With all the new technology popping up it can be difficult to know the difference between WiFi and fibre. Let’s break them down one-by-one.
What is WiFi?
WiFi is defined as: “..a family of wireless network protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which are commonly used for local area networking of devices and internet access.“
In simpler terms – WiFi is a networking technology that uses radio waves to provide internet connectivity to nearby devices without needing physical connection. In most homes, WiFi simply refers to the signal that allows the occupants of that house to access the internet on their phones and laptops. The signal is generated through a WiFi modem that is connected to the internet through either a fixed line or wireless connection.
An internet service provider (ISP) usually sells the WiFi router and will assist you to configure it too. Many people can connect to the same WiFi router and the speed is only limited by your connection and budget.
What is fibre?
Fibre or fibre optic wire connections is a type of internet or data connection that uses a thin plastic wire to send and receive data at the speed of light.
This type of connection requires a physical data wire to be connected to a home, office or area that enables the occupants of that area to have an extremely fast internet connection. The internet signal from the fibre line is normally carried to laptops and mobile phones through the use of a WiFi router. Although fibre is considered fast, it can also be challenging to install or expensive for users. Fibre is not traditionally available in all areas and a client needs to find out if their area is covered before a fibre service can be ordered.
One of the key advantages of a fibre connection to a home or office is the reliability of the connection. In some cases, wireless data services from mobile operators might become unstable or very slow when too many users are connected to the service. It may even go off completely when there is load shedding. Fibre does not suffer from this problem and continues to deliver high bandwidth data and connectivity irrespective of other users around you even in load-shedding times.
Fibre internet connectivity is generally coupled with a contract that includes the installation price and the WiFi router. This makes the initial purchase of the service a lot cheaper. Customers can also opt to buy the hardware separately, thus paying less per month for the service.
PayGoZo is bringing unlimited, fast, pay-as-you-go fibre to the townships of South Africa – check if your township is covered.
The difference between WiFi and Fibre – they are complementary
Now that we’ve cleared up the difference between WiFi and fibre – it’s clear that WiFi and fibre are in essence complementary technologies. The fibre line carries the data to your home, and the WiFi router transmits it to all the phones and computers in a home. So in order to fully utilize the power and speed of fibre to the home connection, you need to connect it to a WiFi router to allow everyone in the home to access the internet wirelessly. In this way, fibre and WiFi work together to bring you fast and reliable internet connectivity.
An internet connection can open up a new world of education and fun for a family and now many new connection options exist for everyone.
PayGoZo is bringing premium, unlimited, pay-as-you-go fibre internet to educate, entertain and uplift the township community. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide in South Africa and connect the world, township by township. Use our coverage map to see if you are connected today.