Internet guides

Clear explanations of how your connection works – written for everyone, with links to tools that let you check each topic yourself.

What Is an IP Address? A Plain-English Guide Public vs private addresses, how they are assigned, and what an IP address does and does not reveal. IPv4 vs IPv6: What Is the Difference? Why the internet is moving to IPv6, how the two formats differ, and how to tell which one you use. Internet Speed Explained: Download, Upload, Ping and Jitter What each speed-test number means and how much speed you actually need. What Is DNS and How Does It Work? How domain names become IP addresses, record types, TTL and propagation. Why Does My Internet Speed Change? Wi-Fi, congestion, distance and the other everyday reasons speeds rise and fall. How to Improve Your Internet Performance Practical, low-cost steps to get faster and more stable internet at home.