Connection terms, explained.
Understand network terminology with plain definitions, practical examples and checks you can use.
24 results
What is bandwidth?
Bandwidth describes a connection’s capacity to transfer data over time.
GlossaryWhat is browser fingerprinting?
Learn how browser characteristics can be combined, why changing your IP is not enough, and what a browser-information check can tell you.
Network glossaryWhat is carrier-grade NAT?
Carrier-grade NAT places address translation inside an internet provider’s network.
Network glossaryWhat is a data allowance?
A data allowance is an amount of transferred data included under a plan’s rules for a stated period.
GlossaryWhat is a DNS cache?
Understand stored DNS answers, TTLs and why a changed domain record may not appear immediately in every browser or network.
GlossaryWhat is DNS over HTTPS?
See what encrypted DNS protects, where browser DNS settings fit, and why DoH does not replace a VPN.
Network glossaryWhat is DNS?
DNS connects domain names with records such as the IP addresses used to reach a service.
Network glossaryWhat is HTTPS?
HTTPS carries HTTP over a connection protected by TLS.
GlossaryWhat is IPsec VPN?
Understand IPsec’s role in protecting IP traffic, how IKEv2 fits, and what to check before using an IPsec configuration.
Network glossaryWhat is IPv4?
IPv4 is an Internet Protocol version that uses 32-bit addresses, commonly displayed as four numbers separated by dots.
Network glossaryWhat is IPv6?
IPv6 is an Internet Protocol version with a much larger address space than IPv4.
Network glossaryWhat is jitter?
Jitter is variation in packet timing or delay.
GlossaryWhat is a VPN kill switch?
Learn what a kill switch blocks, how its scope can differ, and what to check before relying on it during a lost VPN connection.
Network glossaryWhat is latency?
Latency is the delay experienced along a network path.
Network glossaryWhat is NAT?
Network address translation changes address information as traffic passes between networks.
Network glossaryWhat is packet loss?
Packet loss means traffic sent along a path does not arrive as expected.
Network glossaryWhat is a proxy?
A proxy receives and forwards requests on behalf of a client.
Network glossaryWhat is a public IP address?
A public IP address is used on the internet-facing path of a connection.
GlossaryWhat is VPN split tunneling?
Understand included and excluded app traffic, why a browser test can differ from another app, and how to check a split-tunnel rule.
GlossaryStatic vs dynamic IP addresses
Distinguish a stable address from an automatically assigned one, and separate public, local, shared and dedicated addresses.
Network glossaryWhat is TCP?
TCP is a transport protocol that provides an ordered, reliable byte stream between applications.
Network glossaryWhat is TLS?
Transport Layer Security is a protocol used to protect communications between endpoints.
Network glossaryWhat is UDP?
UDP sends datagrams without providing TCP’s built-in ordered stream and delivery guarantees.
GlossaryWhat is WebRTC?
Understand browser calls, connection candidates and why a WebRTC address check differs from a public IP lookup or DNS test.