Navigating Wi-Fi: Understanding the Tech & How it Works

January 31st, 2025

Tech jargon is often full of confusing acronyms and complex ideas, especially when it comes to the innovative technologies that impact our everyday lives. One of the most widely used yet misunderstood technologies is Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi is wireless networking technology that connects your devices—such as computers, smartphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, Bluetooth headsets, printers, and cameras—to the internet. It also powers a variety of smart home devices, including doorbells, security cameras, thermostats, and even refrigerators and washing machines.

The Wi-Fi Highway

So, how can so many devices connect to the internet without physical wires or Ethernet cables? The answer lies in wireless networking, which uses radio waves within a limited range to establish connections.

Think of Wi-Fi like a highway for data. Just like large cities have expansive road networks to accommodate heavy traffic, your Wi-Fi network can handle more devices and faster data transfers if it has greater bandwidth, such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7. Bandwidth, measured in bits per second (bps), dictates how much data can be transmitted at once. For example, if you’re using a 1 Gig residential plan, your bandwidth can handle one billion bits per second, or 1,000 mbps.

Data Travel on the Internet Highway

To travel on a freeway, you need a vehicle. Similarly, data needs a vehicle to move from one place to another, and that vehicle is called a data packet. Every time you download something or stream a video, you're receiving or sending data in the form of these packets.

Each packet contains small units of data, like images, text, and video, which are transmitted across networks that function like internet highways. They follow specific routes and addresses until they reach their destination. Your Wi-Fi router connects your devices to the internet via a unique network name, called the Service Set Identifier (SSID), and directs the data to the correct destination.

Behind the Wheel

You have control over your Wi-Fi router’s settings. For example, you can prioritize specific devices, similar to using an express lane on a busy highway. You can also set up a firewall to block harmful software, reduce unnecessary network traffic, & prevent cyberattacks.

However, remember that your Wi-Fi router has a limited range. As you move farther from it, the signal weakens. Physical obstructions like walls, doors, and materials such as metal and concrete can also interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. To get the best coverage, place your router in a central location with minimal obstructions or consider adding on a Wi-Fi extender. A Wi-Fi extender is usually recommended in large homes with 4+ bedrooms.

Stuck in Slow Traffic?

Congestion isn’t limited to roadways—it can also happen on your Wi-Fi network.

Slow speeds often result from too many devices using the same network at once. Each device shares the available bandwidth, which can slow down data transfer speeds. Check out common Wi-Fi issues and how to fix it, where we share tips on how to maximize your Wi-Fi for a faster and more reliable connection.

As you navigate the internet highway, we hope this guide gives you a clearer path toward a smoother and faster experience.