Wifi on your boat: Glossary of terms

The world of internet connectivity is chock full of acronyms, and for good reason! The actual full-length terms are even harder to digest. However, the full terminology is useful when using search engines to try and figure out what each ‘special’ feature actually does and, most importantly, whether it is actually worth the extra money being asked for it.

APN Access Point Name
The name of a gateway between a mobile cellular network and the Internet. A mobile device must be configured with an APN to determine what type of network connection and service should be provided.

DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Put simply, allows multiple users to be connected simultaneously.

GPRS General Packet Radio Service
Second generation (2G) digital cellular network.

GSM Global System for Mobiles
Third generation (3G) digital cellular network.

LAN Local Area Network
A computer network which is limited to a small area.

LTE Long-Term Evolution
4G high-speed mobile network.

MIMO Multiple-Input Multiple-Output
These receivers have multiple antennae, resulting in improved link retention and increased data capacity.

PDN Packet Data Network
A method of transmitting data so that multiple users can share a single connection.

VOIP Voice Over Internet Protocol
Phone calls via the Internet.

WAN Wide Area Network
A computer network unlimited in area, such as the internet.

WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiplexing Access
Used with the 3G cellular network.

WPS Wireless Protected Setup
A button that enables quick connection to Wi-Fi devices.