You're probably using a home Wi-Fi network already. But do you know how it works, what problems you might face, and how you can fix them? This guide reveals all.
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices such as computers, tablets, game consoles, and smartphones to communicate without a physical link.
Sounds simple enough, but to confuse matters, the term can be used to refer to home Wi-Fi networks or the broadband service itself.
If you’re not clear on the difference, or you’re considering getting wireless broadband but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, read on.
Wireless broadband: the key points
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Is wireless broadband the same as Wi-Fi?
Wireless broadband and Wi-Fi are both forms of wireless technology that were designed to make connecting to the internet easier.
Neither require wires and allow you to connect to the internet. This can include the wireless broadband routers and modems you use to connect to the Wi-Fi, or a wireless internet service that your modem connects to.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re the same thing.
Wi-Fi networking is the technology that lets us get internet access or share files without running cables around our homes.
Wireless broadband can be a way for internet service providers to deliver internet access without having a fixed line connected to your home. That can be useful if you live in a very remote area that doesn’t have access to a fixed line network, or you want internet without a phone line.
What is Wi-Fi networking?
When we use the term ‘wireless broadband’, we’re often referring to Wi-Fi networks, where a Wi-Fi router is used to provide internet and local network access to nearby devices without the use of wires.
Almost all broadband deals include a free Wi-Fi router, so you probably already have Wi-Fi in your home!
There are also thousands of public Wi-Fi hotspots found in restaurants, pubs, and other locations around the UK that you can often use for free.
But the broadband connection itself probably isn’t wireless. It’s most likely supplied via a telephone line, fibre optic line, or a Virgin Media cable broadband network.
Wireless routers
To use Wi-Fi at home, you will need a Wi-Fi router. This not only acts as a gateway to the internet but also hosts a local network and broadcasts a wireless network signal that any compatible, and authorised, device can use to access the broadband or share data over the network.
While you can buy your own Wi-Fi router, they are usually included for free with a new broadband deal.
Wi-Fi is enormously helpful as it’s so easy to set up and use, and means we can get internet without having cables running everywhere. But there are some downsides too.
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Is it secure?
Home Wi-Fi is very secure. All routers have security features installed, and they should already be set up and ready to use.
There are several security standards used by different brands of router, but they work in broadly similar ways. Each one encrypts the data transmitted between your devices and the router, preventing anyone from intercepting it. They also password-protect access to the network. Nobody can connect their devices to your router, and use your internet connection, without knowing the password.
Is wireless better than wired?
The main benefit to wireless is its convenience. There’s no clutter from wires and it’s easier to connect multiple devices at the same time. You can connect different types of device too, including phones, smart speakers, TV set-top boxes and the ever expanding range of smart home gadgetry.
The main downside to Wi-Fi is that speeds decrease the further you are from the router. Physical obstructions such as thick walls also reduce the signal strength. You’ll often achieve markedly slower speeds in the farthest rooms in your house than you would sat right next to the router. If the distance and/or the effect of physical obstacles becomes too great, you might even encounter dead spots, where there’s no Wi-Fi signal at all.
A wired internet connection delivers more consistent speeds over the full length of the network. For general use the difference may be minimal, but for things that benefit from consistent speeds and performance - like online gaming - wired may be a better choice.
Fortunately, you needn’t choose between one or the other. Most wireless routers have at least a couple of Ethernet ports on the back that you can use to create a cabled connection to your laptop or games console.
How to set up Wi-Fi
Setting up Wi-Fi access at home is simple. All you need is a Wi-Fi router, which is the key bit of hardware that generates a wireless network. While you can buy your own Wi-Fi router, they are usually included for free with a new broadband deal.
Wi-Fi is enormously helpful as it’s so easy to set up and use, and means we can get internet without having cables running everywhere. But there are some downsides too.
In brief, here are the steps to setting up Wi-Fi for the first time with a new router:
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Hook up your Wi-Fi router by connecting it to the power and broadband connection with the provided wires.
