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We compare plans from these leading internet providers and can connect you with our participating providers.

Aussie Broadband

Aussie Broadband is an Australian owned ISP specialising in the NBN. This internet provider has had several prestigious ...

Belong

Belong keeps things super simple: choose your data cap, speed and contract length, and don't worry about activation fees...

Dodo

Dodo is a Melbourne based internet provider but a trusted and recognisable household name all over Australia. Not only d...

Exetel

Exetel is a fully Australian owned internet service provider with an excellent range of plans for the NBN, Home Wireless...

Harbour ISP

Harbour ISP promises to provide their customers with a connection that they count on, and from all accounts, it is a pro...

iiNet

iiNet is one of Australia's longest lasting internet service providers. With iiNet's quirky ads and great value NBN™ pla...

Optus

Optus is the second-largest telecommunications company in Australia, with over 1 million broadband subscribers. They're ...

Superloop

Superloop is one of Australia’s fastest growing nbn providers, offering a great experience for a very competitive price....

Tangerine Telecom

Tangerine Telecom is an Australian internet service provider that provides the NBN internet broadband service for Austra...

Telstra

Telstra is Australia's oldest and largest telecommunications company, providing 3.5 million fixed broadband services. Th...

TPG

TPG is one of the largest internet service providers in Australia, with a history stretching back to 1986. Besides ADSL2...

Uniti Wireless

Uniti Wireless has a clear focus on giving their customers unlimited superfast broadband that’s as reliable as it is aff...


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Q. What is the difference between WiFi and wireless and do I need a land line for WiFi?
Amanda 29/11/2010 8:19:54 AM

Wi-Fi is a way of connecting to the internet without attaching a cable from your modem to your computer. A wireless device can pick up the Wi-Fi signal, which is created by a Wi-Fi modem or router, and connect to the internet.

Several devices, such as a laptop, a video games console, or a smartphone, can all connect to a Wi-Fi signal at the same time. Anyone using a wireless device connected to Wi-Fi can move around and stay connected, provided they don't move out of range.

If you want to create a Wi-Fi network in your home, you need a broadband connection and a Wi-Fi modem, or an ordinary modem plus a Wi-Fi router. You can do this for a cable, ADSL, ADSL2+, Naked or even mobile broadband connection.

It's very important to set up a password for your network when you connect for the first time, or your connection will be open for anyone within range to use. You only have to enter the password when you connect a device to the network for the first time – after that, your laptop or other wireless gadget will automatically connect you to the internet when you are within range of the signal.

You can also connect to a Wi-Fi network in a public place. Many cafes have free Wi-Fi available for customers, and many Australian libraries also offer the service.

Mobile broadband goes by a few different names and is often confused with Wi-Fi. Mobile broadband uses the mobile phone towers to send a broadband signal through the air, rather than through a telephone line or cable. All you need for a mobile broadband connection is a modem, which is in the form of a USB stick (also known as a 'dongle').

Mobile broadband can be accessed anywhere the modem can pick up reception, which is why coverage is so important. It's slower and more unreliable than a Wi-Fi network created from an ADSL or cable connection.

However, it is fully portable, unlike Wi-Fi. Another difference between mobile broadband and Wi-Fi is the number of gadgets you can connect at the same time. With a fast Wi-Fi connection, several people can connect at once. Usually, mobile broadband customers can only connect one device at a time; however, it is possible to buy a mobile broadband Wi-Fi modem.

So, in answer to your question, no, you don't need a landline for Wi-Fi, just a broadband connection and a Wi-Fi modem. However, I would recommend you opt for an ADSL connection as this will give you a good value, fast and reliable internet connection. You can buy a Wi-Fi modem from the provider you sign up with or you can buy a Wi-Fi router if you already have a modem.

If you are looking for a good ADSL or ADSL2+ plan, use our website to compare a few providers, then sign up online or give them a call for more information.

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Q. What is the difference between WiFi and wireless and do I need a land line for WiFi?
Amanda 29/11/2010 8:19:54 AM

Wi-Fi is a way of connecting to the internet without attaching a cable from your modem to your computer. A wireless device can pick up the Wi-Fi signal, which is created by a Wi-Fi modem or router, and connect to the internet.

Several devices, such as a laptop, a video games console, or a smartphone, can all connect to a Wi-Fi signal at the same time. Anyone using a wireless device connected to Wi-Fi can move around and stay connected, provided they don't move out of range.

If you want to create a Wi-Fi network in your home, you need a broadband connection and a Wi-Fi modem, or an ordinary modem plus a Wi-Fi router. You can do this for a cable, ADSL, ADSL2+, Naked or even mobile broadband connection.

It's very important to set up a password for your network when you connect for the first time, or your connection will be open for anyone within range to use. You only have to enter the password when you connect a device to the network for the first time – after that, your laptop or other wireless gadget will automatically connect you to the internet when you are within range of the signal.

You can also connect to a Wi-Fi network in a public place. Many cafes have free Wi-Fi available for customers, and many Australian libraries also offer the service.

Mobile broadband goes by a few different names and is often confused with Wi-Fi. Mobile broadband uses the mobile phone towers to send a broadband signal through the air, rather than through a telephone line or cable. All you need for a mobile broadband connection is a modem, which is in the form of a USB stick (also known as a 'dongle').

Mobile broadband can be accessed anywhere the modem can pick up reception, which is why coverage is so important. It's slower and more unreliable than a Wi-Fi network created from an ADSL or cable connection.

However, it is fully portable, unlike Wi-Fi. Another difference between mobile broadband and Wi-Fi is the number of gadgets you can connect at the same time. With a fast Wi-Fi connection, several people can connect at once. Usually, mobile broadband customers can only connect one device at a time; however, it is possible to buy a mobile broadband Wi-Fi modem.

So, in answer to your question, no, you don't need a landline for Wi-Fi, just a broadband connection and a Wi-Fi modem. However, I would recommend you opt for an ADSL connection as this will give you a good value, fast and reliable internet connection. You can buy a Wi-Fi modem from the provider you sign up with or you can buy a Wi-Fi router if you already have a modem.

If you are looking for a good ADSL or ADSL2+ plan, use our website to compare a few providers, then sign up online or give them a call for more information.


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Compare Broadband provides consumers with an impartial, comprehensive and free Broadband Internet comparison. Independent to Internet Service Providers, we are a wholly owned Australian company with hundreds of plans listed on our website.

  • Copyright © 2022 comparebroadband.com.au. All rights reserved
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