Internet Service Key Terms

Dial into these business Internet service key terms

Avoid stress and hassle when shopping for Internet service for your company by getting to know some of the basic terms you'll encounter from providers, websites, gurus, and informational sources. Familiarize yourself with some of the technical and less-technical jargon that affects your company's Internet usage, such as VPNs, Wi-Fi, PC cards, intranets and more. Know what to look for in Internet services, such as reliability and high data transfer speeds.

 

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is wireless networking via a wireless router that transmits signals to users within a certain distance. Some businesses provide Wi-Fi to customers for free or for a small fee. You can use Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet on the go at locations such as airports, coffee shops, fast food establishments and more. You can also have Wi-Fi in your home or office.
Try: The Wi-Fi Alliance explains how Wi-Fi technology works and how to determine if it is right for your business.

Virtual private network (VPN)

A VPN is a private data network that uses public resources to connect users. This is a cheaper solution for businesses than leasing a private line.
Try: The VPN Consortium provides details about how VPNs work. Geek.com gives more information on virtual private networks.

PC card

A PC card, sometimes known as an air card, plugs into a laptop to provide portable Internet service. Many wireless Internet service providers provide PC cards to users in order to access the Internet for a fee.
Try: Get more details about PC cards from TechTarget.

Reliability

Internet service reliability refers to the how often the service stays up and usable. Outages, caused by such things as bad weather, and service interruptions, like scheduled maintenance times, lower a provider's or service's reliability.
Try: Get helpful information about satellite Internet service reliability at Skycasters.

Intranet

An intranet (internal Internet) is a networking service that is restricted to a company or organization and its employees or members. An intranet still uses the Internet, but has a firewall to prevent outsiders from accessing proprietary information.
Try: Review some of the advantages of intranets at eHow, among which are security benefits.

Data transfer speeds

Data transfer speeds are usually measured in terms of bits. The phrase refers to how fast your Internet connection sends and receives data.
Try: Rent-A-Geek gets detailed about data transfer speeds, even supplying a comparison list of different services. tkArena gives a more thorough definition of the term.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---