Faster speeds – WiFi 7 features multi-gigabit speeds, ideal for serious streamers and gamers
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? 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 – i.e., wirelessly. Instead of using an Ethernet cable, WiFi-enabled devices access the Internet through a wireless router.
WiFi makes it easier to connect to the Internet because you aren’t forced to be near an Ethernet port in your home. With a wireless network, multiple devices can connect to the Internet cable-free from anywhere in your home.
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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. (Spectrum offers convenient self-installation)
- 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.
As WiFi is constantly evolving, you may have come across some additional terms, beyond just the fundamentals.
Devices in a smart home automate tasks and communicate with each other. For example, smart thermostats adjust temperatures based on your routine, and smart locks can grant or deny access remotely. These devices often exchange data automatically, which means they need a secure, encrypted WiFi connection to prevent cyber threats.
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.
Mesh WiFi systems eliminate WiFi dead spots by using devices called Pods. Best for larger households or those struggling with inconsistent WiFi, Spectrum WiFi Pods create a single WiFi network to bring a strong, reliable connection to every corner of your home.
Pods are sometimes called WiFi extenders because they help your router bring WiFi coverage to hard-to-reach areas of your home. Whether it’s a brick wall or metal appliance interfering with the signal, a properly positioned Pod will re-broadcast your signal to get around blockers.
Spectrum Internet® customers with Spectrum Advanced WiFi can get WiFi Pods for just $3/mo per Pod. Learn more about how Spectrum WiFi pods can enhance WiFi coverage throughout your home.
WiFi 7 is the latest generation of WiFi technology, delivering faster speeds, lower latency (delay between transmitting data over a network) 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, 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.
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