Do you get Wi-Fi with fiber internet?
Fiber internet, also known as fiber optic internet service is gradually gaining popularity owing to its very fast speed and efficiency. However, many have this question - is fiber Internet the same as getting Wi-Fi for free? Fiber internet on its own does not include Wi-Fi, at least not as a standard component as it may be in some other countries around the world. However, it is easy to add Wi-Fi with a fiber connection. Now, let us dissect this further.
What is Fiber Internet?
Fiber optic internet uses glass fibers to transport information through light instead of the copper wire utilized by cable internet service providers. Fiber provides far higher internet speed, less delay, and better reliability of connection. It transmits data in the form of pulses of light through flexible glass cables hence a huge bandwidth capability. Fiber is believed to be the best form of internet connectivity by many.
Fiber has the potential of offering multiple gigabits per second which is way beyond what cable or DSL can offer. This makes it great for tasks that require a lot of bandwidth such as streaming video, playing games, video conferencing, and so on. The fast speeds, as well as immunity to electromagnetic interference, make it one of the most future-proof internet technologies out there.
What is Wi-Fi?
Through radio waves in a computer network, Wi-Fi—a wireless technology—helps to move data in computers and other devices. Wi-Fi is thus what enables our computers, tablets, cellphones, and any other device to be linked to the internet and avoid a direct cable connection. Using fiber, cable, or DSL, wireless local area networks (WLANs) link to the internet and employ a router or an access point to broadcast and receive the wireless signals.
The Link Between Fiber and Wi-Fi
However, when people acquire a fiber optic internet connection for use at home or office what is laid down is a fiber optic line that connects your home to the ISP network. But that fiber cable, in itself, does not facilitate Wi-Fi connectivity throughout your space.
To use Wi-Fi, you will require a wireless router. This router is what will broadcast Ethernet data from the fiber connection into radio signals to make your Wi-Fi. Most routers in the present world market provide support for both wireless as well as wired connections. Advanced routers are designed to provide the maximum performance that can be offered by a fiber internet connection.
Therefore, it is correct to conclude that, fiber internet access per se does not offer Wi-Fi. However, if you combine your fiber internet service with a good router, you can attain Wi-Fi connectivity in your residential or commercial place. The Wi-Fi speed potential will depend on the capability of the router hardware itself.
This article will provide additional information on how it is possible to maximize the benefits of using Fiber as well as Wi-Fi.
To attain the greatest speed rate for your wireless network from the fiber internet connection, you will need to have the most efficient wireless router presently available in the market. Routers can have different capabilities in terms of the number of wireless bands they support, the number of devices they allow to connect, and the range of connections among others.
Now all routers come with two bands – 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. This helps in avoiding congestion thereby making it possible to operate at high speeds. Some tri-band routers also incorporate additional support for lightning-fast 60Ghz Wi-Fi as well. MU-MIMO support implies that many users can connect simultaneously without interfering with each other. And beamforming assists in steering available bandwidth to the devices that require it.
As for those with spacious areas such as offices, having multiple entry points interconnected will also guarantee optimum coverage in several rooms. Connecting to wired devices like desktop PCs will also ease wireless traffic as well.
Managing Your Wi-Fi Network
Hardware plays an important role in routers and that is why it is very important to have good routers for an excellent Wi-Fi experience. But it is also important to set it right and these are some of the factors that can also make it possible to access high speeds within the specified area. The first step is to change the default password to the router admin so other people can access the network settings. Then consider these tips:
Set the default value for the channel so that the router can learn and select the least used channels in the future. The transmission power level has to be set to 70-80% to cover space but avoid interfering with other technologies. It is also crucial to give the 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz networks different names to help avoid confusion from the devices. Disable features such as ‘smart connect’ to prevent devices from switching between bands in a bid to avoid latency.
Ensure you centrally locate your router within your house or office space to ensure adequate coverage. Locate the router in open spaces and at a higher level to allow the signal to spread to other places. Possible: use an Ethernet cable to connect the stationary devices to the network, thereby minimizing wireless usage.
Be sure to test your speeds often after making setting adjustments to determine the optimum formula for your environment. There are a lot of useful smartphone apps and online speed test tools to assess download, upload, and latency rates. Make sure all the often connecting end users are informed about Wi-Fi network credentials and your speed testing policies to get their feedback about the real-life experience as well.
Even if fiber internet does not include Wi-Fi, extending an exceptional wireless network to deliver those amazing fiber speeds is easy for any home or business. When there are good hardware options available and some optimization tests have been conducted, the maximum fiber optic internet speed can be achieved wirelessly. This will greatly benefit your media streaming, surfing, gaming, and productivity as a result!
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.