Wi-Fi and Wireless Broadband – are they the same?

For some time now, the words Wi-Fi and wireless broadband have been used to mean the same thing, which is grossly wrong. With the world evolving so fast in internet technologies, it’s only right that the correct nomenclature is used to prevent any confusion in the future.

To begin with, Wi-Fi is a facility that uses radio waves to provide network connectivity to computers, smartphones, etc, within a restricted area. The term Wi-Fi stands for ‘wireless fidelity’ and uses a wireless access point or router to transmit signals through a WAP encryption. It uses LAN (local area network) technology and operates in an unlicensed spectrum over a short range, with the area covered is just up to a few limited meters, ideal or home or office use. Wi-Fi is basically a local wireless network that you create using a router connected to the WAN port of your broadband modem.

To access Wi-Fi, you need to have a wireless router that you connect to your existing internet connection through the broadband modem. Upon connection through the WAN outlet, you are now ready to use any device that is Wi-Fi compatible to access the internet. Most devices that use the internet are…

Imagine a situation without Wi-Fi, where to get a broadband connection to the numerous internet-enabled gadgets that we use daily, a separate networking device would have to be installed! Imagine the amount of wiring that would require, the expenses incurred with numerous broadband connections, – as well as the restriction on ease of mobility around the home or office with your device. Conjures up unthinkable images of horror in this modern world, right?

Coming to the broadband or wide area network (WAN), the internet connects you to computers around the world via numerous networks and tons of routers. With a broadband connection, you are no longer isolated, but part of the giant worldwide network. And when you access broadband through a router, you are basically using wireless broadband as you don’t need to sign up for a new broadband connection to access the internet. Any DSL or Cable broadband service can be made into a wireless broadband source by using a wireless router.

Another type of wireless broadband is the dongle or small Mi-Fi unit which goes with a mobile 3G or 4G broadband connection, giving you the freedom from cables. All you need to do is plug it into your device and use as they don’t require electricity. It’s designed for those who are always on the go, even when they are abroad.

To sum it up, the Wi-Fi uses a local area network (LAN) and is just a way of bringing the internet to your device via a broadband modem. Wireless broadband on the hand refers to cable-less use of broadband internet.