Internet lexicon

Active Time Details

A feature of the Helix Fi app that allows you to view, for each user profile, the apps used and the home Wi-Fi usage time. Learn more about the Active Time Details feature.

Advanced Security

A feature of the Helix Fi app that protects devices and objects connected to a home’s Internet network against threats and intrusions. It is included free of charge with the Helix Fi gateway. Learn how to enable Advanced Security.

Antivirus

Software that can detect computer viruses and remove them from a device or network.

Bandwidth

Data transmission capacity of a communications channel, such as an Internet access. It is expressed in bits per second. The higher the bandwidth, the stronger the Internet network.

Bit

A basic unit that designates a quantity of computer data. It is used to measure the memory capacity of a device.

• 1 kilobit (Kbit) = 1,000 bits
• 1 megabit (Mbit) = 1,000,000 bits
• 1 gigabit (Gbit) = 1,000,000,000 bits

Internet speed is generally measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Bluetooth^TM

Wireless connection technology. It allows two devices to exchange data over a short distance via a radio link. Wireless headphones, for example, use Bluetooth technology.

Browser

Software designed to view and display Web content. The main browsers are Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

Byte

Computer memory capacity unit. One byte consists of eight bits. The byte is used to measure the storage capacity of a device, such as a hard drive or memory card.

• 1 kilobyte (KB) = 1,000 bytes
• 1 megabyte (MB) = 1,000,000 bytes
• 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1,000,000,000 bytes
• 1 terabyte (TB) = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes

Coaxial cable

A cable that transmits analog or digital signals over frequencies. It allows you to connect a gateway or modem to an Internet network. Stable, ultra-resistant, and high-performing, the coaxial cable can carry high data rates of up to 10 Gbps.

Connected object

A device that can be remotely controlled by the user using connection technology such as Bluetooth^TM and Wi-Fi. Smart lights, switches, power sockets, locks, and thermostats are examples of connected devices that are part of home automation. View connected devices compatible with the Helix Fi app.

Cookie

A file that a website saves on the user’s computer to store temporary information, which can be used during a future connection. For example, it is the cookies that make a link that has already been visited appear in a different colour.

Cyber attack

A malicious computer operation designed to hijack a system in order to steal, extort, expose, or destroy data.

Cyber security

A set of means used to protect data, systems, and computer devices from cyber attacks. This may include, but is not limited to, the installation of an antivirus software.

Domain name

Internet address consisting of a string of easily memorable characters that is linked to an IP address. This is the unique name that appears after the “@” sign in the email addresses and after “www” in the Web addresses.

Download

Data transfer from a remote computer to a user’s device. For example, downloading occurs when an email attachment is saved to your computer. This is called a downstream transfer.

Ethernet

A data transmission protocol that creates a local area network where devices are connected to a gateway or modem via an Ethernet cable. This type of wireline connection provides faster and more stable access to the Internet compared to a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection.

Fibre to the home

A type of fibre optic network through which the signal is routed directly to the user’s home. This is called FTTH (fibre to the home).

Fibre to the neighbourhood

A type of fibre optic network through which the signal is routed to an optical node in a neighbourhood. The rest of the transmission to the home is sent by other means, such as coaxial cable. This is called FTTN (fibre to the neighbourhood).

Firewall

A software or hardware that provides security to a computer system by filtering the data transmitted to it.

Full network test

A feature of the Helix Fi app that tests the connection of all devices connected to the Wi-Fi network of the Helix Fi gateway. When connection issues are detected, the full network test provides you with tips to improve the situation yourself.

GIGA

Powerful Internet access with download speeds up to 940 Mbps.

Gigahertz (GHz)

A frequency measure used to classify radio waves. For example, Wi-Fi uses the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands. A gigahertz is one billion hertz.

Helix

Brand of the latest Internet, TV, TV App, and home automation services offered by Videotron. The range is best known for its high-performance and secure Wi-Fi 6 and connected television. See the different Helix offers.

