Home Wi-Fi service providers

What is Wi-Fi and how does it work?

Ari Howard Last updated: March 25, 2021

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So, what is Wi-Fi? It is actually the technology that allows your devices to wirelessly connect to the internet. Accessing wireless internet or “Wi-Fi” requires two pieces of equipment: the modem and the router. The modem receives an internet signal from your internet provider and turns it into usable internet. Your router then converts that internet into signals your Wi-Fi devices can actually connect to. 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.

The router, however, isn’t always necessary. 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. You can also plug in an Ethernet cord to the router for both a wired and wireless experience around your home.

There are also modem-router 2-in-1 devices, known as a gateway device, that perform all the necessary functions to provide home Wi-Fi. 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. 

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What providers offer home Wi-Fi service?

Wi-Fi is not its own specific service to buy, so you won’t find “Wi-Fi” or “non-Wi-Fi” plans from your provider. Your internet plan represents the connection and speeds to the modem, Wi-Fi is service is just a wireless extension of that connection.  

Most providers present Wi-Fi as an add-on to their internet service, typically with an extra monthly fee for Wi-Fi equipment. Some may let you use your own Wi-Fi equipment and avoid the fee for renting or purchasing a router through them.

Compare Wi-Fi service providers

*Price per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. Last updated 03/25/21.

**Rate requires paperless billing. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Offer Details. Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection.

Wi-Fi plans with unlimited data

We use Wi-Fi connections to stream videos and music on mobile devices, conveniently connect laptops and link IoT devices to our home network. Essentially, we use Wi-Fi for just about everything, which means your Wi-Fi service can use up a lot of data. 

Going over a data limit can result in added fees or slowed internet speeds. If you plan on using your Wi-Fi service for lots of streaming, gaming and downloading, you may want to consider an unlimited Wi-Fi plan. Here are some of the best unlimited Wi-Fi plans.

Internet providers with unlimited Wi-Fi plans

*Price per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. Last updated 03/25/21.

AT&T’s Fiber plans come with unlimited data, but their DSL plans come with a 1 TB/mo. data allowance. If you want unlimited data, you can opt for unlimited data for around $30/mo. extra, or get unlimited Wi-Fi data when you bundle with a qualifying AT&T service. Xfinity also offers unlimited data for an added monthly cost, around $50/mo. extra.

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What equipment do I need for Wi-Fi?

As magical as Wi-Fi seems, it doesn’t just happen on its own. In addition to your internet connection, you’ll need at the very least a modem and router to enjoy Wi-Fi.

• Modem – This device receives the internet connection from your provider and uses Ethernet cables to connect with other devices.
• Router – Along with your modem, this is the most important Wi-Fi device as it’s the one that turns your internet into wireless signals. There are many different router options and ways to set it up. Look to our ultimate router guide for everything you need to know about routers.
• Wireless network adapter – This device connects your desktop PC to a Wi-Fi network. This is not required for newer PCs, laptops and smart devices as they have built-in Wi-Fi receivers.
• Wi-Fi extenders (optional) – These devices can help boost your Wi-Fi signal so you get a stronger signal throughout your home.

Everything you need is likely available from your provider

Like the cable boxes from your TV provider, modems and routers are commonly available from the provider and are specific to their service. Many providers offer a “gateway” device, which serves as the modem and router in a single unit. Wi-Fi equipment fees, functionality and add-ons such as Wi-Fi extenders will vary by provider.

Is it better to buy Wi-Fi equipment?

Some wireless internet providers, including CenturyLink, Verizon and Xfinity, give you the option to use your own products and save the monthly equipment fees. Buying your own equipment not only saves you money, but it can also get you access to the highest quality Wi-Fi equipment on the market.

If you rent your equipment through your ISP, you likely won’t get the most advanced Wi-Fi technology. Verizon and Spectrum’s gateways, for example, only go up to 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standards. In contrast, many of the newer models available are on Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e technology. This technology can offer faster speeds and more bandwidth than Wi-Fi 5. 

