What is the difference between broadband and Wi-Fi?

When it comes to terminology related to the internet and internet connectivity, on the one hand, there is a vast pool of knowledge. On the other hand, there are equally significant knowledge gaps. For the layperson, terms such as IP address, URL, webpage, 4G, Wi-Fi, and broadband have become a part of daily usage. But even though these terms have been adopted into common parlance, many are unaware of what they really mean.

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It is recommended that you become familiar with the meaning of certain terms that your internet service provider may use. The two most important terms are Wi-Fi and broadband.

Similarly, there could be confusion regarding other related terms:

What is broadband?

Meaning: Broadband is a type of internet connection that has some of the highest access speeds. It is, therefore, the most popular kind of internet connection on the planet. Broadband is characterized by higher bandwidths of data transfer and is commonly found in offices as well as homes. There are four ways in which a Broadband connection can be delivered: cable, DSL, fiber optic, and satellite.

Benefits: A broadband connection is much more secure and consistent, reducing the chances of malware attacks, hacking or data breaches.

Broadband allows multiple users to connect to the same internet access point.

With a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection, you have the added benefit of getting a landline along with your internet connection. Additionally, with a broadband connection, you get consistent data transfer with the minimum possible latency.

A broadband connection is also more cost-effective than other types of internet connections and has the facility of connecting both wired and wireless devices.

What is Wi-Fi?

Meaning: Wi-Fi is a wireless method of connecting devices to an internet connection. While this internet connection can be either broadband or dial-up, Wi-Fi is most commonly used to connect to a broadband internet line. A Wi-Fi network can be easily set up via a wireless modem or router and allows multiple devices to connect to a given internet access point.

Benefits: A Wi-Fi network set up through a wireless router provides a platform for all wireless devices to access a high-speed broadband connection.

You can move about with your wireless device anywhere within the coverage of the Wi-Fi network and still have access to top-notch internet speeds. This adds mobility to work as well as entertainment.

You can access the internet from almost anywhere with an available Wi-Fi network. Such a wireless network solves the problems of productivity, cost, expandability, and deployment.

Difference between broadband and Wi-Fi connection

As Wi-Fi is a wireless technology used to link to a broadband connection, the two terms are often used interchangeably. This confusion mostly arises because we associate connecting to a Wi-Fi network with gaining access to broadband internet. Moreover, since we have all become accustomed to connecting our wireless devices (such as mobile phones and laptops) to a Wi-Fi network to access the internet, the terms Wi-Fi, and broadband have become quite synonymous.

Now, you can still connect your wireless device to a Wi-Fi network that does not have access to the internet. While this will allow you to share files with other users on the same network, you will not be able to use the internet. Think of it this way – your Wi-Fi network is like a bus, and broadband is the bus driver. You can hop aboard the bus and exchange information with each other, but you won’t be going anywhere without the driver.

What is wireless broadband?

Meaning: Wireless broadband connects a home or a business to the internet using a radio link between the customer’s location and the service provider’s facility. Wireless broadband can be mobile or fixed, meaning high-speed broadband is delivered wireless from the service provider to a location.

Benefits: As the name suggests, there are no cables involved in wireless broadband, and thus, such a connection is easier to set up.

Good broadband means good Wi-Fi

Since the speed of your Wi-Fi is entirely dependent on the speed of your broadband connection, you need to have a high-speed internet service provider. Airtel Xstream Fiber is a type of fibre-optic-enabled broadband connection that ensures consistent speeds of up to 1 Gbps and supports up to 60 wireless devices on a single connection. This means you can connect to 60 devices to your Wi-Fi network and still not experience any sudden drops in data transfer speeds.

Now that you have understood in detail the difference between Wi-Fi and broadband, you can explore the different plans provided by Airtel Xstream Fiber and start enjoying office-like internet speeds in your home!

You can also avail of several exclusive benefits if you join Airtel Black. If you are an existing Airtel customer with a Postpaid or DTH connection, get one month of broadband for free by joining Airtel Black and opting in for Xstream Fiber service.