Access Seekers

A generic term used by NBN Co to refer to customers of the network infrastructure, be they Retail Service Providers (RSPs) or Wholesale Service Providers (WSPs).

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)

A technology designed to give basic broadband performance over copper telephone lines, allowing more data to be sent than with dial-up internet. Speeds range from 256 kbit/s to about 8 Mbit/s, with the higher speeds available only over short, good quality copper lines. Download speeds are higher than upload speeds.

ADSL2

A marginally faster version of ADSL. The speed improvement is due to smarter chips being more adept at isolating signals from background noise that accumulates on a copper circuit. ADSL2 speeds reach up to 12 Mbit/s.

ADSL2+

An enhancement to ADSL2 that uses a wider frequency range to achieve substantially faster speeds, but only over short distances (less than about 1.5 km). ADSL2+ speeds reach up to around 25 Mbit/s.

Australian Broadband Guarantee

The Australian Broadband Guarantee was an initiative designed to help residential and small business premises access a metro-comparable broadband service regardless of where they are located. Under the Australian Broadband Guarantee, a metro-comparable broadband service is defined as any service that offers a minimum 1 Mbit/s download and 256 kbit/s upload data speed, 6GB per month data usage at a total cost of $2500 GST inclusive over three years (including installation and connection fees). The program worked by paying internet service providers that registered with the program a subsidy to provide metro comparable broadband services to residential and small business premises where such services would not otherwise be available.

Backbone

Just as a major highway carries vehicles that started their journeys on many smaller roads around the country, a backbone network carries aggregated data across mid to long distances and between major centres.

Backhaul

Backhaul typically refers to the mid to long-distance transport of data from a series of disparate locations back to a more centralised location. The backhaul portion of the network comprises the intermediate links between the core, or backbone, of the network and the small sub-networks at the ’edge’ of the entire hierarchical network. In the context of the NBN, backhaul services are the data carriage services provided over high-speed, high-capacity fibre lines, which carry aggregated network traffic between a Point of Interconnect (PoI) and a centralised or ’core’ part of the network, for example an Internet Service Provider's data centre.

Bandwidth

Refers to the capacity and rate of data transfer over a network, usually measured in kilobits, megabits or gigabits per second.

Bit

An abbreviation of ‘binary digit’—either a zero or a one. A single, basic piece of information or data used in relation to computing and telecommunications. Complex information (characters, numbers, email messages, documents, sound files, video files etc) can be stored and communicated as a sequence of bits.

Bits per second

A common measurement of the data speed when transmitting electronic data. The speed of Australian internet service plans are usually advertised in megabits per second.

Bitstream

A generic term often used to describe low-complexity data transmission products. The National Broadband Network will offer a wholesale bitstream service to Retail Service Providers. A bitstream service can be modified, moved, disconnected or reconnected without requiring any changes to the physical infrastructure, which is shared by many users and providers. This means that an end-user can switch providers easily, add and delete service features quickly and even receive multiple services from different providers at the same time.

Blackspot

An under-served premises, or area, usually in remote or rural locations and sometimes on the edges of cities, which is unable to obtain adequate, metro-comparable broadband or other communications services. Reasons for blackspots are normally related to the limitations of technologies, geography or a lack of investment.

Broadband

Broadband is a term used to refer to ‘always on’ high speed Internet or other network access. In the past, broadband services and technologies were defined in terms of a capability to transfer information at higher rates than traditional dial-up services. Today broadband is more commonly associated with speeds equal to or greater than those provided by Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), that is, a minimum download speed of 256 kbit/s and minimum upload speed of 64 kbit/s. Over time, the bandwidth capacity of broadband has vastly increased and there are now calls to revise the definition of broadband to eliminate lower speeds such as 256 kbit/s from the category altogether.

Byte

A unit of storage measurement—a byte is made up of 8 bits. All information is stored as bits and bytes, which determine the size of the document, picture, video clip or other file that users may wish to download or send via email. The storage capacity or the amount of data contained in a file, CD, DVD, hard disk or other device is usually expressed in terms of kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes or terabytes.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is an Internet-based technology which stores information in servers and provides that information as an on demand service. Under cloud computing consumers can access all of their documents and data from any device with internet access such as a home or work PC, a mobile phone or other mobile internet enabled device.[2]

Coaxial Cable

An electrical cable consisting of an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating spacer, surrounded by an outer cylindrical conductor. It provides protection of signals from external electromagnetic interference and effectively guides signals.

