Jargon buster

Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) is a type of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) which transmits digital data over the copper wires of a telephone network. Speeds can vary dependent on location and product but can reach up to 22.5Mb/s.

Temperature Screening is a non-invasive, non-contact method of reading the body temperature of individuals within range by using a Thermal or Thermographic Camera. See also Thermography.

The part of the network that runs from the exchange to the customer’s premises. Despite the name, the last mile can be over 100 miles long. 

Thermal or Thermographic Cameras are CCTV devices capable of reading the temperatures of objects in an area of focus. More specifically, cameras equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) can detect faces to accurately screen the skin temperature of individuals within range.

Thermography is the use of cameras to detect heat radiation and convert these readings into temperature values via an algorithm. See also Thermal/Thermographic Cameras or Temperature Screening.

This term refers to internet service providers deliberately slowing down (or throttling) internet connections to certain customers and/or at certain times. It is also referred to as ‘traffic management’ or ‘traffic shaping’. It is most commonly employed during peak broadband usage times and against customers deemed to have overstepped their usage cap or fair usage policy terms. These measures are often temporary and used as a deterrent against those downloading large amounts of data. 

see Unified Messaging

Unified Messaging (UM) is the integration of different media types into a single interface accessible from multiple devices. An example of UM is Voicemail within a phone system.

An Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) us a secondary device that can supply power for a limited period while the primary power supply/feed is disrupted.

This term describes how fast your broadband connection can send data from your computer. A good example of uploading is sending your photos to an online website or portal, or sending emails. Anything that goes across the internet from your computer is considered to be ‘uploaded’. Similarly, anything coming in the other way is being ‘downloaded’ (anything from getting your emails or a web page to live streaming television). 

see Uninterruptable Power Supply

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a link over the internet between multiple sites with increased security in comparison to standard internet transmissions.