

You might think that it’s short for “wireless fidelity,” just as Hi-Fi stands for “high fidelity,” but the term was actually created by a marketing firm to help consumers identify the new technology. Wi-Fi doesn’t actually stand for anything. This is becoming an increasingly popular option for Wi-Fi access as a gateway is easier to set-up and it takes up less space. There are also modem-router 2-in-1 devices, known as gateway devices, that perform all the necessary functions to provide home Wi-Fi. You can also plug in an Ethernet cord to the router for both a wired and wireless experience around your home. You can connect to the internet directly from the modem using a wired Ethernet connection or you can plug a wireless router into the modem for Wi-Fi usability. The router, however, isn’t always necessary. Having both can lead to a strong and reliable home Wi-Fi connection. In short, the modem is the reason there is usable internet and the router is the reason your devices can connect to the internet without a cord. Your router then converts that internet into signals your Wi-Fi devices can actually connect to. The modem receives an internet signal from your internet provider and turns it into usable internet. Accessing wireless internet or “Wi-Fi” requires two pieces of equipment: the modem and the router.

So, what is Wi-Fi? It is actually the technology that allows your devices to wirelessly connect to the internet.
