What’s the difference between internet and WiFi?
First things first. If you’re confused about how the internet works, don’t be embarrassed. The idea that the internet just comes out of the sky via WiFi and connects to every aspect of modern-day life is easy to believe.
In this post, we’ll go through how the internet works and how it differs from WiFi, how they work together and why fiber-optic internet is a superior technology that will boost your home or business connection.
How the internet works
The internet is like a highway system for data — hence why the early “world wide web” was also called “the information superhighway.” It relies on wires that connect homes and businesses to servers housed that live in utility buildings you may drive past every day without knowing it. The connections spread out from there to connect around the globe. Just like the first transatlantic telephone connection, internet cables cross the ocean floor to literally connect continents.
Fiber-optic vs. cable internet
The two types of wired connections are cable and fiber-optic (fiber for short). Cable is an older technology that uses copper wires to transmit data, while fiber sends data as pulses of light through thin glass lines. Fiber is newer, faster, more durable and more reliable. Both types of internet connection operate the same way: a wire comes into the home and connects to a modem (for fiber connections, the modem is called an Optical Network Terminal). This connects to a router, which sends out the internet signal in the form of WiFi. Larger homes or businesses may also need WiFi extenders to extend the signal.
Read more: Fiber vs. cable internet: how do I decide?
How WiFi works
You might be wondering, if the internet is a bundle of wires, how am I watching YouTube on my phone? This is where WiFi comes in. WiFi translates the internet signal into radio frequencies. Pretty crazy when you think about it.
Short for wireless fidelity, WiFi uses radio waves to connect devices to a local network, usually through a router (that box that probably sits next to your modem). The foundation for WiFi technology lies in the discovery of radio waves in the late 19th century. Fun fact: we measure radio frequencies in Hertz (Hz) or Gigahertz (GHz) thanks to Heinrich Hertz, the German physicist who made inroads studying electromagnetic fields and radio waves.
Wait, what is cellular technology?
So, you have a cell phone that has both WiFi and cellular options on it to connect to the internet. What the heck is cellular?
Cellular technology breaks up regions into “cells” that connect devices via antennas on cell towers. It’s a little like radio transmission and probably uses the same towers, just with different equipment. Cellular signals rely on different frequency bands, 5G being the newest. These frequencies enable voice and internet connectivity. The G stands for “generation” and simply refers to the newness of the technology.
Do I need a wired internet connection at all?
Depending on your location and proximity to towers, you may be able to use your phone’s WiFi or cell connectivity. But note that this could rack up huge charges if you have data limits. After you pass your data limit, your connection might slow down.
Read more: Can I use my cell phone for home internet service?
Another option that’s becoming popular is fixed wireless. It's a bit like having an antenna for your home internet or a permanent cellular hotspot. Fixed wireless will connect you to the internet with a box that picks up a wireless signal from a nearby cell tower — no wires required. It’s a good solution for rural areas where broadband doesn’t provide an adequate connection. However, it’s not great for everyone, and a wired connection will be more reliable and usually faster. A company might boast about its fast 5G connectivity, but what does that mean? For comparison, Ziply Fiber offers a 5 Gig internet plan. That’s equivalent to 5,000 megabits per second (Mbps) download and upload speed (translation: really, really fast). A 5G speed may sound fast but only clock in at 25 Mbps. (Translation: not fast.) Ziply Fiber’s lowest and least expensive speed plan, 100/100, is likely going to be faster than most fixed wireless connections. Finally, since fixed wireless relies on cell reception, things like trees can obstruct the signal and slow down the connection.
Learn about Ziply Fiber’s plans starting as low as $20/month
How fiber internet improves WiFi signals
Fiber internet’s higher speeds and stability can lead to better WiFi range and coverage. WiFi routers can more efficiently distribute data to connected devices, reaching farther into your home or office. This is especially helpful in larger spaces or buildings with multiple floors, where you need your WiFi connection to cross more distance to connect your devices. When you have such fast internet coming into your home or office, your WiFi network can also operate at higher speeds. Faster WiFi speeds translate to quicker downloads, smoother streaming and reduced buffering times, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted online activities.
Fiber internet is faster internet
Another great thing about fiber is that internet service providers can offer much higher bandwidth capacity. This means that multiple devices connected to the same WiFi network can enjoy faster speeds without slowing each other down. Households or offices with numerous connected devices will notice a significant improvement in overall network performance and responsiveness.
Fiber internet is more reliable internet
Traditional cable internet connections can suffer from interference, especially during peak hours when many users are online simultaneously. Fiber internet, on the other hand, is not susceptible to electromagnetic interference and offers a more stable and reliable connection. This stability extends to your WiFi network, reducing sudden drops or slowdowns in connection that can be frustrating during critical tasks—or frustrating when the movie you’re streaming starts buffering at a critical plot point.
How fast should my WiFi speed be?
WiFi speeds depend on various factors, including the type of router, the number of connected devices, the distance from the router, and potential sources of interference. While modern WiFi standards (such as WiFi 6) can achieve impressive speeds, they generally cannot match the sheer speed of fiber internet.
To experience the true speed of fiber internet, you’ll need to connect your computer to the network physically with an Ethernet cable. As soon as your internet connects to WiFi, it will begin to lose speed, and it will continue to lose speed the farther it has to travel. You may need a WiFi extender to get the signal out to every corner of the house, especially if it’s a large home and one with many thick walls.
Read more: How to test your internet speed (and why you should do it)
Read more: How to choose the perfect WiFi extender for your fiber internet connection
The benefits of fast fiber internet
Gaming: Faster, smoother and more reliable
Lower latency for competitive gaming
Latency (or ping) is the delay between sending a command and seeing the action on screen. Fiber internet’s low-latency connections mean faster reaction times, making all the difference in competitive gaming where milliseconds count.
Faster download speeds for large game files
Modern games often come with massive updates and downloads, some exceeding 100GB. Fiber internet’s high-speed symmetrical connections allow for rapid downloads and updates, minimizing wait times.
Better support for multiple gamers
Households with multiple gamers no longer have to worry about lag spikes when someone else is streaming or downloading. Fiber internet’s high bandwidth ensures smooth gaming for everyone on the network, even during peak usage times.
Fiber and WiFi are better together
Fiber internet and WiFi are complementary technologies that serve different purposes in providing internet connectivity. Fiber internet offers incredibly fast and reliable wired internet connections with higher speeds and greater bandwidth, while WiFi provides the convenience of wireless connectivity within a limited range. Together, these technologies work hand in hand to deliver seamless and efficient internet access to users, catering to their specific needs and preferences.
The faster your internet speed, the better your WiFi connection will be. A high-speed fiber internet plan will boost your speeds, reduce lag and provide more reliable connectivity, which will extend to your WiFi service. Yes, you can access the internet with wireless connections via cellular technology, but it may not be as fast or reliable as a wired connection, and it may turn out to be expensive if it comes with data limits.
As fiber internet infrastructure continues to expand, more users will be able to harness the power of this technology, unlocking the full potential of their WiFi networks. If you haven’t already experienced the benefits of fiber internet, it might be time to consider upgrading and embracing the future of high-speed, reliable internet connectivity.
