“What’s the password to your Wi-Fi?” “I hope they have free Internet at our hotel.” We all know that we want to be able to connect and use our devices anywhere and everywhere, and often, we use the terms Wi-Fi and Internet interchangeably. But what is the difference? (Luckily for you, we have the answers!)
Internet
The Internet is the network that connects private, public, academic, business, and government networks across the world. This “network of networks” is how we access websites, send and receive email, share files, and more.
Wi-Fi
As we’ve discussed, Wi-Fi is an acronym that stands for wireless fidelity. Rather than networks, Wi-Fi is a technology that allows Internet-enabled devices to connect to a local network without physical connections and cables. This local network is then connected to the larger Internet. Wi-Fi enables wireless communication within a local area, allowing devices to share data and access the Internet.
There was a time when you could only connect to the Internet via a physical device tethered to a physical connection. In order for other devices to talk to each other, they had to be physically connected to each other via cables. For example, your printer was connected to your computer with a cord so that you could tell it what to print. This is why your parents have a box of cables they refuse to get rid of. You never knew which one you needed; you couldn’t tell them apart, and they were all different!
How They Connect
Today, you access the Internet in your home or office from a physical cable connection that connects to a modem, which creates your local network. The router takes that physical connection and allows you to access that local network wirelessly. This wireless access allows devices to connect to the Internet and enables devices on that network to communicate with each other. For example, that means you can mirror a screen from your iPhone to your TV, or your Alexa can turn off your smart lights with a voice command.
When They Don’t
Generally, Internet and Wi-Fi work together to deliver connectivity to your devices, but they don’t always have to work in tandem.
The Internet can be accessed in many different ways and doesn’t necessarily depend on Wi-Fi. Wired connections like Ethernet, connected directly to a modem, often ensure more consistent speed and less interference than Wi-Fi, providing a reliable option for connectivity. Other means of connection include mobile data networks (4G/5G), like your phone, or satellite connections, like the GPS in your car.
So now you know that while people may still use Wi-Fi and Internet interchangeably to mean connecting our devices and communicating with the world, they do have specific meanings and functions. If you need a fast and reliable connection, contact Green Light Wireless today!