Is having Wifi the same as having Internet?

When browsing the Internet wirelessly using a Wi-Fi connection, certain problems are common. And it is already known that the use of cables has gone into the background and that nowadays it is more and more common to connect wirelessly. There is a wide range of equipment options available with this technology.

However, a problem arises every day: why do I have a Wi-Fi connection without Internet access? This question is asked by thousands of people who for some reason are connected to a wireless network but do not have access to the Internet.

The answer is simple, just because you have a Wi-Fi connection does not mean you are connected to the Internet. Wifi is a registered trade name for a group of technologies that allow a device, such as a computer, smartphone or game console, to connect wirelessly to a local area network (LAN) using a radio link. Wifi replaces the need for a physical cable between a networked device and a router, the device that manages the connections between all devices on a LAN.

While the Internet is a general name for hundreds of millions of smaller networks that are interconnected. Within these smaller networks are billions of devices connected via the TCP/IP protocol. These devices can be interconnected using physical cables, optical cables, radio links or other technologies that have not yet been designed.

So when any of your devices have a Wifi connection, they are connected to the LAN. But this network you are connected to is not necessarily connected to the Internet. There is a problem.

Experts on this topic, from the site adslzone.net, explain the problem as follows: You can imagine the situation as if it were a pipe: if they cut off the water to your house, the pipe is still there, but no water is passing through it. The same thing happens in this case: you can be connected to the Wi-Fi network in the same way that your tube is still connected. But the Internet does not “pass” through it. You have a wireless network connection, but it won’t help you because there is no internet connection.

Know the reasons

The reasons are different, get to know them and put the tips into action:

1. Wifi connection problems

The first reason, and probably the most common, is that the router has errors. It is a device that works 24/7 and at certain times there may be temporary technical failures, such as a drop in the Internet connection or network overload. Because of this, your Wifi might be working but without an internet connection. Usually you don’t need to do anything and everything will go back to normal without needing to configure your router in any way, but if the problem persists for a long time, you can try rebooting the router by turning it off for a few seconds to cool it down. This simple step solves more of these problems than you might think.

Another option is to call your operator and ask about possible network problems. They will be the ones who can best explain why the failure occurred and the estimated resolution time.

2. Password and network settings

Another possible cause is passwords. You probably entered the wrong password or you changed it recently and did not update it on your mobile phone or other device. You may also have changed some settings on your router and this is causing your device to not be able to connect to the network properly.

In this case, review all the settings you have made and check whether the password you enter on your mobile device is correct.

3. Problems with the company

Apart from configuration or customization issues on your devices, there is a possibility that there is some sort of issue with the company. Line breaks, some administrative glitch, or some fiber crossover causing your router to not receive an IP. These cases are more difficult to detect and solve. Your router may appear to be working properly, with all lights normally on, but no device may be able to access the Internet. It can also happen that the router has lost synchronization, and the network and Wi-Fi cards are still working, but you don’t have internet at home. In any case, it is best to call the company to send a technician to the house to perform the appropriate tests, find the fault and fix it as soon as possible.

4. Problem with router synchronization

It may also happen that the router does not synchronize properly with the network. Although modern devices are able to handle many requests and stay connected for weeks without any problems, sometimes saturation can occur and this causes a loss of connection. This can mostly happen if you have an old router.

5. Check that there are no blocking antivirus programs or firewalls

Another issue to keep in mind is to check that there are no blockages by firewalls or antiviruses. They are very important tools that protect the network, but sometimes problems can occur. Sometimes they can even block the internet signal and prevent proper browsing.

6. External problems

On some occasions, problems may arise that do not originate within our network or even within our home. As we all know, the internet signal arrives through two main routes, optical and satellite. Although the facilities have been greatly improved, they are still exposed to various factors. Such as weather, accidents or other human factors.