Bandwidth The rate at which data is transmitted based on the capacity of the line.

Dial up An internet connection over a standard telephone line that transmits data at 56 thousand bits per second.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)** Enhanced service that allows high speed data communication over the existing telephone lines. It transmits a digital signal at rates beween T3 and dial up.

Coaxial cable** A kind of cable with a solid central conductor surrounded by insulator, in turn surrounded by a cylindrical shield woven from fine wires. It is used to carry high frequency signals such as video or radio and transmits a digital signal at rates beween T3 and dial up.

T1 Line* A digital carrier facility used to transmit a digital signal at 1.5 million bits per second.

T3 Line* A digital carrier facility used to transmit a digital signal at 45 million bits per second.

Fiber optics An advanced telecommunications technology that uses pulses of light to transfer digital information.

* Identical upload and download speeds.

** Upload and download speeds are different.