HOME NETWORK SOLUTIONS BERKSHIRE
  • Home
  • Network Services
    • WiFi services
    • Ethernet network cabling installation
    • Reliable and Fast Event WiFi Solutions
    • Network design and consultation
    • WiFi and Network Support Services
  • Ubiquit Unifi
    • Ubiquiti Unifi Installers
    • Ubiquiti Unifi Access - Door Entry
  • Security
    • CCTV
    • Intruder Alarms
  • Business Services
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Audio
  • FAQs
  • Blogs
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Change Request Form

Blogs.

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

6/4/2020

27 Comments

 
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 the internet?

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 Broadband?

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. 
What is WiFi?
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. 
27 Comments
Carmen McNally
8/9/2020 12:30:19 pm

Thanks for the simple descriptions

Reply
Karen J Kerins
31/1/2022 08:15:03 pm

Great visual helped alot

Reply
Sue Hart
8/9/2020 02:24:53 pm

Why, when my broadband is ‘down’ and I have yet to reset the router, can I still access some websites by WiFi and not others?

Reply
Huw Jones
18/1/2021 07:44:08 pm

It's probably because some pages you have visited before are saved in your Internet history.

Reply
Data Cable Installation Auckland link
24/10/2020 10:35:14 am

I am so happy I found your blog and I absolutely love your information about what is the difference between broadband internet and wifi and the tips you have shared are awesome. I liked and it is wonderful to know about so many things that are useful for all of us! Thanks a lot for this amazing blog!!

Reply
Barreto link
27/10/2020 05:40:49 am

Good article. It help me to setup Airtel Broadband connection using Beetel 220BX1 modem.

Reply
Kaushik Bhowal
12/11/2020 10:07:25 am

This article is very good, helpful for laymen, written I simple, lucid style. Keep up the good work and keep me posted on such topic of technical, contemporary topics. Thank you.

Reply
tommyhawk
18/1/2021 07:07:34 pm

Why is the speed that my router reports higher than the speed that an internet speed test reports?

Reply
Home Network Solutions Berkshire
22/2/2021 07:40:16 am

Almost certainly because of the loss of data through your WiFi. The weaker your WiFi signal the more loss, the slower your speed test will be. You should find that the speed is much closer to the reported figure when you are next to the router.

To test you internet speed properly you should plug an Ethernet cable into the LAN ports of your router (yellow ones on the back) and connect a Laptop/PC, then run the test.

Reply
Kay Whitehurst
21/2/2021 11:28:11 pm

Please answer Tommy Hawk question

Reply
Home Network Solutions Berkshire
22/2/2021 07:41:14 am

We have done so now. Thanks.

Reply
j s ranga reddy
2/3/2021 07:43:52 am

i am using A Max 700, one year plan one of my friend, a techical person suggested 500 is sufficint. my act no 101015111871.
please send you technician for guidence and advise
thank you

Reply
Sheila
21/3/2021 09:41:10 am

A bit confused by all things techy ! So, could my WiFi be off but the Internet still work ?

Reply
Home Network Solutions Berkshire
22/3/2021 08:29:20 pm

Hi Shelia,

That is correct. Your WiFi and internet are not the same thing. If the WiFi is off you would need to use a cable to connect but your internet could still work.

Huw

Reply
sheila
7/2/2024 09:02:54 pm

thank you for answering my question, and I am also wondering about on my monthly bill they charge me for (enhanced wi-fi) is this something required to have and be charged monthly? what is enhanced wi-fi? I live in the city of Chicago if this helps at all.

Certain Doubts link
30/4/2021 04:01:40 pm

han quedado encantados con la solución por los siguientes motivos:

Reply
Certain Doubts link
30/4/2021 04:04:33 pm

interese tener WiFi y a esta también puedes conectarle un cable de ethernet.

Reply
sachin shakya link
6/5/2021 05:16:16 am

Really informational and educational article thanks publisher for sharing this wonderful article with us i

Reply
Jordanalbert link
8/5/2021 07:07:05 am

It's an interesting article..!! Thanks for sharing. For more assistance on <a href="https://router-support.us/xfinity-router-upnp-settings
">How To Configure Xfinity Router Upnp Settings?</a> <a href="https://router-support.us/parental-controls-on-netgear-router">How to Use Parental Controls on Netgear Router?</a>.. Check in to our site..!!

Reply
Nikon Nik link
27/7/2021 06:39:09 pm

interese tener WiFi y a esta también puedes conectarle un cable de ethernet.

Reply
Linnea link
5/10/2021 04:27:27 pm

Thanks For sharing. A really informative article. It will be very helpful to the newbies in this field.

Reply
Mayank link
15/5/2023 10:46:14 am

Thanks for sharing informative article.

Reply
routerlogin link
5/9/2023 08:46:05 am

We decided to leave the computer at home & enjoy the peace with out the internet.

Reply
Latika Reddy link
7/6/2024 11:30:43 am


Great post! It effectively clarifies the distinctions between the internet, broadband, and WiFi. I wanted to add a note on fiber broadband. Fiber broadband, traditional broadband options, uses fiber-optic cables to deliver data at incredibly high speeds and with minimal latency.

Reply
Mathew link
30/8/2024 01:47:30 am

I'm moving into my first apartment
I never thought to ask if it had wifi or the internet. It's a two flat house. Do they come with both wifi and internet?

Reply
Best streaming app link
23/9/2024 06:17:14 am

Sure! Bitcoin's dominance drives the entire crypto market, attracting attention from institutional investors and everyday users alike. Its technology and potential for disruption spark ongoing discussions about the future of finance. Thrilling developments await!

Reply
Emma link
30/9/2024 08:08:04 am

SEO has become a critical component for growth in the current digital landscape. By implementing robust SEO strategies, local businesses can improve their online presence, draw in a larger customer base, and secure sustainable success in the digital realm. Utilizing techniques such as on-page optimization, off-page tactics, and technical SEO

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Huw Jones

    Owner of Home Network Solutions Berkshire

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Broadband
    Business Networking
    Ethernet
    Firewalls
    Hikvision CCTV Guides
    Home Networking
    Mesh WiFi
    NAS Devices
    Network Security
    Powerline Adapters
    Smart Home
    TP-Link Omada
    Ubiquiti Unifi
    VLANs
    Wi Fi
    Wi-Fi

    Archives

    May 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    January 2023
    August 2022
    July 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    April 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018

    Picture
    ​Follow us on Instagram for more networking and tech! 

    Home Network Solutions Berkshire are on Youtube
    Home Network Solutions are on Youtube
    Click here for details of our Privacy Policy
Home Network Solutions Berkshire Ltd. - 01628 337501​ - [email protected]
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK
 Company number 11887009 VAT 356828363
  • Home
  • Network Services
    • WiFi services
    • Ethernet network cabling installation
    • Reliable and Fast Event WiFi Solutions
    • Network design and consultation
    • WiFi and Network Support Services
  • Ubiquit Unifi
    • Ubiquiti Unifi Installers
    • Ubiquiti Unifi Access - Door Entry
  • Security
    • CCTV
    • Intruder Alarms
  • Business Services
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Audio
  • FAQs
  • Blogs
  • About us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Change Request Form