As of 2022, there are over 5.47 billion active internet users. This number is almost difficult to comprehend, especially when you consider that the internet is still relatively young.
Today, there is no life without a constant connection to the internet. Whatever you do throughout your day, it’s almost impossible not to go onto the internet at least once.
However, do you know what the internet even is? What about the difference between WiFi vs internet?
While these words are in our daily vocabulary, their definition may not be as apparent.
Read on to learn all you need to know.
What Is Internet?
The internet is a gigantic network of networks that connects massive numbers of computers on a global scale.
To link these devices, the Internet Protocol (IP) is used, which is what establishes the internet.
What Is WiFi?
Wireless Fidelity, also known as WiFi, works within the internet.
It is like the vehicle that gets you there. It allows any device with wireless capabilities to communicate with other devices via radio waves.
WiFi is a small, local network in which devices, computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices can connect to each other and to the internet wirelessly, through the small antennas of WiFi routers or local hotspots.
WiFi vs Internet: Differences Explored
The internet is a massive, global, invisible entity. It is connected to every single person and device that has ever connected in any way, whether that is hardwired or wirelessly.
WiFi, however, is always used more locally. You connect to WiFi whenever you are in range, such as at a hotel, at a restaurant, or while in your home, like with Spectrum Internet Service.
While you and someone across the world can chat using the internet, you’ll never be connected to the same WiFi.
Along with this, you have no control over the internet. You cannot change what the internet is, you can just contribute to it.
You cannot make the internet turn off or turn on. You can’t change how many websites are on it, or what information you will find.
With WiFi, you have a bit more control. If you install a WiFi router in your home, you can control the passwords that are used on it, and therefore the people that connect to it.
If your WiFi is causing slow internet download or upload speeds, you can upgrade it. You can also maximize your range, so you can use your WiFi all the way in the backyard. Yet, this is basically where your control over your WiFi ends.
While the internet is everywhere at all times, WiFi is the vehicle that gets you to it.
Pros and Cons of the Internet
The internet has brought so many good things with it, but there are some negatives to discuss, too.
First, let’s explore the many internet benefits. The internet allows you to connect with people from all over the world. With social media sites, blogs, and chat forums, the internet has expanded how humans interact.
It has also made the gathering of information so much easier. Now, you can Google practically anything and get an answer within seconds. This makes problem-solving a much quicker process.
The internet has also made banking, shopping, and other online transactions much smoother. Finances can go through electronic processes instead of manual processes, speeding up everything immensely.
Now, onto the negatives. Because you can do so much with the internet, you are also at a higher risk of getting your personal data stolen.
Being careful with your personal information, such as credit card numbers, names, and addresses is essential if you are to be a part of the internet.
While the spreading of information is a good thing, misinformation can also get spread quickly while on the internet. Always find a trusted source when looking something up on Google, and get back up sources before believing something to be true.
Lastly, opening up your computer to the internet can welcome spam and viruses. This can corrupt your computer’s data, causing you to lose important documents or pictures. Always keep your computer protected and backed up when connected to the internet.
How WiFi Can Benefit You
When you have WiFi set up in your home, you know you always have easy access to the internet. You can connect all of your devices to the same network, and anyone that visits your house can also connect if you allow them to.
Without WiFi, you would need to hardwire all of your devices with an ethernet cord. This would mean running wires throughout your home, and routers tend to have a set number of ethernet cords that can connect to them.
This will severely limit what is connected to the internet in your home and prevents any guests from ever connecting.
However, it is important to note that WiFi can be unreliable and unstable at times. Outages can be common in some areas, though the connections are generally restored within a few hours.
Hardwiring to the internet is still the most reliable way to connect, but no longer the most convenient or efficient.
Learn All About Internet and WiFi
Now that you have both internet and WiFi explained, you’ll be able to see how both of them contribute to our everyday lives. These days, you can’t have one without the other, as everyone is plugged-in at all times.
This is your WiFi guide, so keep it with you if you ever need to reference this important information regarding WiFi vs the internet again.
