Fiber WiFi leverages fiber optic internet to provide a wireless internet connection. Fiber internet transmits data as light pulses through thin strands of glass or plastic, and WiFi then broadcasts that connection wirelessly.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
-
Fiber Optic Internet: Data travels as light pulses through fiber optic cables, reaching speeds close to the speed of light. These cables are made of incredibly thin strands of glass or plastic.
-
Fiber Modem/ONT (Optical Network Terminal): When the fiber optic cable reaches your home or business, it connects to an ONT (sometimes referred to as a fiber modem). The ONT converts the light signals from the fiber cable into electrical signals that your router can understand.
-
Router: The router connects to the ONT. Its primary function is to receive the internet signal and broadcast a wireless signal, creating your WiFi network. Modern routers use various standards like 802.11ax (WiFi 6) to optimize speed and range.
-
Wireless Devices: Your devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) connect to the WiFi network broadcast by the router, allowing them to access the internet.
In essence, fiber WiFi isn't a separate technology. It's simply using a fiber optic internet connection in conjunction with a standard WiFi router. The fiber optic connection provides the extremely fast and reliable internet service, and the router provides the wireless access.
Here's a simplified table:
Component | Function | Technology |
---|---|---|
Fiber Optic Cable | Transmits data as light pulses. | Fiber Optic Internet |
ONT (Fiber Modem) | Converts light signals to electrical signals. | Fiber Optic Internet |
Router | Receives the internet signal and broadcasts a WiFi network. | Wireless Networking (WiFi) |
Wireless Devices | Connect to the WiFi network to access the internet. | Wireless Networking (WiFi) |
Therefore, to reiterate: Fiber WiFi uses fiber internet to provide a base for the WiFi connection. The fiber cable provides the fast data transfer; the router converts that into a WiFi signal your devices can use.