Dark Fibre

It is the equipment at either end that dictates what capacity can be delivered over an optical fibre— ranging upwards from about 100 Mbit/s (at the low end). The term ‘dark fibre’ simply refers to optical fibre that is available for use and is provided without any equipment at either end. The term was originally used when talking about the potential network capacity of telecommunication infrastructure, but now also refers to the increasingly common practice of leasing fibre optic cables from a network service provider.

Dial-up

A type of internet connection that is established via a modem and standard telephone line, and requires the computer to dial a phone number for access. Although available to all premises with a telephone line, bandwidth is limited to around 56 kbit/s.

Digital Divide

The gap between people with effective access to digital and information technology and services, and those with very limited or no access at all. It refers both to a person’s physical access to technology and the resources and skills available to effectively use the technology. Often used in Australia to describe the different levels of communications service available between metropolitan and regional areas.

Digital Economy

The digital economy is the world around us, business and social, enabled by broadband and digital technologies. It includes the infrastructure, access technologies, devices, online services, applications, digital tools, government and other information that are utilised by individuals and organisations in daily life and business transactions. The term is often used to describe the future environment that will be enabled by ubiquitous high-speed broadband. As digital technology and broadband-enabled services and applications become more entrenched, it will be difficult to separate Australia’s digital economy from the economy as a whole.

Digital Education Revolution

A program administered by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to provide ICT equipment, training, high speed broadband and online resources to schools. Total funding for the program is $2.4 billion over seven years (2008–2014), and in the May 2010 Budget $200 million was provisionally allocated for 2013–14.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

A family of broadband access technologies, the most common being asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), that transfer data over existing copper telephone lines between a premises and its local exchange. The majority of Australia’s fixed line broadband services are currently delivered using DSL. It allows voice communication and high-speed data transmission on the same line at the same time. Varieties of DSL include ADSL2+ and VDSL (Very-High-Bitrate Digital Subscriber Line). DSL performance is limited by the distance a user is located from an exchange, the quality of copper network infrastructure and other technical constraints.

Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM)

A unit of electronics that aggregates traffic from multiple customer loops onto a backhaul circuit. Located in an exchange and required for providing DSL services.

Distribution Fibre

NBN Co’s term for fibre laid between a Fibre Distribution Hub (FDH) and Fibre Access Node (FAN). Distribution Fibre routes are designed in a ring structure to minimise the impact of any fibre break on consumer services as well as providing diverse paths for protected commercial point-to-point services.

Download or downloading

A download is any activity that transfers data to your computer from another one. Viewing a web page is downloading, because all the words, pictures and links on that page have to be transferred to the user’s computer and contributes to any download limits placed on the user’s account by their Internet service provider. Other activities like retrieving emails, listening to music, watching a video or chatting online are also downloads.

Drop fibre

NBN Co’s term for fibre stretching from a Local Fibre Network Access Point (NAP) to the termination point at individual premises.

E-government

The use of ICT technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector.

E-health

The combined use in the health sector of electronic communication and information technology for clinical, educational and administrative purposes, both at the local site and at a distance.[3]

E-learning

Learning that is facilitated using computers, or using other digital tools and content.

E-commerce

The use of electronic communication technology by business to conduct transactions and other commercial functions.

Ethernet

A common network language, or ‘protocol’, used for the orderly transport of data usually inside home or office Local Area Networks (LANs). As well as the protocol, the term Ethernet also covers a definition of the plug/socket arrangement and type of cable used.

Exchange

A network hub, connecting premises in a local area into the telecommunications network. Exchanges are usually the terminating points for access networks and the point from which backbone networks extend to other major hubs. Typically also used to describe the physical building in which telecommunications equipment is housed.

Fibre Access Node (FAN)

NBN Co’s term for a facility housing equipment that provides services to a Fibre Serving Area (FSA).

