Jargon buster

The world of mobile broadband is littered with abbreviations and obscure jargon. Here, we explain what they all mean.

3G

Short for "third generation", this describes a set of mobile phone standards and technologies that allow for faster data downloads than GPRS (see below). The highest theoretical download speed is 14.4Mbits/sec, but in the UK the highest possible figure (only supported by some networks) is 7.2Mbits/sec.

4G

Technically 4G doesn't exist, with a number of standards competing to become the "fourth generation" of wireless communications. Whichever technology wins out, we can expect to see download speeds of anything from 100Mbits/sec to 1,000Mbits/sec, but we'll have to wait. In the UK at least, 4G networks probably won't exist until 2012.

APN

Standing for Access Point Name, Vodafone describes this as "the point where a mobile device can enter an IP network". Essentially, a phone (or modem) will dial into this point to gain access to the network operator's network – and thus the internet.

Data allowance

The maximum amount of data a user can download per month. Though some operators claim the data allowance is "unlimited", in reality that usually means a maximum of 3GB – after which access to the network may be limited.

Dongle

A small device that plugs into a notebook's USB port. In the context of mobile broadband dongles, it will contain a 3G modem, an aerial and all the software you need to get connected to the relevant network operator.
Embedded modem Some high-end notebooks, particularly those designed for business use, will include a 3G modem inside the notebook itself. This is usually in the form of an add-in card.

GPRS

The General Packet Radio Service used to be the fastest way to download data via a mobile phone, but it's been superseded by 3G. In areas where a network operator doesn't support 3G, your connection will typically be downgraded to GPRS, with speeds dropping to around 50Kbits/sec.

HSDPA

Standing for High-Speed Download Packet Access, this is the specific technology that enables such fast data downloads on 3G connections.

HSPA

High-Speed Packet Access is the umbrella term for HSDPA and HSUPA.

HSUPA

High-Speed Uplink Packet Access isn't as common as its HSDPA cousin, which is why you may find you have excellent download speeds in some areas but, when you try to upload a document, it can take an age. Theoretically, HSUPA supports speeds of up to 5.76Mbits/sec.

WiMAX

Some countries are already benefiting from WiMAX technology, which stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It's designed to deliver broadband internet access to areas that aren't supported by conventional networks, and promises download and upload speeds of up to 70Mbits/sec and a range of up to 50km. In reality, though, it's more likely to support transfers of around 10Mbits/sec at a range of 10km, and it's unlikely to have much of an impact in the UK due to the way the government licenses the wireless spectrum.