Business Connections for Spring 2019

SPRING 2019 7 BUSINESS CONNECTIONS It’s not uncommon to hear people use the terms “internet” and “Wi-Fi” interchangeably. So to clarify the difference between the two, here’s a rundown: The internet is a massive global communications network, made up of a series of inter-connected networks. While no one person or organization owns the internet itself, each internet service provider (ISP) typically owns its own network. It buys and installs the specialized networking equipment that makes it possible for customers to connect to the internet. To connect to your ISP’s network from your business, you’re given access to a physi- cal line. If this line is a fiber-optic cable, it may be connected to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) like a GigaCenter or GigaHub, or to your own router. If your ISP has a copper or coax network, the line would be connected to a modem. There are two ways to connect a computer to a modem. The first method involves physically plugging the computer into the port on the back of the modem using an Ethernet cable. The second method, which is much more common today, uses a wireless connection made possible by a device called a Wi-Fi router. The Wi-Fi router is physically plugged into the modem with a cable. It uses radio technology to broadcast a unique name (also known as a service set identifier, or SSID), which you or your ISP chooses when the router is first set up. Just because you’re connected to your Wi-Fi router does not mean you’re also connected to the internet. For example, your computer might say you’re connected to Wi-Fi but you’re unable to access any websites or send email. This could mean either your modem is not properly connected to the internet or your Wi-Fi router is not successfully connected to your modem. So the next time you “get on Wi-Fi,” you’ll know there’s a bit more to it. You could actually be connecting to a Wi-Fi router that’s then connecting to the modem that’s then connecting to the internet. FOCUS ON YOUR BUSINESS AND LET US MANAGE YOUR WI-FI You may be so busy running your business that you don’t have the time or energy to devote to managing your Wi-Fi network. All West Communica- tions understands. That’s why we offer Managed Business-Class Wi-Fi, which provides these benefits: • Secure, Cost-Effective Solution – Managed Business-Class Wi-Fi is specifically designed for a business environment. • Affordable – There’s no huge upfront investment in Wi-Fi equip- ment. Lease a GigaCenter for just $9.95/month with no contract. • Low, Predictable Costs – We maintain and enhance the service for you, so there are no surprise maintenance, upgrade or replacement costs. • Flexibility to Meet Your Growing Needs – The flexible cloud-based infrastructure can grow as your business grows. Need additional coverage? No problem! We can easily add an additional Mesh unit (or four!) for $4.95/month per unit. • Accommodates Visitors – Easily add a guest network to keep your business and customer traffic sepa- rate and secure. Contact our business team at 877.584.1581 or sales@allwest.com to find out how Managed Business-Class Wi-Fi could benefit your business. What’s the Difference Between the Internet and Wi-Fi?