What is the difference between WiFi and Internet? Fully Explained

In the digital age, Wifi and Internet are indispensable communications for smart devices. Wifi is synonymous with wireless Internet, but it is not the same as the Internet. What is the difference between Wifi and Internet? Let’s see a full comparison below!

Wifi and Internet - How do they work?

What is WiFi?

WiFi is a wireless networking technology that provides wireless Internet access to connect your WiFi clients to the Internet seamlessly at high speed without any cable or wires.

You can learn more about it in our guide titled What is WiFi!

WiFi meaning

What is Internet? 

The Internet is an intangible cloud made of all the content that is available on the World Wide Web, and it was created in collaboration between Bob Kahn and Vint Cerf. Wide-area network, or WAN for short, is the name given to it. 

Your text messages, social network accounts, Google, and even all those selfies you really hope no one ever sees are examples of Internet content. Phones, PCs, routers, and other devices may all be used to connect to the Internet.

Read more: What is a WiFi card?

Internet meaning

What is the difference between Wifi and Internet?

Wi-Fi is the means of accessing the Internet, but the Internet is this big invisible entity. The world's whole assemblage of all linked devices, files, and people, whether wireless or hardwired, is collectively referred to as the Internet. 

On the other hand, WiFi is more local; you may connect to a network in your neighborhood, such as one at a hotel, restaurant, or other public location, or use one at home. 

A quick comparison of these two may be found below:

Aspect	WiFi	Internet
Speed	Signal strength	Determined by ISP, Internet type
Reliability	Based on signal strength	Based on connection. Fiber and cable are most reliable.
Security threats	Hacking, cyber attacks	Phishing, malware
Tech	Wireless	Wired and wireless

Here are the details differences between Internet vs WiFi:

Speed 

The Wifi speed is not similar to the Internet speed. A Wifi network has a wireless connection to a router through a modem and the Internet. If your Wifi speed is lower than your Internet speed,  your wireless device will not receive full internet speed. 

Thus, you should run your wifi speed test to adjust your wifi and Internet speed. 

Dependency 

Internet does not depend on Wifi to connect to computers around the world. 

Wireless devices can connect to Wifi without the Internet. Wifi provides Internet access through certain types of servers such as mail, file, or application servers.

Required Devices 

Wifi requires DSL and routers devices, whereas the Internet needs devices such as switches routers, satellites, or modems to set up servers. 

The difference between wifi and Internet

Ability

A Wifi network powered by one router will work within 50- 100 meters. It can provide near wireless connection like Bluetooth, but it differs from Bluetooth. 

Mobile Internet can be accessible for some kilometers to tens of kilometers with 3G or 4G. You can use it anywhere as long as a mobile connection is available.

What is difference between the Internet and wifi

Protocol

Wifi uses a radio wave to send and receive signals from the nearby device to access the Internet. 

The Internet is a public network that allows you to access various web pages worldwide using the TCP / IP protocol.

See also: What is the difference between wifi and bluetooth