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Wait for the Wi-Fi network to come online. This can take a couple of minutes and will usually be indicated by a green light on the router.
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Using a Wi-Fi device, such as a laptop or smartphone, scan for the Wi-Fi network. The default network name will be shown in the router manual or on a sticker attached to the router.
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Select the Wi-Fi network and enter the password supplied with the router.
You should now be connected to Wi-Fi!
Do I need to provide my own router?
Most internet service providers supply you with a wireless router, or ‘hub’ as they often call them, as standard. It is pre-configured to work right out of the box.
Always check the terms when you sign up, because sometimes the router will be yours to keep, and sometimes it will be a loan only and you'll have to return it when you switch to a new provider in future.
Can you still use your own router if you want to?
In most cases, yes, although there may be the occasional exception, like with some full fibre or niche service providers that require specialist gear. However, you will have to set it up yourself, and most providers will not be able to offer you support if you're using third-party hardware.
What should I look for in a hub or router?
The hubs and routers supplied by internet service providers are not all the same, and can have very different levels of performance.
Each provider should give you a router that can handle the maximum speed of your connection, with a range that will reach all the rooms of a typical home. However, many will also keep their best routers for their fastest fibre products. Sign up for a cheaper deal from a smaller provider, and you might be supplied with an older generation router.
While it’s useful to know the specs of the router you’re getting, they only take you so far. There are numerous other factors that affect a router’s performance, including the quality and layout of components such as the internal antennas.
You can find detailed tests of all the routers bundled by the major broadband providers on many hardware review sites. These will give you a better indication of real-world performance over a range of distances, so you can determine how that relates to your home, where you’ll position the router and where you’ll be able to use the internet.
And it isn't just about the hardware. Some modern routers offer support for mobile apps, which make it far easier to control the router settings. They have additional and useful software features too. These can include support for parental controls, the ability to limit screen time for your kids, and enable you to set up a Guest Mode so that you don't have to give your Wi-Fi password to everyone who visits your house.
Wireless broadband and wireless ISPs
Wireless broadband may also be used to refer to wireless internet service providers. These are known as ‘WISPs’. These deliver internet access with a wireless connection instead of a using a fixed-line.
The name wireless broadband doesn’t refer to a specific technology, as WISPs can use different methods to provide their services. For example:
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)
Fixed Wireless Access providers use wireless transmissions to provide internet access without having to install cabling to each home. FWA is a broad term, not a specific technology. So FWA ISPs can use various methods, including Wi-Fi, 4G or 5G, to deliver the connection.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots
A public Wi-Fi hotspot is a Wi-Fi router offering internet access to anyone in the vicinity. Often these are free services operated by businesses and public organisations for the benefit of customers, though there are also Wi-Fi hotspots that require payment to access.
Unlike FWA, a public hotspot isn’t set up to deliver internet access over a wide area. It often uses the same kind of hardware as a regular home Wi-Fi router and is only meant to serve a small area.
Mobile broadband and 5G
Mobile broadband can be used at home in place of a fixed-line service. If you live somewhere that a fixed-line service isn’t available, this can be a great option.
Any mobile broadband service would work, so long as you have a strong signal. If you plan to switch to mobile broadband, make sure you choose a package that’s been specifically designed for home use and it comes with unlimited data. You can visit our guide to using mobile broadband at home if you'd like to know more.
A service from a 5G mobile network can be faster than many home broadband services, so might actually be a better choice for you
Satellite broadband
Rather than relying upon transmitters on the ground, satellite broadband uses orbiting relays to provide broadband access via dishes on people’s homes
Satellite broadband’s greatest strength is its ability to work anywhere within the very large coverage footprint, so even the most remote homes can get reasonably fast internet. But the distance between the dishes and the satellites also means that latency can be a problem.
If this is something that interests you, we have a guide to satellite broadband that goes into more detail.
Should I get fixed-line or wireless broadband?
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We recommend that most customers choose a fixed-line, fibre broadband package if one’s available. These are reliable and affordable deals that almost everyone can get.
