Computing desk
< December 2	<< Nov \| December \| Jan >>	December 4 >

Welcome to the Wikipedia Computing Reference Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is a transcluded archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current reference desk pages.

December 3

WiFi vs provided phone line

a. I'd like to know more about the technology in the basis of being connected to the web wirelessly (using Wifi (Hotspot), on the computer. In other words, how does the router (via its web card) , or any other installed device, connect to web, based on the physical line ? As far as I see it, the line doesn't serve as phone/fax only, but rather functions also AS AN HOTSPOT somehow, and that's what I want to figure out about. To emphasize this distinction, I know that one's phone line can be disconnected, and yet, remain connected to the web.

b. Where can I read more about this topic (technologically) ?

c. How far can a signal from the HotSpot can still be detected effectively ? In what extent the signal is attenuated from an apartment in one floor, to one just above it (concrete absorption) ? Can a range enhancer (amplifier) improve results in the described situation ?

Thank you, בנצי (talk) 21:06, 3 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

The most common way to be connected wirelessly to the web is via a wireless router, which is often a residential gateway, and not a hotspot intended for public use. The technology is the same, though. The Internet service provider provides the connection between the Internet and the router, often using the same physical cables used for landline telephone service. There are different technologies in use for this, but all involve some form of multiplexing. Optical fiber lines serving a residence can provide a high bit rate. Most older (pre-Internet) connections are copper cables; in that case, ADSL is the most commonly used technique. When you hang up your phone, what is disconnected is the circuit going through your provider's telephone exchange enabling communication with another party; the phone line is not disconnected but remains connected to the telephone exchange. Hopefully the articles linked to provide a starting point; if there is something specific you want to know more about and cannot find through these articles, please ask again.

The distance at which the wireless signal is still strong enough for good reception depends on many factors, but usually it should still be strong enough after passing through one concrete floor. A wireless repeater can help to extend the range considerably. --Lambiam 23:19, 3 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for your detailed answer. The main issue I'm concerned with is that double usage of the landline, today. I'D LIKE TO READ MORE ABOUT THAT 2ND TECHNOLOGY. It sounds like transmitting both types of signals through the metal wire (or the optical fiber), where the provider is capable of switching each on/off separately.

Linked articles - you mean the incitations ? I'll certainly go over them (some of which read already). Any (methodical) literture ?

You strengthen my evaluation as to the amount of attenuation through the floor, & even more so by using a wireless repeater.

Good day to you, בנצי (talk) 17:36, 4 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

The words or phrases that are in a different colour – probably blue – are hyperlinks to Wikipedia articles on the topic. For the methods of combining multiple signals into one signal that is transmitted over a single line, to be separated again into the original signals at the receiver end, see Multiplexing. One signal can be the telephone channel, and another the Internet channel. As you can read in the article, there is a variety of ways for doing this. --Lambiam 21:41, 4 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Today, "Internet connection over a phone line" generally refers to DSL. So it turns out, with fancy hardware and software, you can transmit data using higher-than-voiceband frequencies over a phone line. This is how the same wires can carry both a POTS call and DSL connection at once. However, the subscriber end needs filters for the phones to block the DSL frequencies, which are otherwise audible on a phone call. (If you have DSL, plug in a handset directly with no filter to hear for yourself.) On your end, there's a DSL modem (these days, typically part of an integrated gateway), and on the other end of the phone line there's a DSLAM which talks to your modem, and splits out the voiceband to be transmitted as a regular phone call. If you have so-called "naked DSL", with no phone service, then your phone provider just has the DSLAM not do the phone stuff for you.

Wi-Fi range varies based on the specific Wi-Fi type, transmission power, the devices being used, antenna characteristics, and most importantly environmental conditions like how much interference is present. Think of it just as radio. A range extender will certainly always make some difference. There are other strategies for improving Wi-Fi coverage in buildings, such as using multiple access points, which may be linked in a mesh network. Combining these with powerline networking can often be handy, to provide wired connections throughout the building without having to run networking cables through walls and floors. --47.152.93.24 (talk) 23:03, 8 December 2020 (UTC)[reply]