Internet & Wi-Fi

What differentiates the internet from Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is the wireless network that enables you to connect your devices to the internet. The internet is a global network that connects all computers and databases worldwide.

We use the terms “Wi-Fi” and “internet” interchangeably. Further, you may be shocked to learn that these two terms have two distinct meanings.

There are a few reasons why understanding the distinction between Wi-Fi and internet is beneficial, even though you won't gain any social points for calling out instances of the term being misused.

What is the internet?

The internet, created together by Robert Kahn and Vinton Cerf, is an ethereal cloud that contains all the content available on the World Wide Web. We refer to this as the wide area network, or WAN for short. Social networking, Google, text messages, and selfies are all examples of internet content.

You can access existing material and add new content to the internet using a variety of devices, including smartphones, PCs, routers, smartwatches, and security cameras.

You can also connect to the internet using mobile networks (think 4G and LTE cellular networks). These connections are delivered by cell towers and cover huge areas, allowing you to access the internet on the go.

The latest way to connect to the internet is via the 5G network (5G mobile and 5G fixed wireless). 5G mobile internet, like 4G and LTE, can be used anywhere with coverage from a 5G tower and requires no gear or wiring.

5G home internet is a fixed wireless internet service provided by an internet service provider. This sort of 5G is only available where you set up your service, such as your house or company, and it requires gear to establish the connection.

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is a local area network (LAN) that you may set up in your home with a router or use in a coffee shop. The Wi-Fi Alliance coined the phrase to describe wireless networks that enable devices to connect to the internet.

When a device (your router) transmits a wireless signal, Wi-Fi enables your devices to connect to the internet. With the help of this signal, you may access apps, search engines, social media, and more on your phone, laptop, tablet, or TV. Additionally, it enables communication between your devices, such as when your laptop connects to the printer or your phone connects to your laptop.

You must first configure your Wi-Fi network using a modem and router (also known as a gateway device) before you can turn on Wi-Fi. The router will link your devices to your home network so you may access the internet wirelessly, while the modem connects your house to the internet.

Prior to the invention of Wi-Fi, an Ethernet cable or other wired connection was the only method of accessing the internet. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can still do this; in fact, in certain cases, it's better for intensive online activities like gaming. However, the most straightforward and practical method of internet access for the majority of individuals is a wireless connection.

Wi-Fi vs. Internet

What distinguishes the internet from Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is the means of accessing the internet, which is this vast, unseen thing. The global internet is made up of every single device, file, and individual that is linked, whether wirelessly or over a hardwire. Wi-Fi is more local; you can connect to a network in your neighborhood, like that of a hotel, café, or other public space, or you can utilize the network at home.

As a result, your only true control is over Wi-Fi. In contrast, you can either be online or not be offline. The internet cannot be altered or controlled. Put otherwise, you can configure a Wi-Fi network's range, access points, use limits, and passwords. For improved connections, you can even upgrade your router. You can upgrade your internet plan and connection type, but that's about it. Your internet service provider (ISP) will have to make the necessary adjustments.

To make sense of all this technical jargon, let's construct a metaphor: Consider comparing web traffic to physical travel from point A to point B. All the places we can choose from are on the internet, which is the world. We use Wi-Fi as a means of transportation to get from where we are to where we are going.

Is there a problem with your Wi-Fi? How to resolve the most typical issues

Anybody can suffer Wi-Fi issues at any time, regardless of their level of networking expertise. However, if you've never encountered a certain Wi-Fi problem before, you shouldn't be concerned if you don't know how to resolve it. With the appropriate equipment and some advice, you can quickly resolve your Wi-Fi issue.

Here are some quick and simple solutions you can attempt if your internet is running slowly, your Wi-Fi signal is fluctuating, or you are unable to connect to any network at all. We'll also go over some more in-depth guidance on more concerning problems that could cause your Wi-Fi to operate slowly or not at all.

A basic checklist for troubleshooting Wi-Fi

If your Wi-Fi issue is general in nature or you don't think it's important enough to go into more detailed issues, these solutions can help you get started on solving the problem.

Verify that your device's Wi-Fi is turned on. Most laptops feature a shortcut key that may be easily unintentionally pressed to switch off the wireless. Similar to this, most phones have a quick toggle that allows you to disable Wi-Fi.

Restart your router: Many Wi-Fi issues can be resolved with a simple restart of your router, which can be done by unplugging it, waiting 30 to 60 seconds, and then plugging it back in.

Look for outages: Some ISPs will have a map of outages available or https://downdetector.mx/ . To find out if there has been a reported outage in your region, try using the data on your phone.

Easy solutions for common issues

Forgot the Wi-Fi password

In the unlikely event that you cannot recall your Wi-Fi password and it is not written down on any cards or notes, you will need to reset your router. For thirty seconds, use a paperclip to press the hidden switch located in the router's pinhole on the back. The factory settings should then be the default.

Wi-Fi lost connectivity when restarting the computer.

A Fast Startup issue in Windows 10 may give rise to this problem. Fast Startup allows you to rapidly log back in by keeping some processes running. But occasionally, this can result in a wireless driver problem that stops it from correctly reconnecting to Wi-Fi. To avoid this issue in the short term, you can disable Fast Startup. Use the Windows 10 or Windows 11 search box to look up "Power Options," then navigate to this Control Panel section. From the menu on the left, select Choose What the Power Button Does. Next, select the new Shutdown Settings option. Locate the Turn On Fast Startup option and confirm that it is not selected.

To resolve any flaws causing this problem in the long run, you may need to upgrade the driver for your wireless network adapter.

Internet access is not available despite the network's connection.

Do a complete reset if the router needs to be rebooted frequently. Most routers have a Reset button that you can use a paperclip to press down. The router should return to its factory settings after 30 seconds of this.

If that fails, your router might be going out. Getting a new one is your only true options.

In some rooms, there is either no internet or very slow Wi-Fi.

Your Wi-Fi router transmits in all directions from a central place since Wi-Fi is composed of radio waves. You're needlessly blocking off a large portion of the outside world if your router is located in a remote part of your home. Shift your router to a more central place if you can. Your home's reception will be better overall if you can position your router closer to the middle of your coverage area.

If you have external antennas, you can try adjusting those, too. Alternating between fully vertical and fully horizontal positions can help it reach in multiple directions.

You may be experiencing interference from other routers if you live in an tightly populated area. You may view all of the local wireless networks and the channel they are using with free software such as Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android or NetSpotfor Mac, Windows, and Android. Try moving to a less crowded channel if your router crosses over with adjacent networks in specific rooms.

Your home may be too big for one router to manage if none of those solutions work. To increase the range of your primary router, think about getting a wireless repeater or configuring an outdated router to function as one. A whole-home mesh wireless system upgrade can also assist with dead spots in specific rooms of your house. In any case, it may be time to get a new router.

My internet is slow everywhere.

Try hard wiring a laptop straight to your router and utilizing one of the internet speed tests to see how slow your Wi-Fi is wherever you go. Your internet connection, not your router, is probably the issue if speeds are still slow. To increase your internet speed and get in touch with your ISP, try a few of these methods.

If that's not the problem, it might be that other adjacent networks' or your own devices are clogging up your available Wi-Fi channel. By gaining access to the admin settings, you can change the channel on your router.

If that doesn't work, you might try doing a factory reset on your router and configuring it all over again. You may use a paperclip to depress the Reset button on the majority of routers. After 30 seconds, the router ought to return to its factory configuration.

Your router may be dying if none of those solutions work and you can still access the internet using a wired connection. Think of purchasing a new one:

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