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INTERNET & WIFI
What Is WiFi? Definition and How It Works
4:00 Minute Read
4:00 Minute Read
We’ve all heard the term WiFi, but what exactly is it? And how does it work? WiFi, short for wireless fidelity, is a wireless networking technology that enables devices – such as cellphones, laptops, TVs and smart-home devices – to connect to the Internet without physical cables. In other words, WiFi lets you connect wirelessly. Instead of using an Ethernet cable, WiFi-enabled devices access the Internet through a wireless router.
But what’s all the buzz about? Essentially, WiFi makes it easier to connect to the Internet because you aren’t forced to plug in to an ethernet port in your home. With a wireless network, multiple devices can connect to the Internet cable-free from anywhere in your home. Whether you’re streaming your favorite show from your bedroom or working remotely from your office, WiFi allows you to use your devices with ease.
Spectrum WiFi
With tons of bandwidth, Spectrum Internet® delivers fast starting speeds on a reliable network. Want more?
Most homes access WiFi through a wireless router connected to an Internet service provider (ISP). Here’s how to set up a WiFi network:
- Choose an Internet provider that serves your area.
- Install your modem and connect your WiFi router.
- Use the supplied WiFi network name and password to connect your devices.
Once set up, you can browse, stream, game and work online wirelessly from multiple devices anywhere in your home.
See if Spectrum is available in your area to serve as your Internet service provider. Spectrum also offers convenient self-installation, so you can avoid extra technician scheduling hassles.
As WiFi is constantly evolving, you may have come across some additional terms, beyond just the fundamentals. Let’s break down some different WiFi features and types you might come across.
If your home has areas where WiFi signal is poor or weak, you can resolve it by switching to an Internet provider like Spectrum that uses a mesh WiFi network. Essentially, mesh WiFi is a system used to eliminate WiFi dead spots.
These systems accomplish this by using devices called WiFi Extenders. Best for larger households or those struggling with an inconsistent connection, WiFi Extenders create a single WiFi network to bring a strong, reliable connection to every corner of your home.
WiFi Extenders help your router bring WiFi coverage to hard-to-reach areas of your home by expanding coverage. Whether it’s a brick wall or metal appliance interfering with the signal, a properly positioned Extender will re-broadcast your signal to get around blockers.
Spectrum Internet® customers with Spectrum Advanced WiFi can get WiFi Extenders for just $5/mo per Extender. Learn more about how Spectrum WiFi Extenders can enhance WiFi coverage throughout your home.
Additionally, Spectrum’s new WiFi Extenders offer more reliable whole-home connectivity than ever before. Using the latest WiFi 7 technology, these Extenders offer wider coverage and support more connected devices with faster speeds and lower latency. Enjoy uninterrupted freedom across your home with WiFi Extenders, delivering expansive coverage and instant connectivity.
WiFi 7 is the latest generation of WiFi technology, delivering faster speeds, lower latency and improved efficiency. Compared to its predecessor, WiFi 6, WiFi 7 provides:
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Lower latency. Improves the responsiveness of your Internet connection by lowering delays between transmitting data, resulting in a smooth experience for activities like video conferencing.
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Better network efficiency. WiFi 7 can better support multiple connected devices and users with less interference.
The Spectrum Advanced WiFi router supports WiFi 7, which doubles the available bandwidth of 6GHz to increase speed. In addition to fast Internet speeds, Spectrum Advanced WiFi also offers extra network protection with Security Shield and improved network control using the My Spectrum app.
In today’s connected world, WiFi plays a vital role in keeping our devices online without the need for physical cables. From basic home setups to advanced solutions like mesh systems, WiFi Extenders and the latest WiFi 7 technology, wireless networking continues to evolve to deliver faster speeds, stronger coverage and better performance. And as WiFi evolves, so does Spectrum. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, working remotely or managing smart-home devices, a reliable WiFi network ensures seamless connectivity throughout your home. By choosing the right Internet provider and equipment, you can enjoy secure, high-speed Internet access wherever you need it most.
