Broadband Glossary "B" Definitions

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Welcome to our Broadband Glossary. We compiled a comprehensive collection of Broadband and Internet related terms and definitions. To look for a definition or term, simply click on the letter that matches the first letter of the word you are searching for. If the term you want is a numeral, you will find it under the 0-9 listing.

We intend for our Broadband Glossary to be ever expanding. As new technology is released, we will add these definitions to our Glossary. If you cannot find the term you are searching for, please contact us and we will add it to the Broadband glossary as quickly as possible. We hope that you find this Broadband Glossary easy to navigate and that you find the term you're looking for.

Backbone

A network segment that connects individual local area networks (LANs). Backbones can be deployed across many buildings (such as in a campus setting) or within a single building.
Data traffic from individual DSL lines link to a backbone network for delivery to the Internet Service Providers. The backbone is the major transmission path for high-volume, network-to-network connections such as DSL-to- Internet connections.

Bandwidth

Also called capacity. The volume of data that an Internet connection (modem or transmission line) can handle. The data is usually measured in bits per second (bps). Visualize bandwidth as a road. The wider the road, the more traffic will be able to get through. Although the Internet itself is huge, only a certain amount of data can pass through at a time.
Technologies, such as DSL, may increase the volume of data that can be transmitted to or received from the Internet.

Beta

A test phase for a software program which is sometimes released to the public free of charge. Developers also use beta software to debug their final product so that it is suitable for retail sale. Because Beta software is usually free, it may also have an expiration date and will require re-installation or you may have to purchase the commercial version. To determine whether or not a program is a beta version, check the program's properties. If the version number contains the letter "b" that means it's a beta version. For example, if you are using a new web browsing program that is called “DSL-Experts DSL availability tool 3.1 b1” that would mean that you are using DSL-Experts DSL availability Software, version 3.1, beta-test version 1.

Binary

A two-digit (Base-2) numerical system, which computers use to store data and compute functions. Computers use this system because digital switches inside the computer can only be set to either the on or off position, which are represented by a 1 or 0. Although this system consists of only ones and zeros, the two digits can be used to represent any number, i.e.,
A single 0 represents zero.
A single 1 represents (2^0) or 1.
10 represents (2^1) or 2.
11 represents (2^1 + 2^0) or 3.
100 represents (2^2) or 4.
101 represents (2^2 + 2^0) or 5.
110 represents (2^2 + 2^1) or 6.
111 represents (2^2 + 2^1 + 2^0) or 7.
1000 represents (2^3) or 8, etc.

Basic Input/Output System or BIOS

An acronym for Basic Input/Output System. It is a program that is pre-installed only on Windows-based computers. BIOS is accessed before the operating system is loaded. BIOS checks all of your hardware connections and locates all of your devices. If all systems are functional, BIOS will load the operating system into the computer's memory and completes the boot-up process.
BIOS is located in an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chip. When you turn your computer on, the CPU accesses the EPROM and gives control to BIOS.
BIOS is also used after the computer has booted up and your operating system takes over. BIOS acts as an intermediary between the CPU and the Input/Output devices, i.e., your mouse, keyboard, etc. Because of BIOS, your programs and your operating system don't have to search for information such as hardware addresses for the Input/Output devices attached to your PC.

Bitmap

A map of dots or bits. Graphics on your computer are composed of bitmaps, which look like a picture when viewed at their original size. However, should you enlarge the image, you would see that it is, in fact, made up of very small dots. Common bitmap file types include BMP (bitmap format), JPEG, GIF, PICT, PCX, and TIFF.

Bits Per Second or BPS

In data communications, bits per second (abbreviated bps and, by some, bit/sec), is a common measure of data speed for computer modems and transmission carriers. As the term implies, the speed in bps is equal to the number of bits transmitted or received each second.

Blog

Short form of the term Web Log. Refers to the trend of journaling publicly on a web page. To see some examples, please visit www.dslavailability.blogspot.com .

Bookmark

An Internet browser tool that allows a user to flag and return to his or her favorite and/or frequently used websites. May also be called Favorites or Hot List, depending upon your browser.

Broadband

A single, multi channel cable or wire used to carry a large volume of data at a high rate of speed. Some types of broadband connections are DSL modems, which use existing phone lines  and cable modems, which use existing cable television connections.

Browser

A navigation tool for viewing Web sites on the Internet from your computer.
The most popular browsers are Netscape Navigator (or Communicator) and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Bundled Service

Using multiple services provided by a single company. One advantage (or disadvantage, depending how you look at it) of bundled service is that you usually have only one bill and one place to go for customer service regardless of how many services you order.