The only downside to buying instead of renting your equipment is that you will not have access to the same quality tech support as you would when renting your router with your Wi-Fi company. If you would rather use your own equipment, click on your provider below to view a list of compatible modems and routers.

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What’s a good Wi-Fi plan speed?

One thing to note about Wi-Fi is that it is inherently slower than a wired connection, by up to 50% or more. So if your wireless internet provider advertises speeds up to 100 Mbps, you can expect at best speeds of 50 Mbps or lower when using Wi-Fi.

If you’re currently using a Wi-Fi connection, take our speed test to see how your speeds compare to your plan’s advertised speeds. Once you have an idea of what speeds you are getting over Wi-Fi, check our recommendations of what you can do with those speeds below.

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How can I improve my home Wi-Fi connection?

There are many things that can slow your Wi-Fi speeds, such as connecting multiple devices or even running the microwave, which means there are many things you can do to help improve your connection. 

• Place your router in a central location – Considering the physics of Wi-Fi, the best place for your router is in a central location, preferably high on a shelf where your router is free of as many obstructions as possible. You can also physically move closer to your router if you don’t want to change your router’s location.
• Disconnect devices not in use – The average household has more than 10 connected devices and each one eats into available bandwidth. If you need a faster connection, try disconnecting some of the devices that are not currently in use.
• Reset the router – Sometimes turning the router off and back on is all you need to do to restore the connection.
• Try a mesh network – One Wi-Fi alternative to improve your internet connection is to use a mesh network. A mesh network is when there is a group of devices around your house that act as a single Wi-Fi network. Each device is called a point and the purpose of having multiple points is to provide better coverage for more areas of the house.
• Use an Ethernet cable – Another Wi-Fi alternative is to use an Ethernet cable. The Ethernet cable usually plugs your router to your modem, then your router to your device. You can also plug your device to your modem directly. Although less convenient, this option tends to be a faster, more reliable, efficient and secure option than using a wireless connection.

For more tips and tricks to get faster Wi-Fi, check out our guide on how to boost your Wi-Fi.

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Wi-Fi FAQs

Is Wi-Fi free?

Some internet providers do offer Wi-Fi service at no additional cost. Others may charge an added fee of $5/mo. or higher for Wi-Fi service, plus an additional fee for Wi-Fi equipment rental. If you’re looking for free Wi-Fi on the go, many internet providers and businesses offer free Wi-Fi hotspots.

Why are my Wi-Fi speeds slower?

It is common for wireless internet service to be slower than a wired, or LAN, connection. There are many factors that can affect Wi-Fi speeds, such as proximity to the router, the number of connected devices and the quality of the router itself. Even running your microwave can affect Wi-Fi speeds. If your home Wi-Fi internet speeds are slower than you’d like, here are a few tips for boosting your Wi-Fi connection.

Where should I set up my wireless router?

It’s a good idea to set your router up in a central location in your home. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure your router is free of obstructions, such as walls and furniture, that may block Wi-Fi signals. To help ensure a quality signal and whole-home coverage, you can also install Wi-Fi signal extenders.

Can I buy Wi-Fi without an internet service provider?

Wi-Fi is not a service by itself, but rather a feature of your internet service. You need an internet service provider to get internet to your home via a modem and a router to transmit that signal throughout your home. Some ISPs include Wi-Fi service and necessary equipment at no extra charge.

How do I get Wi-Fi in my home?

To get Wi-Fi in your home, you will first need to choose an internet provider. You will then need to rent or buy the proper equipment in order to be able to connect your devices to Wi-Fi. You will need a modem and wireless router; however, there are products that are a modem and router all-in-one. The modem is used to connect your home network to the wider internet and the router is then used to convert that internet into a wireless signal that all of your devices can connect to.

Last updated 03/25/21.

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