Fibre Distribution Area (FDA)

NBN Co’s term for the area served via a single Fibre Distribution Hub (FDH) which connects addresses to the serving FAN site(s) via Local Fibre.

Fibre Distribution Hub (FDH)

NBN Co’s term for a facility that houses optical splitters and distributes fibre connections to premises.

Fibre Optic

Also known as optical fibre, fibre-optic cable is made up of thin threads of glass that carry beams of light. In telecommunications, data is translated into pulses of laser light that can be transmitted along the fibre cables. Fibre-optic technology is less susceptible to ‘noise’ and ‘interference’ than other data-transfer mediums such as standard copper telephone lines and can be used more reliably over longer distances without loss of speed or quality. Fibre is used extensively in backbone and international submarine networks, and to connect the base stations of mobile and wireless networks. It is increasingly being used for the last mile connection to home and business premises in FTTX networks.

Fibre Serving Area (FSA)

NBN Co’s term for the area served by a Fibre Access Node (FAN)— a cluster of Fibre Distribution Areas (FDAs). The FDAs will be connected via Distribution Fibre.

Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH)

Refers to networks in which fibre connections are provided all the way to individual households.

Fibre-to-the-Kerb (FTTK)

Refers to networks in which fibre connections are provided to a kerb-side equipment cabinet, in which the fibre’s optical signal is converted to an electrical signal and delivered to premises over copper wires— typically over a maximum distance of 300 metres or less.

Fibre-to-the-Node (FTTN)

Similar to FTTK, but using a neighbourhood node that serves more premises rather than a kerb-side node. Copper distances are typically up to around 1 km.

Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP)

Similar to FTTH, but a more neutral term that includes non-residential premises, such as schools, hospitals, and workplaces, as well as households. Fibre connections are provided all the way to premises, including individual units in multi-dwelling buildings. The National Broadband Network is expected to provide FTTP to 93 per cent of Australian premises using primarily GPON technology.

Fibre-to-the-X (FTTX)

A generic term for any network architecture that uses optical fibre to replace all or part of the usual copper local loop used for telecommunications. FTTX technologies can offer very high bandwidth and are considered the most energy efficient way of providing broadband services.

Fixed Line

Fixed line refers to technologies that use physical infrastructure, such as copper wires, rather than wireless infrastructure to deliver data connections. Traditional voice services, dial-up internet, xDSL, HFC cable and FTTP are all forms of fixed line services. Replacing the existing copper fixed line access network in Australia with fibre is the largest part of the work to build the National Broadband Network.

Fixed Wireless Broadband

A family of wireless technologies that, as opposed to mobile wireless, delivers  broadband services to a particular premises or fixed location. These services are sometimes called ‘point-to-point’ or ‘point-to-multi-point’, and require an antenna that is generally permanently attached to the user’s building. Fixed wireless can be used for backhaul in certain cases but also as an access technology, particularly in rugged or remote terrain and areas with low population densities that may make a fixed line alternative impossible or uneconomic. Wireless technologies are limited by the availability of wireless spectrum, the number of concurrent users, distance from the cell antenna and physical impediments such as hills and valleys interrupting signals.

Gigabit per second (Gbit/s)

A measure of communications speed equal to 1 000 000 000 bits per second. Also expressed as Gbps and Gb/s.

Gigabit Passive Optical Networking (GPON)

A network technology standard that uses optical splitters to allow multiple premises to share a single piece of fibre optic cable. This results in large cost reductions and produces a much lower carbon footprint compared to non-shared FTTP networks and traditional broadband networks. The current generation of GPON technology provides 2.5 Gbit/s that typically is used to support 32 premises. The emerging XG-PON standard supports up to 10 Gbit/s while future enhancements are expected to increase bandwidth even further. NBN Co has indicated that GPON will be used for most of the fibre component of the National Broadband Network. Refer also to Passive Optical Network.

Gigabyte (GB)

A unit of information or computer storage meaning either exactly one billion bytes or approximately 1.07 billion bytes, depending on the context.

