As a small business leader, you rely on the internet to communicate with employees, clients, and customers. However, it’s easy to get confused or frustrated when things go wrong. Specifically, people often misunderstand the difference between WiFi and the internet.
Introduction
It’s important to understand the different technologies and their terminologies that keep these businesses operational. Two of the most used terms that businesses come across are WiFi and Internet, and most people tend to use them interchangeably. However, did you know that these two are actually different? In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between WiFi and Internet, how to troubleshoot issues associated with these networks, and how to ensure that your small business is always connected.
What is a WiFi network?
WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) is a term that is used to describe a technology that enables devices to communicate wirelessly using radio signals. In other words, WiFi allows devices to connect to each other over a wireless network without the need for cables or wires. A typical WiFi network consists of a wireless access point (WAP) that connects to a wired network, such as the internet, and/or a number of wireless devices that connect to the WAP. In simpler terms, WiFi is the wireless signal that you use to connect your device to the internet.
How is it Different from the Internet?
The Internet, on the other hand, is a global network of computers that are connected together. It provides access to a vast range of information, including web pages, email, social media, online shopping and much more. The internet is essential for everyday activities, whether it’s to check email or stream videos. WiFi, on the other hand, is just the means for your device to connect to the Internet.
WiFi Working but no Internet Connection?
At times, although your WiFi is working fine, you might face issues connecting to the internet. If this happens, it could be due to a range of reasons, such as a misconfigured modem, a problem with the internet service provider, or an issue with the device you are using. In such cases, it’s important to remember that they are two different things, and fixing one, i.e. your WiFi, might not fix the other problem – no internet connection.
Troubleshooting WiFi and Internet Problems
The good news is that most connectivity issues can be resolved quickly, without too much hassle. Begin by looking at the devices in question- are they connected to the WiFi network? If not, try turning off the device’s WiFi and turn it back on again. If this does not work, try restarting your WiFi router. However, if the problem persists, contact your internet service provider for support.
Though we’ve mentioned it before – It’s important to reiterate that resetting your router is the simplest way to fix a sluggish WiFi network. Sometime just unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in often does the trick.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this post, WiFi and internet are two of the most essential technologies for small businesses in today’s digital era. While both are used to ensure that businesses stay connected, they are fundamentally different. WiFi is the wireless signal that your devices use to communicate, while the internet is the vast network of computers that you use to access information, be it for work or pleasure. Always keep in mind that a WiFi network is not the same as the internet. With an understanding of these basics and a little troubleshooting know-how, any small business can efficiently manage and maintain their connection to the internet and WiFi.
