50/10 Mbps
A common Canadian broadband benchmark meaning 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.
Backhaul
The connection from a tower, node, or local network back to the wider internet.
Bandwidth
The amount of data a connection can move over time, often described as speed.
Cable internet
Internet delivered over coaxial cable networks, often available in towns and some rural corridors.
CPE
Customer premises equipment: the modem, antenna, radio, terminal, or router installed at the customer location.
Data cap
A monthly allowance or threshold that may affect speed, cost, or service behaviour.
DSL
Internet delivered over copper telephone lines. Speed often depends on distance and line quality.
Fair-use policy
Plan wording that may allow the provider to manage heavy use, especially during busy periods.
Fibre drop
The final fibre connection from the roadside or network to a specific property or building.
Fixed wireless
Internet delivered from a tower or elevated site to fixed equipment at the customer property.
Geostationary satellite
Satellite service using satellites far above Earth, usually with higher latency.
Latency
Connection delay, often measured as ping time in milliseconds.
LEO satellite
Low-earth-orbit satellite service using satellites closer to Earth than traditional geostationary systems.
Line of sight
A clear enough path between wireless equipment and a tower, satellite view, or other radio endpoint.
LTE/5G home internet
Home internet delivered over a mobile network through a fixed router or modem.
Mesh Wi-Fi
A set of Wi-Fi nodes used to improve coverage across a larger home.
Peak-time congestion
Slowdown caused when many people use a shared network at the same time.
Ping
A basic latency test showing how long a small packet takes to travel and return.
Point-to-point link
A wireless or wired link between two specific locations, such as a house and a shop.
Router
The device that shares the internet connection with devices in the home or office.
Satellite terminal
Outdoor equipment used to communicate with satellites.
Throttling
A reduction in speed, often after a threshold or during managed network conditions.
Tower sector
A directional coverage area from a wireless tower.
Upload speed
How quickly your connection sends data from your location to the internet.
Wi-Fi
The local wireless network inside or near the building; it is not the same as the internet provider connection.