Government 2.0

The application of Web 2.0 collaborative tools to the business of government and the associated shift in public sector culture and practice towards more interaction and engagement with citizens.[4]

Greenfield

A term used to describe a piece of undeveloped land, either currently used for agriculture or completely unused.

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC)

A fixed line access technology combining fibre running to suburban nodes and then coaxial cable for the link between the node and premises. Originally deployed in Australia for subscription Cable TV services in parts of Sydney and Melbourne in the 1990s. Over recent years, most HFC networks have been upgraded for two-way traffic, supporting high speed data services and telephony.

Internet

A worldwide, publicly accessible series of interconnected computer networks that transmit data using the standard Internet Protocol (IP). It is a ‘network of networks’ that consists of millions of smaller domestic, academic, business, and government networks, which together carry various information and services, such as electronic mail, online chat, file transfer, and the interlinked web pages and other resources of the World Wide Web (www).

Internet Protocol (IP)

A set of communications and data routing standards supporting interconnection of networks and computers.

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)

Television content that, instead of being delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats, is received by the viewer through the technologies used for computer networks.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

An organisation that offers access to the Internet to its customers. ISPs generally also provide other services such as electronic mail accounts, data storage and web hosting to their customers. ISPs may employ a combination of their own and third party infrastructure, or simply resell services provided by a wholesale carrier. Existing ISPs can be expected to become Retail Service Providers (RSPs) of the National Broadband Network.

Intranet

A network that uses the same kind of software as that used on the Internet, but is used by a company as a private network for internal use only.

Kilobyte (kB)

A unit of information or computer storage equal to either 1024 bytes or 1000 bytes, depending on the context. It is abbreviated in a number of ways: kB, KB, K and Kbyte.

Kilobits per second (kbit/s)

A measure of communications speed equal to 1000 bits per second. Also expressed as kbps, Kbps, kb/s and Kb/s.

Killer app

Short for ‘killer application’. A ground-breaking application of technology that becomes so widely used that it justifies the technology on which it is based. For example, email could be considered the killer app of the internet.

Last-mile Infrastructure

Infrastructure used to provide the link from a customer’s premises to the provider’s nearest point of aggregation. For example, a provider offering a wireless broadband service to the customer would be providing last-mile infrastructure using wireless broadband technology.

Latency

The delay in data transmission caused by the time it takes for data to get from one designated point to another.

Local area network (LAN)

A LAN is a computer network limited to a small area such as an office building, university campus, or residential home. Although most LANs are Ethernet-based, Wireless LANs using technologies such as Wi-Fi, have become a popular alternative, including in the home.

Local Fibre

NBN Co’s term for the cables between Fibre Distribution Hubs (FDHs) and individual premises via a series of radial fibre cables containing Network Access Points (NAPs) and Drop Fibre.

Long-Term Evolution (LTE)

LTE is the common emerging standard for mobile wireless telecommunications technology. The current generation of mobile telecommunication networks are collectively known as 3G (third generation). LTE is sometimes referred to as a 4G (fourth generation) technology. LTE is designed to increase the capacity and speed of mobile telephone networks to transmit data, allowing for higher upload and download speeds, support for larger numbers of active mobile devices per antenna site (cell), an improved end-user experience and a simple architecture.

Loop

Another term for the pair of copper wires over which telephony and xDSL services are delivered. Loop is often used synonymously with the terms line or circuit.

Megabits per second (Mbit/s)

A measure of communications speed equal to 1 000 000 bits per second. Also expressed as Mbps, mbps, Mb/s and mb/s.

Megabyte (MB)

A unit of information or computer storage equal to either 1 000 000 bytes or 1,048,576 bytes, depending on the context.

Mobile Wireless and Mobile Broadband

Broadband services supported by mobile networks, such as ‘3G’ networks, offering mobility and flexibility for users of handheld and laptop devices. Wireless technologies are limited by the availability of wireless spectrum, the number of concurrent users, distance from the cell antenna and physical impediments such as hills and valleys interrupting signals.

Multi Dwelling Unit (MDU)

Typically refers to blocks of flats or apartments.

Network

A series of interconnected hardware components through which data is transmitted.

Network Access Point (NAP)

NBN Co’s term for the point on a local fibre cable where the drop cable to an individual premises is connected.

