Nomad Internet Wholesaler Guide: Key Terms You Should Know
This guide breaks down common internet terms so you can feel confident explaining the service to your customers—no tech background required. Keep this handy as part of your onboarding.
1. Latency
What it means:
Latency is the time it takes for information to travel from your device to the internet and back. Think of it as sending a message and waiting for a reply—it measures how fast that round trip happens.
Why it matters:
Lower latency means quicker response time. It’s especially important for video calls, gaming, or anything where timing matters. High latency causes lags and delays.
How to explain it to a customer:
“It’s the delay between clicking and seeing something happen. Lower delay means smoother internet.”
2. Bandwidth
What it means:
Bandwidth is how much data can move through your connection at once. More bandwidth means more room for Internet traffic.
Why it matters:
Higher bandwidth helps when multiple devices are online. It means less buffering and faster downloads.
How to explain it to a customer:
“It’s like the width of a highway. More lanes means more cars can move at once.”
3. Fixed Wireless
What it means:
Fixed wireless connects your modem to the internet through a signal from a nearby cell tower. No cable lines are needed.
Why it matters:
It’s perfect for rural areas or people on the move. More reliable than satellite and no waiting for installations.
How to explain it to a customer:
“It’s internet from a tower, just like your phone, but built for full-time home or RV use.”
4. Mobile Hotspot
What it means:
A mobile hotspot uses a phone or small device to create temporary Wi-Fi using a mobile network.
Why it matters:
Hotspots are great in a pinch but not for full-time use. They often have limits and may slow down quickly.
How it’s different from Nomad:
Nomad uses fixed wireless through a dedicated modem—it's faster, more stable, and not throttled like hotspots.
How to explain it to a customer:
“A hotspot is short-term. Nomad is built to be your main internet with stronger equipment and no slowdowns.”
5. SIM Card
What it means:
A SIM card is the chip inside your modem that connects it to the mobile network.
Why it matters:
No SIM = no connection. It must be activated and matched to the correct plan.
How to explain it to a customer:
“Just like your phone, the modem needs a SIM card to get online.”
6. Throttling
What it means:
When a provider slows your speeds after you hit a certain amount of data.
Why it matters:
This can ruin streaming, work, or gaming. Most providers throttle—even on “unlimited” plans.
Important:
Nomad does not throttle. If speeds dip, it’s from signal or congestion, not a data limit.
How to explain it to a customer:
“With Nomad, your speeds stay fast all month—no hidden slowdowns.”
7. Unlimited Data
What it means:
You can use as much data as you want without extra charges or speed caps.
Why it matters:
No hidden limits. No watching a meter. Just real, full-speed internet.
How to explain it to a customer:
“Stream, work, browse all you want. Your speeds won’t drop halfway through the month.”
8. Network Priority (Deprioritization)
What it means:
If a tower is overloaded, some users may temporarily get slower speeds.
Why it matters:
This is different from throttling. It’s temporary and based on tower traffic, not your data usage.
How to explain it to a customer:
“If the tower’s busy, things might slow down for a bit. It picks back up once traffic clears.”
9. Signal Strength vs. Speed
What it means:
Signal bars show connection to the tower, not your actual internet speed.
Why it matters:
You can have a strong signal and still slow speeds—or a weak signal and great speeds. It depends on the tower load and environment.
How to explain it to a customer:
“Full bars don’t always mean fast internet—it depends on tower traffic and interference.”
10. IP Address
What it means:
This is your modem’s “home address” online. It tells websites where to send info.
Why it matters:
Most users don’t need to worry, but some apps/devices may require a static IP.
How to explain it to a customer:
“It’s like your return address online. If a tool needs it, we can help.”
11. VPN
What it means:
A VPN creates a private, encrypted tunnel online for privacy and security.
Why it matters:
Some VPNs may slow down your connection or block certain content.
How to explain it to a customer:
“VPNs are useful but can sometimes interfere with things. Turn it off if something won’t load.”
12. Static vs. Dynamic IP
What it means:
Static IP stays the same. Dynamic IP changes occasionally. Most users have dynamic IPs.
Why it matters:
Some systems like cameras or remote access need a static IP to work properly.
How to explain it to a customer:
“If you need to access something remotely, you may need a static IP. Let us know, and we’ll help.”
13. 5G / 4G LTE
What it means:
These are mobile network types. 4G is standard, and 5G is newer and faster.
Why it matters:
Nomad devices connect to whichever signal is stronger. You don’t have to choose.
How to explain it to a customer:
“The modem picks the strongest signal for you—5G if it’s available, 4G if not.”
14. Is Nomad’s Service Different from 5G or 4G?
What it means:
Nomad runs on the same 4G/5G networks, but our service is optimized for full-time use.
Why it matters:
We don’t limit you like phone plans or mobile hotspots do.
How to explain it to a customer:
“Same towers as big carriers, but better plans, better gear, and no throttling.”
15. Line of Sight
What it means:
The fewer obstacles between your modem and the tower, the better.
Why it matters:
Trees, walls, hills, and metal can weaken the signal.
How to explain it to a customer:
“Try putting the modem near a window or up high. Even a few feet can help.”
- Use a window near the tower if possible
- Elevate the modem
- Try multiple spots and test speeds
16. Data Usage
What it means:
Every time you use the internet, you’re using data. Some activities use more than others.
Why it matters:
Helps explain performance differences. Streaming in HD uses 3–5 GB per hour.
How to explain it to a customer:
“Zoom and Netflix use a lot more data than browsing Facebook. It’s good to know what’s using the most.”
17. Ping
What it means:
Ping is your connection’s reaction time—measured in milliseconds.
Why it matters:
Low ping is great for video calls and gaming. High ping causes lag.
How to explain it to a customer:
“It’s how fast your device gets a reply online. Lower numbers mean a smoother experience.”
18. Speed Test
What it means:
It shows current download, upload, and ping results.
Why it matters:
Helps diagnose issues or confirm the best modem placement.
How to explain it to a customer:
“A speed test is like your internet’s speedometer. We use it to check if everything’s working right.”