In this article, we will be discussing the difference between WiFi and the Internet explicit. First of all, yes these two topics are very different. Yet, many people consider them very similar terms. So, I am here to clarify every possible doubt that I can on a very debatable topic that is “WiFi vs. internet”. So let’s begin with some introduction about both.
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Difference Between WiFi And Internet
For years now, people have considered WiFi to be synonymous with having access to the internet. Through this article, I will clarify all your doubts about these two confusing terms. Among other things, knowing the difference between WiFi and internet connections can help you troubleshoot problems at home, purchase the right equipment for your network, and also, understand the risk of using a free WiFi network available in your location at times.
1. WiFi
WiFi is more sort of a facility that provides the access to wireless internet over your Smartphone, laptops, or any devices within your range. It is simply an alternative to network cables as a way to connect one or more devices of a local area network (LAN).
WiFi allows devices to connect to one another the same way as when network cables are used, just without the actual cables. It is basically a wireless local network. Let’s talk more about “WiFi vs. Internet”:
Features of a WiFi Network
- WiFi is one of the few ways to access the Internet.
- It is a wireless networking technology that is used to send and receive signals from nearby devices in order to provide Internet access.
- Wireless devices can be easily connected to WiFi but it is not necessarily to the Internet.
- In WiFi, radiofrequency waves are used in order to send or receive information.
- The owner of WiFi has total control. She can even change the name of their network, the password, allowing them to exchange data with one another, and also the number of clients connected to the network.
- There are few requirements to connect with this network and that is DSL devices and routers, they are necessarily needed.
- To connect a home WiFi network to the internet, the router needs to be connected to an Internet source, such as a broadband modem.
2. Internet
The Internet connects many local networks, via a ton of routers. Even your home local networks (WiFi included) are no longer secluded but becomes a part of one giant worldwide network. It is generally known as a wide area network (WAN). Let us see the features of the Internet so that we can distinguish between WiFi vs. Internet.
Features of Internet
- Unlike, WiFi, the Internet is the language through which all the computers communicate.
- Internet is a telecommunication networking technology by which the devices are interconnected globally.
- If we talk about the Internet, WiFi is not required to connect computers and devices globally.
- A set of rules which are governed by TCP/IP suite are used to send or receive information.
- Internet connection is generally beyond the control of the users. Other than turning it on/off over your devices, you can only pay for your desired Internet connection.
Types Of Broadband Internet Connection
So, under this heading, we will tell you that there exist different types of Internet connections. It is just for a better understanding of the Internet. So let’s head and learn about them in a little detail:
1. Satellite Broadband
It is a wired connection where instead of connecting to the service provider via a cable, it connects the home network to a dish over the roof. The dish then communicates with the satellite to provide an internet connection.
2. Wired Broadband
This is when you connect to the internet using a physical cable, it could be a telephone line (DSL) or a cable line (cable), or a fiber optic line (FIOS). This type of internet connection is fast (especially cable and FIOS), affordable, and is the most popular internet network.
A wired internet connection generally comes with no data caps, so users don’t need to worry about how much they download or upload.
3. Cellular Broadband
It tends to come with monthly data caps and customers have to pay more than the fixed monthly cost when they go over the allowance. This type of internet access is very popular with mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets.
One of the most popular types of cellular networks is called a mobile hot spot, which is a mini WiFi router that connects to a cellular network and broadcasts a WiFi signal to let more than one WiFi-enabled device share a single cellular connection. Many smartphones can also work as mobile hot spots, it can be easily be turned off or on through the mobile settings.
Conclusion
Now that we have kept the distinguish clearly in front of you between these both terms. If you just have WiFi, that doesn’t mean you necessarily have the access to the Internet. Keep in mind, that if you use it to share the Internet, then it’s the Internet speed that you want. In this case, WiFi is just the vehicle that carries the Internet to your device.
Most importantly, when you’re connected to an unknown WiFi network, keep in mind that because you need to access their router to get on the Internet. The owner of that network can potentially see all the information that you might have been sending and receiving, including usernames and passwords.
Thus, while using free WiFi, unless you’re accessing a secure website (one in which the address or URL starts with HTTP) don’t type in any sensitive information especially bank details, passwords, etc.
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