Next Generation Networking

A broad term to describe some key architectural evolutions in telecommunication networks that will be deployed over the next five to 10 years. The general idea behind NGN is that one network transports all information and services (voice, data, and all sorts of media such as video).

Node

Either a connection or redistribution point for data transmission.

Open Access Network (OAN)

A horizontally layered network architecture and business model that separates physical access to the network from service provisioning. The open access model allows multiple service providers to compete over the same network at wholesale prices.

Optical Fibre

See Fibre Optic.

Optical Network Terminal (ONT)

A device, located on either the exterior or interior of the premises, used to connect each premises to an FTTP network. The ONT is the terminating point for the fibre-optic cable and provides a connection point for various in-building services, including Internet, telephone, video, wireless LAN and other emerging services and applications. Also often referred to as an NTU (Network Termination Unit).

Passive Optical Network (PON)

PON refers to an FTTP network architecture where unpowered optical splitters distribute light between one source and many destinations (downstream), or multiplexes light from multiple sources to one destination (upstream). This enables a single optical fibre to serve multiple premises, with the most common split ratio being 32:1. A PON configuration reduces the amount of fibre and central office equipment required compared with point-to-point architectures. Refer also to Gigabit Passive Optical Network.

Point of Interconnect (PoI)

The connection point that allows retail service providers (RSPs) and wholesale service providers (WSPs) to connect to NBN Co network infrastructure.

Point-to-Point (P2P or PtP) Fibre

In contrast to Passive Optical Network (PON), the provision of services to a premises by a non-shared fibre.

Protocol

The technical language and rule formats used to facilitate communications between computers. The most well-known protocol is Internet Protocol (IP). Within local area networks, a simpler protocol, defined as part of the Ethernet standard, is used.

Quality of Service (QoS)

The use of a range of networking technologies and techniques to provide guarantees on the ability of a network to deliver predictable results. Network performance within the scope of QoS can include availability, bandwidth, latency and error rate.

Regional Backbone Blackspots Program

A federally funded program to fill gaps in existing fibre backbone infrastructure that will be utilised under the NBN. Locations to be linked include Longreach and Emerald in QLD, Geraldton in WA, Darwin in NT, Broken Hill in NSW, Victor Harbor in SA and South West Gippsland in VIC. All links are expected to be in place by the end of 2011.

Retail Service Providers (RSPs)

RSPs and application/content service providers are those that have a direct relationship with users and provide them with services and applications. Wholesale service providers do not have this relationship. In the context of the National Broadband Network, an RSP could be responsible for any or all of customer sales and assistance, products, pricing, billing and the customer premises equipment that will enable phone calls, Internet, video services and other emerging applications to be delivered. A user may employ multiple RSPs for the provision different services and applications at the same time.

Satellite Broadband

Satellite broadband uses a home radio link and radio dish to bounce a signal off a satellite and down to an earth station. It is common in rural and remote areas with low population densities, where fixed line alternatives are uneconomic. One‑way satellite connections utilise a satellite link to download data to the broadband user and a standard telephone connection for uploading data back to the Internet. Two–way satellite connections use the satellite link to both upload and download information. The suitability of satellite broadband for some applications is impacted by the large physical distances between satellites and the earth’s surface, which results in latency (delay) in the sending and receipt of data. Quality may also be affected by the number of simultaneous users and adverse weather conditions.

Shaping

The practice of slowing data speed once the monthly data usage limit is reached.

Smart Infrastructure

The application of communications technologies to infrastructure to make better, more efficient use of resources. Smart infrastructure can be used within the transport, energy, communications and water sectors.

Structural Separation

The creation of separate companies with ownership controls which prevent retail service providers, including the incumbent’s downstream businesses, from having effective control in the NBN infrastructure.

Tele-commuting

The use of information and telecommunications technology to facilitate working from home or other locations as a substitute for commuting to a central place of work.

Tele-consultation

Live consultations in a wide range of specialties ranging from dermatology and cardiology to psychiatry. Consultations may occur between medical professionals and patients, or among teams of medical professionals with or without patients— for example, between a GP and a specialist.