Helix Fi app

A mobile phone app used to manage the Helix Internet network from home. It allows you to install your own Helix Fi gateway, set up Parental Control, enable Advanced Security, and control your compatible connected objects.

Helix Fi gateway

A device that combines the functions of a modem and a router to provide wired and wireless Internet access in a home connected to the Videotron network. Learn more about the Helix Fi gateway.

Helix Internet

Videotron’s most recent Internet service, offered within the Helix ecosystem. Learn more about Helix Internet.

Hybrid fibre-coaxial network

Distribution network that combines fibre optic and coaxial cable technologies. The fibre carries the signal from the network headend to neighbourhoods. The signal is then routed to homes via coaxial cable.

Home automation

Automations used to improve comfort, security, energy management, or communication. It’s based on the Internet of Things and draws on the use of connected objects. Learn how home automation works with the Helix Fi app.

HTTP protocol

A protocol for transmitting data between a Web server and a device called a “client”, most often a person’s computer, tablet, or mobile phone. This protocol is the basis for Web browsing. The letters HTTP refer to Hypertext Transfer Protocol.

Hyperlink

A link to a Web resource, whether it is another website, one-page content, or multimedia files. All Web browsing is done through hyperlinks.

IMAP protocol

Email protocol that keeps emails on a server, allowing them to be viewed from any device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) and to synchronize messages. The letters IMAP refer to Internet Message Access Protocol.

Internet of things (IoT)

A network of smart devices connected to the Internet for the purpose of exchanging information or automating certain features. For example, home automation is based on the IoT to facilitate automation or remote control of some household appliances. The IoT also has applications in areas such as industrial production, health, and transport.

IP Address

The unique identification number of a computer that is connected to the Internet. This number can be used to locate a connected device, like a mailing address. The IP address is composed of four numbers separated by a period. For example: 146.205.199.32.

Latency

Delay between the time you launch a command on a device and the time the expected result occurs. It is measured in milliseconds (known as ping). The lower the latency, the faster and smoother the Internet connection.

Local area network

A limited area network that includes computers and connected objects, both wired and wireless, from a home. It can also be referred to as the acronym LAN.

Malware

A generic term for any program developed to interfere with a computer system. Different types of malware include viruses, spyware, and ransomware.

Modem

Computer equipment that enables connection to a provider’s Internet network via a wired connection. When a piece of equipment combines the features of a modem and a router, it is a gateway.

Multiproduct discount

Monthly discount you get when you bundle an Internet plan and one or more Mobile plans into a single account. Learn more about the multiproduct discount.

My Account

Videotron’s self-service platform that allows you to manage your Helix Internet and Helix TV services, among other things. You can check your invoice, change your plan, and set your preferences. Log in to My Account.

Optical fibre

A fine, durable cable that transmits signals over light waves at very high speeds. It is used in telecommunications to provide Internet or television access. In Québec, Videotron’s network includes more than 40,000 km of optical fibre, which carries signals to the home or neighbourhood.

Optical network unit

Equipment that converts an optical signal to an electrical signal. It is installed by Videotron technicians in certain areas to provide fibre optic service to the home.

Optical node

Device that adapts an optical signal for transmission to a coaxial cable. Optical nodes are part of the HFC network.

Parental control

The Helix Fi app’s Parental Control feature enables you to restrict access to specific website or app content deemed inappropriate or explicit. Applied by profile, it can be enabled on assigned devices. Learn more about Parental Control on the Helix Fi app.

Phishing

A kind of email, phone, or text-message fraud aimed at getting someone’s money or personal information. Learn more about phishing.

POP protocol

Electronic messaging protocol that allows you to retrieve emails hosted on a remote server. Retrieved emails are uploaded to the user’s device and deleted from the server. The letters POP refer to Post Office Protocol.

Port forwarding

The redirection of incoming data on a device from one port to another. Ports are like gateways that protect the network and allow protected browsing on the Internet. To function properly, some apps (e.g. video games, instant messaging, IP telephony) require a designated port. You then need to set up a port redirection to use them. See how to perform a port redirection with the Helix Fi app.