Wireless broadband internet providers tend to fill a niche, covering gaps in the fixed-line networks. Most people won’t need this as over 98% over properties in the UK have access to a decent, superfast broadband service with internet speeds of at least 30Mb. More than half of properties now can enjoy ultrafast, full fibre broadband.
What could be causing my slow Wi-Fi?
Slow Wi-Fi is something we all experience from time to time. There are many causes and plenty of fixes.
First of all, you need to check whether it is your Wi-Fi or your broadband that is slow. To do this, grab your phone or laptop, go and stand right next to your router, then use our Speed Test tool to check your broadband speed. If it's slower than you expect, it's likely to be a broadband problem, so give your provider a call. If not, then it's a Wi-Fi problem.
One of the main things to check now is that your router is set up and positioned properly. A wireless signal can be easily blocked by large physical objects. Ideally, your router should have a central position in your house, be raised off the floor, and not enclosed by walls. In practice, you might not be able to do all this, but you should at least try to minimise the number of obstructions. Experiment with different locations if you can.
Rebooting the router can often help. And also check that you're getting slow Wi-Fi on all your devices - sometimes only one of your devices might be affected. If so, take the usual precautions, like rebooting that device, running a virus scan, and so on.
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How far can a router's signal reach, and how can I improve it?
Lots of things affect the range of a wireless router, some you have control over, and some you don't.
They include the internal design of the router and how many antennas it has, whether there are any physical objects obstructing its signal, how old the router is, and what frequency it runs on.
If you have persistent problems getting your wireless to reach all parts of your home, and even have a few dead spots, you can buy some extra hardware to improve the coverage. There are a few options available to you.
Wi-Fi extender
A Wi-Fi extender (also known as a booster, repeater or access point) is a small box that picks up the signal from your router and re-broadcasts it to effectively extend the range of your network. So, if your router is set up on the ground floor, you could install an extender by the stairs or on the upstairs landing to ensure that the bedrooms are fully covered.
The downside to a Wi-Fi extender is that it appears on your network as a separate router. It has its own login details, and your devices will switch between the extender and your main router depending on where you are in the house.
Mesh network
A better and more modern alternative to an extender is a mesh network. With this system, you typically get a main router and a few extra "nodes" that you can position around your home which receive and re-broadcast the wireless signal.
Mesh networks have two big benefits over Wi-Fi extenders. First, they're plug and play. They need little setup, and you can add more nodes as and when you need them. Second, they show up on your network as a single device, so once you've entered your main router password you will connect and switch between the other nodes seamlessly and without the need for any more login details.
Powerline adapters
Your other option is a Powerline adapter, also called a HomePlug. These transmit data using the standard electrical wiring in your home. You connect one adapter to your router and plug it into a power outlet nearby, and a second adapter into a power outlet in the room where your Wi-Fi’s signal is subpar. The second adapter becomes an entry point to the network, to which you connect your laptop, console or any other gadget. Adapters can provide either a wired or wireless connection, depending on the type you choose.
Powerline adapters are an easy way of extending your network, and are literally plug and play. For best results you need to ensure you plug them directly into the wall, and should use power sockets that are connected to the same circuit (they share the same fuse box switch).
Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi
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What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is wireless networking technology that allows devices such as computers, tablets, game consoles and smartphones to communicate without a physical link. To use Wi-Fi, you need a Wi-Fi router.
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What does Wi-Fi mean?
The term ‘Wi-Fi’ isn’t short for anything. Although it was inspired by the audio term ‘Hi-Fi’, it doesn’t actually stand for ‘Wireless Fidelity’.
Wi-Fi is the official name, although it’s commonly spelt as ‘WiFi’.
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I just want Wi-Fi at home. Do I need to buy wireless broadband?
To get Wi-Fi at home, you only need a Wi-Fi router, which is almost always included with a broadband deal at no extra cost.
Our guide to setting up Wi-Fi can help you get started. We also have a guide to buying your own Wi-Fi router.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the kind of Wi-Fi router device you’ll get when you sign up to a new broadband package, check out these router round-ups.
