Tech Tip # 9 Internet vs. Wi-Fi
Tip # 9
TECH TIP TUESDAYS!
Every Tuesday, we’re breaking down quick, helpful info about all things tech—because let’s face it, the internet isn’t always easy to understand.
Today’s tech tip:
Internet vs. wi-fi: what’s the difference (& why it matters)
Let’s go! 👇
Internet vs. Wi-Fi: What’s the Difference
(and Why It Matters)
BY OLIVIA WELLS, LIGTEL MARKETER
If you’ve ever said “My Wi-Fi is slow” when Netflix starts buffering… you’re not alone.
But here’s the thing: internet and Wi-Fi are not the same thing.
They work together, but they do very different jobs. Let’s break it down.
Think of it like this 👇
The internet is the service coming into your home.
Wi-Fi is how that internet gets around your home.
Or another way:
- Internet = the water coming from the city
- Wi-Fi = the pipes and faucets inside your house
If the water pressure is great but the pipes are old (or not reaching certain rooms), you’ll still have issues at the sink.
What is the internet?
The internet is the connection provided by your internet company, so in this case, LigTel.
It comes into your home through a fiber line and brings everything you use online:
- Streaming
- Gaming
- Video calls
- Browsing
- Smart devices
Your internet speed (like 300 Mbps or 1 Gig) tells you how much data can come into your home at once.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is the wireless signal that shares your internet with your devices—phones, TVs, laptops, tablets, doorbells, and more.
Wi-Fi strength can change depending on things like:
- Distance from the router (generally, the more centrally located, the better)
- Walls and floors
- Number of devices connected
- The type of Wi-Fi equipment you have (We suggest ours, because it was built to handle our speeds and service.)
That’s why your internet can be fast, but one room in your house still struggles.
Real-life example
Let’s say:
- Your gaming console works perfectly in the living room
- Your phone buffers in the bedroom
- Your laptop is slow upstairs
That doesn’t automatically mean your internet is bad.
It usually means your Wi-Fi signal isn’t reaching those areas well.
Why this difference matters
Understanding the difference helps troubleshoot issues faster:
- If everything is slow → it could be the internet connection
- If some rooms or devices are slow → it’s usually Wi-Fi
Knowing this saves time, frustration, and unnecessary finger-pointing at your router 😅
Where Managed Wi-Fi comes in (and why it’s a game changer)
Most homes aren’t just a phone and a laptop anymore. You’ve got TVs streaming, gaming, video calls, cameras, and smart devices—all fighting for Wi-Fi.
That’s exactly why LigTel’s Managed Wi-Fi exists. It’s built to give you a smoother, more reliable experience, and it includes:
- A reliable router (picked for our speeds)
Not all routers can keep up. Ours is built to handle LigTel’s fiber speeds and a house full of devices. - Optional Wi-Fi extenders ($5/month each)
If you’ve got dead zones (upstairs, basement, attic, etc.), extenders help push the Wi-Fi signal farther so you get a more consistent connection throughout your home. - Outdoor Wi-Fi extender ($15/month each)
Helps extend your Wi-Fi outside—great for garages, patios, and shops. - CommandIQ app (your Wi-Fi remote control)
See connected devices, rename them, set up a guest network, and pause a device when needed.- ProtectIQ (added online protection): Helps block threats in the background to keep your connected devices safer.
- Add ExperienceIQ/MyPrioritiesIQ ($7/month or included in bundled plans): Create profiles, set screen time limits, filter content, and pause internet for kids’ devices.
- Easier troubleshooting + router replacement if needed
If something goes wrong, we can often troubleshoot from our end—and if the router is the issue, we’ll replace it.
Bottom line: it’s built to take the stress out of “Why is it slow?” and help your home internet feel reliable day-to-day.
The good news
Most Wi-Fi problems are fixable. Better equipment, smart settings, or the right setup can make a huge difference—without changing your internet speed at all.
If something feels off, it’s always okay to ask. We’d rather explain it once than let you struggle with buffering forever.
DOWNLOAD THE COMMAND IQ APP
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Check out our CommandIQ videos!