Connectivity

4G LTE is the mobile network generation that made fast everyday smartphone internet normal.

5G is a newer mobile network generation that can offer faster speeds and lower delay where coverage is strong.

An APN is the carrier setting that tells your phone how to connect to mobile internet.

Bandwidth is how much data a connection can move at once.

Bitrate is how much data a video or audio stream uses each second.

A Bluetooth codec is the format your phone and earbuds use to send wireless audio.

A data bundle is a prepaid or plan-based amount of mobile internet you can use.

Dual SIM means a phone can use two mobile lines on the same device.

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone, so you can activate a mobile plan without inserting a card.

An IMEI is a unique identity number for a mobile device.

Latency is the delay before data starts moving between your device and a server.

Mobile money lets people send, receive, store, and spend money through a phone service.

NFC is short-range wireless tech used for tap-to-pay, quick pairing, and some access cards.

A physical SIM is the small removable card that identifies your phone number to a mobile network.

Ping is a simple latency test that measures how quickly a server responds.

Roaming is when your phone connects through another network outside your usual carrier area.

Tap-to-pay lets you pay by holding a phone, card, or watch near a payment terminal.

Throttling is when a provider or device deliberately slows performance or connection speed.

Thunderbolt is a high-speed connection standard that can carry data, display, and power through USB-C-shaped ports.

USB-C is the small reversible connector now common on phones, laptops, chargers, and accessories.

USB-C PD is a charging standard that lets devices and chargers agree on the right power level.

VoLTE lets phone calls travel over a 4G network, often improving call quality and connection speed.

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet service you connect through.

Wi-Fi 6 is a newer Wi-Fi generation designed to handle faster speeds and crowded networks better.

Wi-Fi 7 is the latest Wi-Fi generation, built for higher speeds and lower delay on supported devices.