Wi-Fi vs. internet: what's the difference?

The pieces, from the street to your phone

1. Your internet provider (ISP), like Cox, Spectrum or AT&T, brings a connection to the building by cable, fiber or phone line.
2. The modem turns that signal into internet your equipment can use.
3. The router shares that one connection with all your devices and creates your Wi-Fi network. (Many providers give you one box that does both.)
4. Your devices connect to the router by Wi-Fi or by a cable.

"Full bars, but nothing loads"

Your Wi-Fi bars only show how well your device hears the router. They say nothing about whether the router can reach the internet. If bars are full but nothing loads, the problem is usually the internet connection or the modem, not the Wi-Fi.

The fix that solves most problems

1. Unplug the modem and router (or the single combo box).
2. Wait about 30 seconds.
3. Plug the modem back in first and wait until its lights settle (a few minutes).
4. Then plug in the router, and give it a couple of minutes.
5. Still down? Check your provider's outage page or app, or call them.

Slow in some rooms?

• Move the router up high and into the open, near the middle of the space, not in a cabinet or behind the TV.
• 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: many routers broadcast two bands. 2.4 GHz reaches farther but is slower and more crowded; 5 GHz is faster but doesn't travel as far through walls. Newer routers often pick for you.
• Mesh Wi-Fi uses two or more units around the house that work as one network. It's a good fix for larger or multi-story homes.
• Use a cable for things that don't move, like a desktop computer, TV or game console. Wired is faster and more reliable.
• Run a speed test (for example, speedtest.net) next to the router and in the problem room. If it's slow next to the router too, it's the internet; if it's only slow far away, it's the Wi-Fi.