Internet Jargon Explained: Complete Glossary
Choosing a new internet plan in New Zealand often feels like learning a second language. Between "Mbps," "ONTs," and "Fixed Wireless," it’s easy to get lost in the technical weeds.
At Broadband.co.nz, we believe that finding the best deal starts with understanding what you’re actually buying. This glossary demystifies the most common broadband terms used in New Zealand, helping you compare providers with confidence and find the best broadband plans for your home or business.
Speed & Performance: Understanding the Numbers
When you see a plan advertised as "Fibre 300" or "Gigabit," these terms refer to the technical performance of your connection.
🚀 Mbps vs Gbps: How fast is your internet?
Mbps stands for Megabits per second, and it is the standard measure of your internet speed.
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Mbps: Most NZ plans range from 50Mbps to 300Mbps. To understand what to expect, check out our guide on the average broadband speed in New Zealand.
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Gbps: 1Gbps (Gigabit per second) is equal to 1,000 Mbps. It is currently the "gold standard" for high-performance home fibre in New Zealand. You can find these on our Gigabit Fibre category page.
⏱️ Latency and Ping: The "Lag" Factor
Latency (often measured as 'Ping') is the time it takes for a signal to travel from your device to a server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). Low latency is crucial for best broadband for streaming and online gaming. Because New Zealand is geographically distant from many international servers, having a high-quality fibre connection helps keep your "ping" as low as possible.
🛣️ Bandwidth vs Speed
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can travel over your connection at once, while Speed is how fast that data actually travels. Imagine a motorway: Bandwidth is the number of lanes, and Speed is the speed limit. If you have many people in your house, you should look for unlimited plans to ensure you have enough bandwidth for everyone.
🔄 Download vs Upload Speeds
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Download Speed: How quickly you receive data (streaming, browsing, downloading files).
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Upload Speed: How quickly you send data (sending emails or being seen on a Zoom call). This is a vital metric when choosing the best broadband for working from home.
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Note: Most NZ plans are "asymmetrical," meaning downloads are faster than uploads. However, Hyperfibre plans often offer significantly higher upload speeds for power users.
Connection Types in New Zealand
The way the internet actually reaches your house determines your maximum possible speed and reliability.
⚡ Fibre (UFB)
Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) uses glass cables to transmit data as pulses of light. It is the fastest and most reliable technology available in NZ. For a deeper dive, read our article on what is fibre broadband or view current fibre plans.
📠 VDSL and ADSL (Copper)
These are legacy technologies that run over the old copper phone lines.
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VDSL: The faster version of copper, capable of around 70-100 Mbps. See VDSL options here.
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ADSL: The basic, older version, usually maxing out at 24 Mbps. Check ADSL availability, though these are being phased out.
📶 Fixed Wireless (4G/5G)
Fixed Wireless broadband uses the mobile phone network to provide internet to a stationary modem in your home. It is a popular alternative for renters or those interested in 5G home broadband. Explore our Wireless Broadband category for more.
🛰️ Satellite (Starlink & Others)
Satellite broadband beams the internet from space to a dish installed on your roof. This is the primary solution for remote areas. You can compare Starlink and other satellite options on our site.
Network Terms (The "Nitty-Gritty")
📍 IP Address (Static vs Dynamic)
An IP address is the unique "home address" of your internet connection.
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Dynamic IP: Most Kiwis have this; your address changes occasionally.
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Static IP: Your address never changes. This is often requested by businesses or those hosting servers.
📖 DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS is the "phonebook" of the internet. It translates a website name into the numeric IP address that computers understand.
🧱 NAT and CG-NAT
NAT (Network Address Translation) allows multiple devices in your home to share one internet connection. Some providers use CG-NAT to save on IP addresses, which can sometimes interfere with certain types of online gaming.
🔓 Port Forwarding
Port forwarding is a setting that allows external devices to access specific services on your private home network.
WiFi Terms: Making Your Home Signal Stronger
🏷️ SSID
SSID is simply the "name" of your WiFi network.
📡 2.4GHz vs 5GHz Bands
Most modern routers are "Dual-Band":
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2.4GHz: Travels further through walls but is slower.
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5GHz: Much faster but has a shorter range.
🆕 WiFi 6 and WiFi 7
These are the latest generations of WiFi technology. We've written a complete guide explaining WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 to help you decide if you need a hardware upgrade.
NZ-Specific Terms
🏠 ONT (Optical Network Terminal)
The ONT is the small white box installed on your wall by the fibre company. Tip: If you move house, leave the ONT behind! If you're moving, see our guide on how to switch internet providers in New Zealand.
🛠️ Chorus and LFCs
Chorus is the largest "Local Fibre Company" (LFC) in NZ. They own the physical cables under the street. For more on the infrastructure, see our page on how NZ internet works.
🚜 RBI (Rural Broadband Initiative)
The RBI is a government project designed to bring faster internet to rural New Zealand. If you live outside the main cities, visit our Rural Broadband page to see what's available at your address.
FAQ: Common Questions from Kiwi Users
Q: Why is my speed test lower than my plan?
A: Speed tests are often limited by your WiFi signal or the device you are using. To see your "true" speed, try plugging a computer directly into your router with an Ethernet cable.
Q: Do I need a special router for Fibre Max?
A: Yes. To get the full 900Mbps+ speeds of a Gigabit plan, you need a high-performance router. Many providers offer a free modem when you sign up for a fixed term.
Q: Can I keep my landline with Fibre?
A: Yes, but it works differently. You plug your phone into the back of your fibre router. You can filter our comparison tool for plans with a landline or without a landline.
Ready to find a better deal? Now that you're an expert on the jargon, use our Broadband Comparison Tool to see which providers offer the best speeds and prices in your area, whether you're in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch.
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Disclaimer: Pricing and offers subject to change. Always confirm current rates and terms with providers before signing up. Rankings based on publicly available data and may not reflect individual experiences.