Ransomware

Malware that blocks or encrypts data from a device or network and claims money from the user to return it.

Remote access

The act of accessing a device or network from a remote location.

Router

Equipment connected to a modem that allows wireless devices to be connected over a Wi-Fi network. When a piece of equipment combines the functions of a modem and a router, it is a gateway.

Search engine

A program that allows a keyword search of Web resources to find the most relevant content. Search engines are used within a browser. The main search engines are Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

Security certificate

A certificate that attests to the authenticity of a website and indicates that the connection is secure. Websites with a security certificate display “HTTPS” and a lock icon in the address bar.

Server

Software or hardware that provides services to other computers (referred to as “clients”). It responds to their requests, which are sent in a certain format (protocols). The server may provide access to Web-based information, emails, a printer, or database, etc. For example, when clicking on a Web link, a server analyzes the query and provides the content of the Web page for display in the browser.

Social media

Online platforms based on interactions between people. They allow people to participate in conversations or share multimedia content with a community. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are among the most widely used social media in the world.

Spam

Unsolicited electronic communication, usually sent for advertising or phishing purposes.

Speed

The rate at which data is transferred from one location to another. The speed of an Internet connection is calculated in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Learn more about Internet speeds.

Spyware

Software installed in a computer device, without the user’s knowledge, to collect and transfer information about the environment in which the user is located.

Streaming

Fast data transmission that allows real-time viewing of video and audio content over the Internet.

Suspicious website

A website where potentially malicious activity has been detected. It is recommended to avoid suspicious websites to limit the risk of a cyber attack.

Upload

Data transfer from a user’s device to a remote computer. For example, an upload occurs when an attachment is added to an email that is sent. This is called an upstream transfer.

URL Address

A string of characters indicating the path to Web content. The URL address is composed of the protocol (most often HTTP or HTTPS), domain name, extension (.com, .org, .ca, etc.), and the file location and name. For example: https://videotron.com/soutien/internet/lexique-internet.

Virtual private network (VPN)

A secure access tunnel that allows the use of a network (such as the Internet) in a confidential, secure, and anonymous manner. To do this, the VPN uses an IP address different from the computer being used.

Virus

A malicious program that self-replicates and self-propagates in an electronic device with the aim of slowing it down, displaying elements without consent, or destroying data, for example.

Web

Public and collaborative content viewing system that works on the Internet. The term “Web” is short for World Wide Web (WWW).

Wide area network

Network covering a large geographic area. It can connect various small networks, such as local networks. It can also be referred to as the acronym WAN. The largest wide area network in the world is the Internet.

Wi-Fi

A wireless communication protocol that works with radio waves in a frequency band of 2.4 or 5 GHz. Using a gateway or router, Wi-Fi connects computer equipment and mobile devices to the Internet. “Wi-Fi” is a contraction of “Wireless Fidelity.” There are different Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5 , and Wi-Fi 6.

Wi-Fi 4

Wi-Fi standard developed in 2009 that enabled the use of very high speed and the two frequency bands 2.4 and 5 GHz. It is still the most widely used standard in the world today.

Wi-Fi 5

A standard that has significantly improved Wi-Fi speeds since 2013. It only uses the frequency band 5 GHz. This standard is used infrequently because, while it provides faster speeds, it covers a smaller area.

Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi standard developed in 2021 that offers a significantly improved speed over previous standards. It is still new and is gradually replacing Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5. This is the Wi-Fi standard used by Helix Fi gateways.

Wi-Fi pod

A small device plugged into a power outlet, which repeats a Wi-Fi signal to extend the reach of the network in a home. Learn more about Wi-Fi pods.

Wireless local area network

A small network that relies primarily on the transmission of data over radio waves. It is used to connect devices from the same household or company to avoid complex wiring operations. It can also be referred to as the acronym WLAN.