Wi-Fi Explained
Understanding Your Wi-Fi
1. How Do I Connect My Devices to Wi-Fi?
Your Wi-Fi network connects the devices in your home or business to the internet. To connect, open your device’s Settings, select Wi-Fi, choose your network name, and enter your password.
Lake Region customers may see two Wi-Fi network names, also known as SSIDs, when searching for available networks. For example:
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SmithFamily_2.4
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SmithFamily_5G
These two networks are available because your Lake Region router broadcasts two wireless frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Your network names and password were established when your service was installed.
2. What’s the Difference Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
Both frequencies connect your devices to the internet, but each has different strengths.
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2.4 GHz: Provides greater coverage and travels farther, making it useful for devices farther away from your router. However, it generally offers slower speeds and can experience more wireless interference.
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5 GHz: Typically provides faster speeds and less interference, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, video calls, and other high-bandwidth activities. However, its signal does not travel as far and may have more difficulty passing through walls.
Remember: 2.4 GHz reaches farther, while 5 GHz is generally faster.
When both networks are available, choose 5 GHz for speed and performance when your device is close enough to maintain a strong signal. Use 2.4 GHz for devices farther away or those that require greater coverage.
3. How Do My Devices Connect to Wi-Fi?
Your phones, computers, smart TVs, tablets, and other connected devices communicate wirelessly with your Wi-Fi router. Together, these devices form a wireless local area network (WLAN), allowing them to access your internet connection without needing a wired connection to the router.
4. How Does Wi-Fi Connect to the Internet?
Your Wi-Fi router distributes your internet connection to devices throughout your home or business. With Lake Region, that connection comes through a fiber-optic line connected to an Optical Network Unit (ONU).
The ONU converts the optical signal from the fiber-optic network into a connection your router can use. Your router then distributes that connection to your devices over Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.
The internet itself is a wide area network (WAN) that connects computers, servers, and networks around the world.
5. What’s the Difference Between My Router and My ONU?
Your router and ONU work together to deliver internet service, but they serve different purposes.
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ONU (Optical Network Unit): Connects to the fiber-optic line entering your home or business and converts the optical signal into an internet connection.
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Wi-Fi router: Distributes that connection to your devices through Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connections.
Both devices need to work properly for you to enjoy a reliable internet connection.
6. What Should I Check if My Wi-Fi Isn’t Working?
If your devices cannot connect to Wi-Fi or your connection seems slow, start by checking your equipment.
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Check your router. Make sure it is powered on and your device is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.
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Check your ONU. Make sure it is powered on and check its indicator lights for anything unusual.
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Check the connections. Ensure the fiber-optic line and the cable connecting the ONU to your router are securely connected. Avoid bending or disconnecting the fiber-optic line.
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Restart your equipment if needed. If the problem continues, contact Lake Region for assistance before disconnecting fiber-optic connections or resetting your equipment to factory settings.
If your router is working but your internet connection is still unavailable, the issue may involve the ONU or the fiber-optic connection. Lake Region can help determine the cause.
7. Is My Wi-Fi Router Right for My Home or Business?
Not all Wi-Fi routers provide the same coverage, speed, or device capacity. When choosing a router, consider the size of your home or business, the number of connected devices, and how you use the internet.
For the best experience, look for a router that supports your internet speed, provides adequate coverage throughout your space, and can handle your connected devices. Larger homes, multiple floors, thick walls, and numerous connected devices may require additional access points or a mesh Wi-Fi system.
Need help with your Wi-Fi? Contact Lake Region Technology & Communications for assistance with your internet connection and home networking questions.
Wi-Fi FAQ
What’s the difference between a wired and wireless internet network?
Devices connected to a network can access the internet, work together, and share information. A wired network connects devices together using Ethernet cables. This places restrictions on where you can take your devices. Wired networks are often used when there are work stations and other internet-connected devices that do not move.
A wireless network connects devices without using physical wires. Instead, WiFi connects devices using radio waves. Many devices use wireless technology allowing you to move freely with your device and connect to the internet as long as there is an adequate signal.
Both wired and wireless networks allow you to control security restrictions and which devices can access others.
How can I get the most from my Lake Region WiFi networks: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz?
When connecting to your WiFi through your Lake Region internet, you may see two different SSID connections, often labeled networks, one ending in 2.4 GHz and the second in 5 GHz. That’s because the router we provided you has two different bands of WiFi—5GHz is 802.11ac certified and 2.4GHz is 802.11n certified.
When available as an option on your device, it is recommended to connect to the 5 GHz SSID as it will provide a faster connection. The 2.4 GHz band can travel farther than the 5 GHz band, but it cannot offer the high-speed capabilities of 5 GHz.
In addition, the 2.4 GHz band may be crowded with baby monitors, microwave, and other household devices. It’s also important to remember that some devices can only pick up the 2.4 GHz band. This could be due to the age of the device, for example older smartphones, or simply the capabilities of the device.
To reach speeds in excess of 100 Mbps, your equipment will need to meet the newest WiFi standard, which is 802.11ac. Slower devices should be placed on the 2.4GHz band, and newer, faster devices should be placed on the 5GHz band.
Why is my device seeing lower than the the speed I am paying for when running a speed test (based on subscription)?
There are many factors that could contribute to the fact that your device may not be operating at the full speed you are subscribing to, speed even though we are delivering that speed to your doorstep.
You’ll get the fastest connection speed possible when you connect your device with an ethernet cable to your router. Wired connections operate with less environmental interference than wireless connections.
Wireless connections will never hit full speed.
- distance (the further you are from the router, the slower the speed)
- placement of the router (ideally the router should be centrally located and on the second floor of a multi-story home)
- construction of your home (the building materials your home is made of can have a negative effect on signal strength resulting in speed reduction—especially thick masonry and metal framing)
- interference from other wireless networks or devices (such as microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, wireless mice, fluorescent lights, and wireless surveillance cameras)
- equipment (older devices operate on older wireless standards, which will produce slower speeds)