Plusnet Wi-Fi router round-up 2024
Vodafone Wi-Fi router round-up 2024
NOW Broadband Wi-Fi router round-up 2024
Three 4G and 5G router round-up 2024
TalkTalk Wi-Fi router round-up 2024
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Who offers wireless broadband deals?
There aren’t as many wireless providers compared to the vast choice of fixed-line home broadband providers.
Wireless ISPs will usually be found serving a small area, often focusing on rural communities, but there are WISPs offering national coverage too.
Some WISPS include Quickline who use a mix of fibre lines and 5G tech to provide some wireless broadband up in the North of England and Scotland as well some of Wales. There’s also WiSpire in Norfolk that uses church spires and existing masts to connect people in rural locations to the internet.
If mobile broadband is something you’re interested in, then look into mobile and broadband providers such as Vodafone, EE, and Three.
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How does Wi-Fi work?
Wi-Fi transmits data using radio waves, mostly in the 2.4Ghz-6Ghz frequency range.
This radio signal allows devices to communicate wirelessly.
The range of a Wi-Fi connection depends on the frequency, transmission power, and environment.
Using standard Wi-Fi devices, you can expect an indoor range of around 150ft for a 2.4GHz network, going up to around 300ft outdoors. But it’s possible to get a much longer range using directional antennas and more powerful transmitters.
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Can I use Wi-Fi hotspots for wireless broadband at home?
It might be tempting to use a public hotspot instead of paying for home broadband. But if a hotspot is a free public service offered by a pub, café, restaurant or library, it’s intended for use by customers and visitors. So you shouldn’t use it as your personal broadband service.
You should also remember that there are also security issues with public Wi-Fi that could put you at risk from hackers.
If you want to use a public hotspot, there are paid public hotspot networks you can use in place of a regular broadband connection. They can be reasonably good value and offer lots of flexibility. But remember that you’re only getting a wireless internet connection with no control over the router, no option for a faster and more stable wired network connection, and no guarantee of speed.
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How fast is Wi-Fi?
The speed of a Wi-Fi connection depends primarily on the Wi-Fi standard supported by both the router and the connected device. Broadband speeds are also impacted by factors such as signal strength and how many other devices are using the network.
There’s a standard referred to as ‘Wi-Fi 6’ that theoretically offers download speeds of up to 10Gbps. But in practice, you’ll find it’s much slower than that.
If you have any reasonably modern Wi-Fi router supporting Wi-Fi 5, then your Wi-Fi connection can probably send data at a higher speed than your broadband service.
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How fast is wireless broadband?
The speed of wireless broadband varies wildly depending on the technology.
Many wireless broadband providers advertise a download speed of around 30Mb though some can offer up to 100Mb, or even faster. Satellite broadband usually offers between 30-50Mb, with some offering 100Mb+. And the latest 5G mobile broadband connections can deliver more than 500Mb, though they typically average around 100-150Mb.
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What is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot?
A Wi-Fi dongle, or mobile hotspot, is a mobile broadband dongle which creates a Wi-Fi network to share its mobile internet connection. This lets you get mobile broadband access on any Wi-Fi device.
Your mobile phone can often be used as a hotspot, so if you need internet on the go? You can usually connect through your phone.
See also: 'what is iPhone and Android tethering and how do you use it?'
Expert Summary
Wireless broadband is something that can mean very different things depending on the context.
Most often, when we’re talking wireless broadband it’s referencing home Wi-Fi.
If you’re just interested in Wi-Fi for all your devices, then a fixed-line broadband deal with a free Wi-Fi router is what you need. We suggest you go with a fibre broadband package for the best speeds.
Use our postcode checker to see what’s available in your area.
However, wireless broadband can also refer to broadband where the internet connection itself doesn’t use wires.
The most common of these will be mobile or Wi-Fi internet, though there are also satellite broadband packages.
Wireless internet can offer decent speeds, and you can get them even in areas that you can’t get fixed-line broadband. So if you live somewhere rural where a fixed-line isn’t possible, these are great options.
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