Asking how to get Wi-Fi without cable puts us in a difficult position for the discussion because you don’t need a cable when using Wi-Fi. Wireless networks are just that, there are no wires, therefore there are no cables when connecting.
Nevertheless, the question can be interpreted as getting Wi-Fi without a cable ISP (Internet Service Provider). This is possible, and we’ll discuss it in a moment. First, let’s discuss what Wi-Fi is, and what the differences between a wireless and a cable connection are.
CONTENTS
What Is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi refers to wireless connectivity and wireless networks. The wireless network protocols that are based on wireless standards can provide a possibility to establish LANs (Local Area Networks) and provide internet access.
The Wi-Fi network protocols use radio frequencies to transmit data. Currently, there are two commonplace frequencies used by almost every router, and these are 2.4 GHz (Gigahertz) and 5GHz.
So, as mentioned above, Wi-Fi works without a cable. The router emits wireless radio frequencies that provide you with internet access, and you can do everything that you normally do on your smartphone. Let’s discuss the differences between cable connections and wireless.
Wi-Fi Connection vs. Ethernet Connection
The main difference is the wires. Wi-Fi doesn’t use wires, ethernet does. The advantage of Wi-Fi is that you have improved mobility. With an ethernet connection, you need to stay put, and this is great when you’re at your work desk.
However, when you want a strong and reliable internet connection or a LAN connection, you should use an ethernet cable. Ethernet is much more reliable than Wi-Fi because many things affect wireless speed.
This happens because of the frequency it emits. Many things can affect radio frequency, and these are devices that work on a similar frequency, but they can also be metal objects, walls, aquariums, mirrors, etc.
Wi-Fi Without Cable ISP
Now that we understand what Wi-Fi is and the difference between a wireless and a wired connection, we can discuss how to get Wi-Fi without cable. As you may know, there are many types of internet connections our ISPs use.
Optic Fiber Internet
The first thing you need to know is that the cables used to supply fiber optic internet don’t have copper wires in them. Instead, they are made of plastic and glass. The signal that travels through those cables is light, while other types use signals in the form of electricity.
Because of the signal form, light, the signal travels faster, and that’s why optic fiber provides the fastest internet speed. It’s up to 1GBps (GigaByte per second), which is 10 Gbps (Gigabits per second). Plus, the speed is the same for both uploading and downloading.
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So, if you want to get Wi-Fi without having a cable internet service provider, you can get a router compatible with a fiber optic modem. The thing is that the ISP usually provides you with everything you need. The only thing you do is set up the Wi-Fi name and password.
DSL Internet
DSL (Digital subscriber line) internet service providers are very common because they use telephone lines to provide internet access. Telephone lines have copper wires in them, and they transmit data from one point to the other. There are two types of DSL:
- ADSL: Asymmetric digital subscriber line provides subscribers with, in simple terms, more download speed, and less upload speed. This is because the frequency on the telephone lines is limited, and there’s only a part of it used by DSL.
- SDSL: Symmetric digital subscriber line provides subscribers with an equal download and upload speed. This means that the parts of the frequency reserved for download and upload are equal.
The speed can be anywhere from 256 Kbps (Kilobits per second) to more than 100 Mbps (Megabits per second). It can be a good cheap alternative for cable, and you can get the same wireless technology from a DSL provider.
Satellite Internet
Another way to get Wi-Fi without a cable ISP is to get satellite internet. Satellite internet is different from other internet service providers because it uses satellites that are stationary to provide you with internet access.
Usually, the speed goes up to 500 Mbps. It works similar to satellite TV, and again you’ll get the same Wi-Fi capabilities with any of these ISPs. However, we’re going to share our opinion with you on whether you should use cable, fiber, satellite, or DSL.
Our Opinion
Currently, the most affordable option is DSL because the infrastructure was there before they even began providing internet service. However, it’s not the most reliable connection, and if you’re a gamer, the speed won’t work for you.
We recommend fiber optic to people who are in more urban areas as the infrastructure has been laid out in most larger cities. However, if you live a little further from the city center, we recommend using satellite if it’s available.
Satellite is faster than DSL, and it’s more affordable. A huge advantage that goes in favor of satellite internet is that it’s available in rural areas, and you can have a good gaming experience with it.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand that a cable connection in your home is faster than a wireless connection. If you’re still thinking about how to get Wi-Fi without cable, you can opt for one of the recommended ISPs. Finally, subscribers usually choose cable because it’s cheaper than fiber and more reliable than the other two options.
Hey, I’m Jeremy Clifford. I hold a bachelor’s degree in information systems, and I’m a certified network specialist. I worked for several internet providers in LA, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Seattle over the past 21 years.
I worked as a customer service operator, field technician, network engineer, and network specialist. During my career in networking, I’ve come across numerous modems, gateways, routers, and other networking hardware. I’ve installed network equipment, fixed it, designed and administrated networks, etc.
Networking is my passion, and I’m eager to share everything I know with you. On this website, you can read my modem and router reviews, as well as various how-to guides designed to help you solve your network problems. I want to liberate you from the fear that most users feel when they have to deal with modem and router settings.
My favorite free-time activities are gaming, movie-watching, and cooking. I also enjoy fishing, although I’m not good at it. What I’m good at is annoying David when we are fishing together. Apparently, you’re not supposed to talk or laugh while fishing – it scares the fishes.