Understand WiFi vs. Internet speeds: How to get full speed

If you use broadband internet at home, you may have wondered about the difference between WiFi and an internet connection. While not exactly the same, they work together to deliver a fast internet connection.

In simple terms, your WiFi network provides a wireless link between your devices and your router. The router then connects to your modem, which communicates with your internet service provider (ISP), like Astound, to deliver your internet plan. But how does WiFi affect internet speed requirements?

If your WiFi speed is slower than your high speed internet plan allows, your devices won’t receive the full internet download speed or upload speeds you’re paying for. That’s why optimizing your WiFi network is crucial for meeting your internet speed requirements and ensuring your connected devices get the faster speeds you expect.

Let’s take a deeper look into WiFi vs. internet speeds below.

WiFi, short for “wireless fidelity” is a networking technology that enables laptops, desktops, smartphones and other devices to connect without cables. Today, WiFi plays a central role in broadband communication by distributing bandwidth across your home network. Over time, it has advanced through different standards, each offering faster speeds and supporting a growing number of devices for both residential internet and remote work.

Recent WiFi generations include:

• • WiFi 5 was released in 2014.
  • It’s the first WiFi standard to provide multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) technology.
  • It uses multiple antennas on both sending and receiving devices.
  • It has a theoretical speed of 3.5 Gbps.
  • It uses the 5GHz band to transmit data, instead of the 2.4GHz band.

• • WiFi 6 was released in 2019 and WiFi 6e was released in 2021. WiFi 6e was optimized from WiFi 6.
  • ​​WiFi 6e accesses the 6 GHz radio-frequency band, as well as the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands used by WiFi 6.
  • Both releases can reach theoretical speeds of 9.6 Gbps.
  • The 6 GHz frequency band is exclusive to WiFi 6e-enabled devices.
  • WiFi 6 and WiFi 6e are the most widely adapted standards.

• • WiFi 7 was released in 2024.
  • It’s the first WiFi standard to leverage 4K QAM modulation to enable peak speeds and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) to maintain consistent low latency, even in congested environments.
  • It’s the fastest WiFi at a theoretical speed of 46 Gbps.
  • It uses 2.4, 5, 6 and mmWave bands to transmit data.

Even though WiFi is powerful, several external factors can reduce performance in your home network. These include the following:

• • Distance from the wireless router: Keep devices close to the router for a stronger signal. For larger homes, look into mesh WiFi systems.
  • Using a non-compatible WiFi generation: Using devices that don’t support the latest WiFi standard can limit bandwidth and reduce speed.
  • Obstacles: Physical barriers or certain building materials can weaken your wireless internet signal.
  • Connected devices: Each mobile device, laptop or connected device adds demand on your network, which can lower available speeds.

As you can see, residential internet performance depends on more than just your plan. Your setup and devices play a critical role in achieving high speed internet at home.

However, you can increase and improve your WiFi speed by following the tips below.

• Broadband router placement: Position your wireless router in a central spot to improve overall wireless coverage.
• Antenna adjustment: Angle or reposition your router’s antenna to strengthen wireless internet signals.
• Bandwidth balance: Too many devices reduce available bandwidth; limit heavy use during critical tasks.
• Connections: Check and make sure your cables are connected to your WiFi system or use Ethernet for the best broadband connection.
• Communication blockers: Electronics like cordless phones or microwaves can disrupt signals; minimize interference where possible.
• System troubleshooting: Run built-in troubleshooting tools to detect and fix software or configuration issues.
• Old devices: Check your WiFi version for possible communication conflicts between other wireless devices which may have improper hardware.
• Backup option: Keep a backup connection, like Astound’s eero Ethernet backhaul, ready for emergencies or critical online activities.
• Broadband providers: If issues persist, confirm your plan with your internet providers or consider an upgrade.

What is internet speed? Using Mbps or Gbps as units, internet speed represents the rate at which data is downloaded or uploaded across your wireless or wired connection. Faster speeds typically mean smoother communication, higher-quality streaming and better performance across multiple devices.

Several factors can affect your broadband speed:

• Bandwidth limits: Too many devices sharing the same wireless internet can slow performance.
• Distance and equipment: Long cable runs, outdated Ethernet ports or a weak antenna can reduce efficiency.
• Connection type: Fiber often delivers the highest consistency, while older connections can have lag.
• Concurrent use: Heavy remote work, online gaming or streaming all at once impacts performance.
• Internet providers: The quality of your provider’s Gig speed internet or fiber WiFi infrastructure shapes your experience.

While many elements can impact performance, your broadband connection type is the single biggest factor shaping your online experience. Whether you rely on wireless or ethernet, your provider’s infrastructure determines available bandwidth and ultimately whether or not you get good internet speed.

Here are a few of the most common types of internet connections:

• DSL: Uses copper telephone lines to deliver data. It minimizes signal interference but offers lower bandwidth compared to other options.
• Cable: A widely available broadband option that’s faster and more reliable than DSL.
• Satellite: Provides coverage in rural areas where fiber or cable isn’t available, but it’s slower and often limited by internet providers.
• 5G home internet: 5G home internet uses wireless internet technology to deliver 5G into the home. Susceptible to interference and available only in populated areas.
• Fiber: A highly developed option that provides very fast speeds and low latency. For those who choose to get fiber internet, it can serve as a reliable alternative to 5G home internet.

Astound’s fiber-powered broadband offers consistent bandwidth and reliable performance throughout the day, while some 5G Home Internet options may experience intermittent speeds.

After picking your type of internet connection, make sure your hardware is ready to transmit data. This is generally a modem and router.

To receive the speed and bandwidth you’re paying for and transmit it within your home, make sure you:

• Place your wireless router in an open location, away from walls or materials that may interfere with signal strength.
• Update your router’s software regularly to make sure your broadband connection stays fast and secure.
• Enable the built-in firewall on your modem or router to protect your network.
• Secure your home WiFi.
• Use ethernet connections for gaming consoles, workstations or any devices that require maximum bandwidth.
• Be aware of internet throttling or peak hours, which may vary between internet providers.
• Monitor your online activities to upgrade your speed tier if necessary.