WiFi vs Bluetooth vs Wireless Internet – what’s the difference?

In today’s technological world there are many “Tech terms” going around and a lot of people are getting confused as to what means what. 

One of the things we often get asked by customers is “what is Bluetooth or WiFi” when looking at buying new computer equipment. 

WiFi and Bluetooth are about the range, speed and number of devices you can connect to. 

Bluetooth has the ability to connect to another Bluetooth device cable free and transfer data; however it is slow, and often limited to one on one device transfer – eg phone to printer.  

WiFi has the ability to allow you to connect to multiple devices without cables and provides better data transfer rates. It is typically known as your wireless “network” or local wireless. The wireless network is where all your devices connect together through a box (router) in your home. Some other devices may use this for one-on-one connection, like printers. 

Now this is where it can get confusing for some: 

Wireless internet is different to your wireless network. Wireless internet is where you receive internet via a provider’s phone tower using a broadband router, USB or phone, and without a cable.  You then can access the internet via your Wireless “network” within your home from devices that have WiFi capabilities. eg computer, mobile phone, printer 

So what are the benefits of each of these? 

Bluetooth can do some of the same things as a wireless network, but it’s not as good at connecting multiple devices, and it’s slow. It’s not a product that has taken off in the technical world, and most alternatives now use WiFi technology. 

WiFi, is good for connecting devices within your home without cables. For example, you can have one printer in your home/office and be able to print from anywhere or any device within range. 

Wireless internet is good for areas that cannot have phone line access, or for people who travel frequently and need internet. 

As always it is best to speak to your local IT expert when looking at setting up your computer network.