What is the DIFFERENCE between the Internet, Broadband and WiFi?

Technology and the internet can be confusing, there are so many different names and terms. So what is the difference between broadband and WiFi? And What is the Internet?

In this guide we break down three terms which are commonly confused, the explanations aren't particularity technical but they should help most people understand the difference between Broadband, Internet and WiFi. 

What is the Internet?

The internet is a enormous network of computers, servers and other devices. The term World Wide Web (www.) describes it perfectly, it is a vast web of interconnected devices all over the world.

Although the internet is enormous and contains millions of machines, it is controlled with strict networking rules, which tell the machines how to behave and allow it to run efficiently. 
​
Most web pages you visit, such as this one, are stored on large servers (huge computers with lots of storage) which are owned by companies such as Google or Amazon; this service is known as hosting. Although this is common practice, there are still a large number of individuals and companies who  host their own websites on their own equipment. 

Due its vast size and complexity, the internet is notoriously difficult to regulate and control.

What is Broadband?

Broadband is the name of the technology which is used to connect you to the internet. It is called Broadband because the bandwidth used is wide, which allows multiple signal at once.
This basically means it is quicker than a non-Broadband connection. 

Do you remember the internet when you had to dial in and no one could be on the phone at the same time? That wasn't Broadband, but everything since has been.

Broadband can use different methods of connection including Fibre Optic and Copper Cabling if you want to know more about this read our blog The 6 Main types of Internet Connection used in the UK.

What is WiFi?

WiFi (or Wi-Fi) is a type of Wireless Connection. It allows devices, such as your phone, to connect to your router which then connects to the internet.

WiFi is almost like having an invisible cable connected from your device to your router 

Your router is the box which your internet provider (BT, Vodafone, Virgin etc.) gave you. It is actually a combination of a Modem, Router and Access Point but is commonly referred to as just a router.  

WiFi is often the name given name for an internet connection and it is common to hear people blame the WiFi for their internet connection not working, when in actual fact it isn't the WiFi at all, it is the internet connection from the router. This isn't really an issue but can lead to confusion when troubleshooting. 

We hope this guide has been useful and has helped you understand the differences between the Broadband, Internet and WiFi. If you have any questions please feel free to ask in the comments. 

If you liked this blog please like, subscribe and share and look out for more content soon.