Does fiber internet have Wi-Fi?
Fiber internet service can be defined as a broadband internet connection that uses optical fibers to transmit information as opposed to the old copper telephone and cable lines. The internet is transmitted through fibre optic cables and this uses light instead of electricity in delivering the internet hence enabling high speeds and bandwidth. But does this mean that when you order a fiber internet service you are also given Wi-Fi in your home? Now, let us dissect this a little bit.
What is Fiber Internet?
Fiber internet, also known as fiber broadband or fiber optic internet, aims at utilizing fiber optic cables made of thread-like glass or plastic to relay data in the form of light. I thought it was interesting to learn that fiber optic cables transmit light instead of electricity. This makes it possible to transmit data at higher speeds over greater distances with less interference than is possible through cable or DSL internet that relies on copper connections.
Fiber internet has the benefit of permitting download and upload speeds to be similar since they are symmetrical. An average fiber connection is capable of delivering both downloading and uploading speeds of up to 1 Giga per second which is more than twenty times faster than cable AT&T Internet speed. The purposely achieved fast speed and high bandwidth make fiber internet suitable for use in homes with many connected devices and power-hungry applications such as 4K streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and others.
The Basics of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a term used to describe wireless networking technology involving the transmission of information through radio signals to deliver fast internet and computer network connections. For wireless-enabled devices for example computers, smartphones, tablets and so on you have to connect through a Wireless Access point or Wireless router. The router forms a small coverage area also known as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), this entails that a device such as a PC does not require to have an Ethernet cable connecting it directly to the router.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN or just Wi-Fi) is a wireless connection to an existing wired Internet connection. Therefore, irrespective of the cable types type such as cable, DSL, fiber, or cellular data, you can include Wi-Fi to extend the wireless network in your home through a router or an access point.
Is Wi-Fi included with Fiber Internet?
However, fiber internet service is not like cable or DSL connections where fiber internet service comes with Wi-Fi within your home. Here’s why:
While using the cable or DSL service, modem equipment offered by your internet service provider might have router features to transmit Wi-Fi signals within the house. However, most fiber internet service providers make use of an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) device to translate the light signals of fiber optic cabling for your home network equipment.
The ONT does not have any routing hardware or WLAN — it is designed only to control the termination of the fiber line. And that is why you require additional hardware such as a wireless router to achieve a Wi-Fi connection in your home once you have purchased the fiber internet.
How to Incorporate Wireless Internet into Your Fiber Internet
Wi-Fi is easy to obtain even where fiber internet may not be delivered Wi-Fi-ready out of the box. All you have to do is add a wireless router or Wireless system “Wi-Fi”.
In some instances, your fiber internet service provider company may provide or lend you with a wireless router once you subscribe to the service. But normally you have an opportunity to buy your router equipment in an electronics store if you want instead of using their services. A fiber internet-capable wireless router with excellent performance will be a guarantee for Wi-Fi data rates which will in turn suit your fiber internet line. Whole home coverage is also easily achieved using Mesh Wi-Fi systems.
Key Things to Remember:
- Fiber internet supplies the high-speed broadband connection to your house, not the Wi-Fi signals within.
- To connect the Wi-Fi it is needed a wireless access point or a router for the signal transmission.
- Sometimes fiber internet suppliers can provide a standard router, and sometimes you have to buy an advanced Wi-Fi system.
- For your fiber connection, with the proper router or a mesh system, you can add full wireless coverage to amplify your home’s Wi-Fi speed.
So, fiber internet access can, by all means, address Wi-Fi networking requirements. The infrastructure that is provided ensures that the immense bandwidth is just at your doorstep. Extending with business-class wireless routers or today’s advanced mesh systems connects to that bandwidth and brings your Wi-Fi connection as fast and stable as plugged in a wired ethernet to your fiber optic terminal. The mixture of fiber bandwidth and enterprise-grade Wi-Fi equipment results in wireless connections equivalent to a given internet plan speed.
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.
