While it’s difficult to directly compare Wi-Fi and broadband, since they accomplish two different tasks, it is safe to say that broadband is typically a better, more secure connection because it is direct.
A broadband security checklist can be used to prevent malware and viruses, by helping you understand how these threats can target your Wi-Fi network. Since Wi-Fi is an additional step to getting online, it may increase the number of overall threats you receive. Remove that step and the connection becomes faster and safer.
Wi-Fi is great if you want to connect multiple devices simultaneously, without the use of wires. But, it requires a broadband connection to do anything besides sharing data between devices.
Connection to the internet requires an ISP-provided broadband. The benefit of this is that you can always get Wi-Fi at a later date if you find you are using more devices than you initially thought you would.
A combination of both may be best for your household, but if you had to choose, broadband should be the winner.
There is some confusion about the difference between broadband and Wi-Fi. Broadband cannot be used as Wi-Fi because a wire is usually required to connect to it directly, whereas a Wi-Fi network uses radio waves and is wireless. With that said, they are not mutually exclusive. Wi-Fi is just one of the ways you can access your broadband.
Wireless broadband, as provided by mobile services like 4G, is wireless as its name implies, but acts in a different way to Wi-Fi. It uses a mobile phone network to connect to the internet, but generally still requires a router to access. This router may then have its own Wi-Fi network, which will allow you to connect multiple devices.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is another newer form of broadband without a phone line. Instead, it transmits radio waves between two fixed points – a rooftop antenna and a base station. Usually, one point will be fixed in a similar way to a satellite dish, so it doesn’t rely on fixed wires or cables.
This means internet service providers can offer ultra-fast broadband to rural and suburban homes, without the fees associated with laying and maintaining miles of cable. The cost of this can be so high that government-backed schemes, like Project Gigabit, have been implemented to provide the country with the infrastructure needed for widespread fibre optic broadband. This is especially important because high-speed broadband is to become a legal right.
5G Fixed Wireless Access is an example of this technology and can provide a comparable bandwidth speed to fibre optic broadband. These high speeds are required to support certain high-definition streaming services and ultra-fast internet access.
Regardless of how you get your broadband, it’s important to find an internet service provider offering the most value for your money. Hyperoptic’s mission is to offer everyone in the UK ultra-fast, reliable fixed-fibre broadband for an affordable price.
Broadband costs can vary hugely. Browse our deals to discover the option that’s best for you, or see if you are eligible to switch broadband providers.
FAQs
Which connection is best for the internet? Broadband is the best connection for the internet, in terms of speed and safety. While fibre optic remains the most reliable type of broadband, with advances in 5G technology, it won't be long before there is competition.
What is better wireless or broadband? ›
The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and circ*mstances. If you live in an area where fixed-line internet is not available or is unreliable, wireless broadband may be the better option for you.
Do I have broadband or Wi-Fi? ›
Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that is always on. The broadband operates with or without Wi-Fi. With Wi-Fi, it will be a wireless connection and will be wired when connected with a broadband cable. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that enables various devices to connect to the internet.
Is broadband internet good or bad? ›
Broadband internet is high-speed internet, especially when compared to the speeds of dial-up. While you can learn more about internet speed, what is important to note is that different activities require different speeds. And, households with multiple users and devices will benefit from faster speeds.
Is broadband just Wi-Fi? ›
Broadband is the physical connection that runs from the exchange to your property. Wi-Fi is a wireless connection from your Wi-Fi router to your devices – your phone, laptop, smart TV or gaming system.
What is the downside of broadband? ›
The exuberant price of online services can be a huge drawback for your family. Also, security concerns can be an enormous downside to using a broadband connection. For a computer to be protected during online viewing, you must purchase and calibrate some form of firewall to protect your personal computer from hackers.
Does broadband mean wireless? ›
The term broadband generally refers to relatively high-speed internet access. It includes several high-speed transmission technologies such as cable modems, fiber, satellite and wireless. Wireless broadband speeds are defined by the FCC to be at least 25 megabits per second (Mbps).
How reliable is wireless broadband? ›
Fixed wireless internet has uptimes exceeding 99.99%, which makes it more reliable than a leased line.
Does faster broadband mean better Wi-Fi? ›
Meanwhile, Wi-Fi range refers to how far a wireless signal can travel and still allow you to connect. If you have faster Internet, your Wi-Fi connection speed will increase if your range is good. However, increasing your speed will not increase your range.
Do I need broadband if I have WiFi? ›
Broadband allows you to access all of this information from your own home via a router. An ethernet cable can be used to connect your computer to your router, giving you fast internet access. Wi-Fi makes this even easier, as it connects your devices to your broadband without any cables or wires.
Restarting your modem and router should be the first thing you do when encountering an internet signal issue. Don't skip this step! This is almost always what tech support will ask you to try first, as it often solves the problem.
What's the difference between internet and broadband? ›
The main difference lies in the speed factor of the two. An internet broadband connection lets you experience the Internet at a much higher speed, ranging from 50mbps to several hundred Mbps, which is missing from any wireless internet we get commercially.
Which is better, broadband or Wi-Fi? ›
Benefits: A broadband connection is much more secure and consistent, reducing the chances of malware attacks, hacking or data breaches. Broadband allows multiple users to connect to the same internet access point.
What is broadband used for? ›
Broadband is a high-quality transmission technology that allows for the transfer of voice, video, and data. It is primarily used in the capacity of the Internet, with individuals and businesses accessing broadband connectivity via fixed or mobile connections.
Why do they call it broadband? ›
Originally used to mean 'using a wide-spread frequency' and for services that were analog at the lowest level, nowadays in the context of Internet access, 'broadband' is often used to mean any high-speed Internet access that is seemingly always 'on' and is faster than dial-up access over traditional analog or ISDN PSTN ...
What does having broadband mean? ›
Broadband is the transmission of high-quality data of wide bandwidth. In its simplest form, it is a high-speed Internet connection that is always on. Broadband connections include Wi-Fi, DSLs, fiber, and satellites.
Is broadband worth it? ›
Standard (10/11Mb) broadband is usually fine for browsing or light streaming for one person, so don't pay more than you need to. Yet if multiple people use the broadband at the same time, or you're a gamer, it's likely worth shelling out for faster speeds.
What is the difference between the Internet and the broadband? ›
The internet is a huge network of websites and information that spans the entire world. Broadband allows you to access all of this information from your own home via a router. An ethernet cable can be used to connect your computer to your router, giving you fast internet access.
Does faster broadband mean faster Wi-Fi? ›
Meanwhile, Wi-Fi range refers to how far a wireless signal can travel and still allow you to connect. If you have faster Internet, your Wi-Fi connection speed will increase if your range is good. However, increasing your speed will not increase your range.
