Glossary of Broadband Terms
Backbone
Large fiber-optic pipes, often buried deep underground and crossing state and national boundaries, that are the main data routes on the internet and the primary path for internet traffic between and within countries.
Cable
Internet service provided by cable television companies over a hybrid network that uses a mix of fiber-optics and copper wires.
Fiber
Fiber to the home (FTTH), aka fiber to the premises (FTTP), are last-mile networks that rely on fiber-optic cables that transmit data by passing light signals through thin strands of glass. Fiber is considered more “future proof” due to its higher speed capabilities and ability to be upgraded at transmission nodes rather than by replacing the entire cable.
Fixed wireless
Networks that emit a signal over a set area through an antenna attached to a tower or another fixed high point that can provide a line-of-sight connection to the receiver. Speeds from fixed wireless networks can vary based on the strength of the signal, the distance to the receiver and any topography or other obstacles.
Internet service providers (ISPs)
There are a variety of provider types operating across the country, typically categorized by the type of network they offer (fiber, cable, wireless or a mix), the size of the company (large or small), the ownership model (for-profit company, cooperative or municipally owned) or the type of service they provide (middle mile or last mile, business-only or residential).
Last mile
The segment of a broadband network that connects a local ISP to a customer, for example, via a cable line to a home.
Middle mile (aka backhaul)
The part of a broadband network that connects the backbone to the last mile.
Speed
Internet speeds are measured by how quickly information can be downloaded and uploaded, displayed in megabits per second (Mbps). The FCC’s definition for minimum speeds for a service to qualify as broadband is 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload (aka 100/20 Mbps).
Satellite
Constellations of satellites operating in either low-earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary orbit (GEO). Signal speed and quality are dependent on the number of satellites in orbit and can be affected by foliage or other line-of-sight obstacles. LEO satellites are closer to the ground, at an altitude between 200 and 500 miles; they offer faster speeds but a higher number of them are required to reliably cover a given area, and they must be replaced more frequently as they fall out of orbit. GEO satellites are significantly farther away from the earth, at an altitude of 22,000 miles; fewer of them are required to cover an area and they have a longer life cycle, but they typically offer slower speeds due to the distance from the ground.
Physical access to a broadband network is only one aspect of the digital divide. Unlocking the internet’s full potential also requires that the service is affordable and that each household has an internet-enabled device and the skills to use it.
There are numerous federal programs that fund broadband deployment, either directly with individual projects or through state programs. How states use these funds or pair them with additional state resources can shape the connectivity options available for their communities.
The deployment of broadband infrastructure can be complex, from navigating permitting in multiple jurisdictions to coordinating with other utilities.
Challenges for rural broadband deployment include low population density and sometimes difficult terrain.