Internet vs. Wi-Fi. What’s the Difference?

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are different parts of what keeps us connected to information, communication, and entertainment.

First, the internet. It’s often called the Information Superhighway, which is a great descriptor. The internet is connected to thousands of computer networks so we can access webpages, send emails, share photos and videos, and chat and game online.The ability to access the internet begins with All West. All West is an ISP (Internet Service Provider) that provides IP (Internet Protocol) addresses to businesses to be able to access the internet. We start by connecting your business to our network via a physical line. Fiber-optic cables are connected to business’s router or switch. Copper (DSL) or coax lines are connected to a modem.

Connecting your computers to a modem can be done by:

1. Physically plugging the computer into the port on the back of the modem using an Ethernet cable.
2. Using a wireless connection via a Wi-Fi router. The Wi-Fi router can be physically plugged into the modem via a cable. Sometimes the Wi-Fi router is a combination router/modem.

Now, Wi-Fi explained. Wi-Fi uses radio technology to broadcast a unique SSID (Service Set Identifier) which you or All West chooses when the router is first set up. (All West will choose the SSID when you choose to lease a GigaCenter, GigaHub, or Plume.) Wi-Fi is how you access the internet. Wi-Fi allows computers, wireless printers, smartphones, and other devices within range to connect to the internet (and each other) without being connected by a cable. However, having a strong Wi-Fi connection doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a good internet connection—if your modem loses connection with either All West’s network or your router, you won’t be able to access the internet. Only your device is communicating with Wi-Fi at this point.