I don’t know about you, but I often come across people who use the words Wi-Fi and Internet for each other. That is, when they say the Wi-Fi is down, they mean to say they can’t access the internet. While this might sound convenient, there are differences between Wi-Fi and Internet. Knowing this difference can help you avoid a lot of confusion when it comes to troubleshooting, for instance. Here’s a rundown.
What is Internet?
Simply put, the Internet is a global network of devices connected to each other. We are talking about almost every internet-enabled device, including computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, wearables, etc. All these devices are connected using both wired and wireless infrastructure that is spread across the globe.
As a consumer, you need a few devices and services to connect to the Internet. You need an ISP that would connect your device(s) to the Internet. Alongside an internet-enabled device, a modem is also necessary to connect to this global network. However, most devices are not directly connected to the Internet.
How Does the Internet Work?
Here is a super-oversimplified explanation of how the Internet works.
As I said earlier, the Internet requires a global infrastructure that involves servers, cables, and data. Servers that store information are connected to the Internet using ethernet cables or other wireless infrastructure. When an internet-connected device requests some information, it travels through the wires (infrastructure) to reach the servers. The response from the servers travels the same way backward to reach the client device.
However, multiple elements work between these steps. For instance, the Internet uses the TCP/IP protocol to assign IP addresses and manage devices. Similarly, DNS servers convert domain names into the respective IP addresses, making the Internet work as we know it. The most crucial point here is that the Internet is a collective venture. A single device/service alone can make it work.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows different Wi-Fi-enabled devices to connect using a local network. You can also find other types of networking technologies, such as wired Ethernet. However, Wi-Fi is noted for the convenience it offers.
As a consumer, you can create a Wi-Fi network using a Wi-Fi router. A router will create a network to which you can connect Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart-home appliances, etc. This local network, however, is often connected to the Internet.
How Does a Wireless Network or Wi-Fi Work?
This will help you understand how a wireless network functions:
Depending on the scenario, a wireless network makes use of 2-3 devices and services. First, we have the Wi-Fi router, which uses 2.4GHz, 5GHz, or 6GHz frequency bands to create a wireless network. This network is likely to have a password for authentication. The router will continuously broadcast the network information and data, as the case may be.
Next, we have Wi-Fi-enabled devices that can connect to the wireless network (through authentication). The devices are connected and can communicate with each other. Third, we have data, which often comes from the Internet. The router makes sure that the requests from connected devices are properly navigated and reaches the Internet. The third part, however, is optional.
That is, a Wi-Fi network can exist without the Internet. It will remain a local network with devices.
Wi-Fi vs Internet
I will now break down the significant differences between Wi-Fi and the Internet.
Scope: Local vs Global
A Wi-Fi network is local and can work without an external data source, such as the Internet. You can always set up a Wi-Fi network without connecting it to the Internet.
The Internet, on the other hand, is a global network. It is, by default, connected to devices across the globe and uses infrastructure spread across countries and continents.
Dependency: Wi-Fi vs Internet
Because of their scope, Wi-Fi needs an internet connection to connect to a global network. Otherwise, only the devices in the local network can communicate.
The Internet, on the other hand, can exist on its own. Because it is a global network on its own, it does not have to depend on anything else.
Infrastructure: Routers and ISPs
A Wi-Fi network requires minimal infrastructure, namely the router and a power source. You can easily set up a Wi-Fi network using the router and connect Wi-Fi-enabled devices to the network. A router will let you manage multiple aspects of the wireless network as well.
The Internet requires a large-scale infrastructure, though. As an end-user, you first need a connection from an Internet Service Provider. Depending on the type of connection, you will also need a modem/ONT. Lastly, you can either use Ethernet to connect to your computer or a Wi-Fi router.
Costs
You can create a Wi-Fi network using the router. So, it is the only investment you need to make. However, you need to pay for the internet service, but the fees may vary. Depending on where you live, you can spend $10 to $1000 for an internet connection per month.
As you can see, when you understand how they work, Wi-Fi and the Internet are poles apart.
Wi-Fi Without Internet
For those who are wondering, you can have Wi-Fi without the internet. Here’s what you should know about it.
Scenarios for Wi-Fi Without Internet Access
You may want to set up a Wi-Fi without internet access in some scenarios. For instance, you can set up a Wi-Fi-based local network for file sharing or content streaming. You can use this connection to manage smart-home devices as well. All these actions do not require an internet connection. However, you must have the right set of compatible devices.
Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Without Internet
Sometimes, you may end up with a Wi-Fi without an internet connection. This mostly happens when the Wi-Fi router cannot connect to the modem/the Internet. Fortunately, you can solve the problem by restarting the modem. Alternatively, if an outage is causing the issue, you can contact the ISP.
So, whether you need a Wi-Fi network without an internet connection or end up with one, you can solve the situation.
Why People Confuse Wi-Fi and the Internet
Now that you know the differences, you may be wondering why people confuse Wi-Fi and the Internet.
- For the newer generation, Wi-Fi has been the go-to way to access the internet. Thus, it’s unsurprising that they confuse Wi-Fi and the internet.
- Internet service providers and device manufacturers have also capitalized on this confusion. You may come across many ISPs that add the word Wi-Fi with many of their services.
- As Wi-Fi becomes more reliable and faster, Ethernet is fading into obscurity, at least for residential users. So, we now have a user base that equates Wi-Fi to the Internet.
We should also remember that many ISPs now provide router-modem combos. So, many users think of these devices as Wi-Fi routers, often forgetting the modem part.
Conclusion
I hope the differences between Wi-Fi and the Internet are clear to you now. You may need these insights if you want to purchase networking equipment. I mean, getting a Wi-Fi router instead of a modem can be quite a mistake for most people. I believe this will also help you better navigate the services from ISPs.
