This article provides definitions and answers common definitions regarding WiFi networks and connectivity. To learn how to establish a WiFi network in your restaurant, read our WiFi Overview article.
- What is Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is a wireless communication technology allowing computers to connect with each other.
- What is internet access? Internet access implies the ability to connect to the worldwide, interconnected computer network.
- If I have Wi-Fi, do I have internet? Not necessarily. Wi-Fi access can exist without a connection to the internet. It could be deployed in a manner where a local-only network is created to allow computers to talk to each other, but not to the internet.
- If I have internet, do I have Wi-Fi? Not necessarily. Internet service can be delivered exclusively over a wired Ethernet connection.
- What is a network? A network is collection of connected computers that are able to share data with each other.
- What is a LAN? A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network typically confined to a single geographic location such as a home or a business. Typically, there is a switch involved that allows the computers to work with each other.
- What is a VLAN? A VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) is a logical grouping of computers isolated into their own LAN. This is typically controlled through software in a switch. It is possible for some switches to support multiple VLANs.
- What is a Wi-Fi repeater? A Wi-Fi repeater, or range-extender, is a device that extends the physical range of a Wi-Fi network.
- What is a router? A router is a device that connects two or more networks together. A common type is a device that connects the internet (a global network) to a LAN (a local network).
- What is a switch? A switch is a device that allows computers to communicate with each other within a network.
- What is a firewall? A firewall is a system whose purpose is to prevent unauthorized access to or from another network. A firewall is often deployed in between the internet and a business or home LAN. A firewall can be implemented as either software process running on a server or as a dedicated piece of hardware.
- What is a modem? A modem is a device typically provided by an Internet Service Provider that provides access to the internet.
- Are all of these their own device? It is now common for many routers to be packaged in one form factor to provide Wi-Fi, switching and routing.
- Can my iPad change networks on it's own? If more than one WiFi connection is available, iPads can sometimes "jump networks" and connect to a different network, with a stronger signal perhaps. You can prevent this by going to the iPad Settings>WiFi and enabling the Ask to Join Networks option. This will prompt a question requesting permission to join a different network before actually doing so. If the question comes up, deny permission to prevent interruptions to Table Tracker.