbit that acts as a microwave relay station, receiving signals sent from a ground based station, amplifying them, and retransmitting them on a different frequency to another ground-based station. Satellites can be used for high-speed transmission of computer data.
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