Tele-education

The application of information technology and telecommunications to educational and support services. In the tele-health context, it involves the transmission of medical information either for the training of health professionals or to assist members of the public to self-manage their health.[5]

Tele-health

A subset of e-health that includes the application of information technology and telecommunications for diagnostic and treatment services, educational and support services and the organisation and management of health services. Components include tele-homecare, tele-education, real time video consultations with specialists, and ‘store and forward’ transmission of medical data such as ECGs and x-rays.[6]

Tele-presence

The use of contemporary video-conferencing facilities that use high definition video, spatial audio and other techniques to closely emulate face to face interactions.[7]

Tele-working

Work that is conducted outside of the designated place of business, using telecommunications as a substitute for travel.

Terabyte

A unit of information or computer storage meaning either exactly one trillion bytes or approximately 1.1 trillion bytes, depending on the context.

Transit Fibre

NBN Co’s term for the fibre connection between Points of Interconnect (PoIs) and non-local Fibre Access Nodes.

Twisted Pair

A form of wiring in which two conductors (two halves of a single circuit) are wound together for the purposes of cancelling out electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources. Used in copper telephone lines.

Universal Service Obligation

The obligation placed on universal service providers to ensure that standard telephone services, payphones and prescribed carriage services are reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on business.

Uploading

The process of copying computer files from your own computer to a computer on the Internet. Examples include sending emails and loading content onto a website.

VDSL

Very high speed or very high bitrate DSL. VDSL is designed to operate over much shorter distances than ADSL, but delivers much higher speeds. Today’s leading VDSL chipsets are capable of delivering 100 Mbit/s in each direction, but only over distances of about 300 metres.

Video-conferencing

Involves two or more parties in different locations engaging in communication via video transmission.

Video on Demand

A broadband service where a movie is sent over the network, commencing within a few seconds of the user requesting it. In the most advanced implementations, the user has full ‘stream control’ (stop, fast forward, fast reverse etc.)— exactly as if they were watching the movie on a DVD player.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

VoIP is a technology for providing telephony services over broadband connections, usually at lower cost than traditional voice services.

Web 2.0

A term for the cumulative trend in the design and usage of web sites towards two-way interactive, user-generated content. Examples include blogs, wikis, social networking sites and video sharing sites.

Wholesale Service Provider (WSP)

A provider of infrastructure and services that deals only with other providers and does not have a commercial relationship with end-users or consumers. In telecommunications, a wholesale service provider allows other companies to lease access to equipment and services, and avoid the expense of building their own infrastructure. See Retail Service Providers (RSPs).

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a trademark used to describe certain wireless technology products that support Local Area Networks. Home or office computers are often connected to Internet modems via Wi-Fi instead of an Ethernet cable. As well as many personal computers, Wi-Fi technology is common in an increasing array of devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, printers and game consoles.

WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)

A wireless technology that provides high-speed broadband connections over long distances. It is not a mobile platform; it is specifically designed for optimum broadband performance. It is internationally recognised as a technology that delivers the highest quality wireless broadband.

Wireless Broadband

Wireless broadband uses radio frequencies to transmit and receive data between customers and a local transmission point. Normally, this requires a number of base stations, similar to mobile phone towers, which transmit to customers who have a small transmitter/receiver connected to their computers or other digital devices. Wireless technologies are limited by the availability of wireless spectrum, the number of concurrent users, distance from the cell antenna and physical impediments such as hills and valleys interrupting signals.

Wireless Spectrum

Often referred to as the Radio-Frequency Spectrum, this is the array of electromagnetic radio frequencies used for communications, including mobile broadband, television, AM and FM radio, defence and any other service employing a wireless technology. The spectrum is divided into many frequency ranges, or bands, and usually allocated for a specific technology, device, use or service. Wireless Spectrum is a finite and regulated public asset, and in Australia is administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), often through a licensing regime.

World Wide Web (www)

The entire collection of web pages that are distributed across the Internet, which are accessed via a web browser (such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, or Mozilla Firefox).

xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

A generic name encompassing many variants of DSL technology such as ADSL, ADSL 2+ and VDSL.