Silverton Community Advantage Magazine February 2023

Stop By And See What’s

WiFi vs. Internet

What’s the Difference and Why

Does it Matter?

What is WiFi?

WiFi technology is extremely popular and available just about everywhere. Whether you’re grabbing a cup of coffee, out shopping, or enjoying a family pizza night, there’s likely a WiFi hotspot available. You may hear people talking about “find the WiFi” or not being able to “get onto WiFi.” Most of the time, the issue is that they can’t access internet content on a laptop, smartphone, or other device.

WiFi technology is extremely popular and available just about everywhere Whether you’re grabbing a cup of coffee, out shopping, or enjoying a family pizza night, there’s likely a WiFi hotspot available. You may hear people talking about “find the WiFi” or not being able to “get onto WiFi.” Most of the time, the issue is that they can’t access internet content on a laptop, smartphone, or other device.

the physical connection from using infrastructure like fiber optic wireless broadcasting of some of air. Devices can then connect to needing any cords to access the game, video chat, email, and more. connection is made possible by several equipment wired in to the internet: a modem actually connects your ISP, while a router lets your internet connection. In some cases, a be combined into one piece of radio technology to broadcast a known as a service set identifier, or ISP chooses when the router is on your laptop or other device, list of other WiFi router names and your neighbors’. Select your list, enter the router’s password, connected to WiFi. As long as connected to your modem, you access any online service or go your web browser.

That then raises the question: is WiFi the same as the internet? The short answer is that no, it’s not. With home networks becoming more sophisticated all the time with more and more connected devices, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the difference between the two.

That then raises the question: is WiFi the same as the internet? The short answer is that no, it’s not. With home networks becoming more sophisticated all the time with more and more connected devices, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the difference between the two.

What is the Internet?

What is the Internet?

The internet is a global communications network. As its name suggests, it’s more than one network – it’s a series of thousands of inter-connected networks.

The internet is a global communications network. As its name suggests, it’s more than one network – it’s a series of thousands 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 equipment that makes it possible for customers like you – in addition to businesses, universities, hospitals, and more – to connect to the internet.

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 equipment that makes it possible for customers like you – in addition to businesses, universities, hospitals, and more – to connect to the internet.

What is WiFi?

What is WiFi?

While internet service is the physical connection from an ISPs central office using infrastructure like fiber optic strands, WiFi is the wireless broadcasting of some of that signal through the air. Devices can then connect to that signal without needing any cords to access the internet to stream, game, video chat, email, and more. The "wireless" connection is made possible by several pieces of WiFi equipment wired in to the internet: a modem and a router. A modem actually connects your home network to your ISP, while a router lets your devices use that internet connection. In some cases, a modem and router may be combined into one piece of equipment.

While internet service is the physical connection from an ISPs central office using infrastructure like fiber optic strands, WiFi is the wireless broadcasting of some of that signal through the air. Devices can then connect to that signal without needing any cords to access the internet to stream, game, video chat, email, and more. The "wireless" connection is made possible by several pieces of WiFi equipment wired in to the internet: a modem and a router. A modem actually connects your home network to your ISP, while a router lets your devices use that internet connection. In some cases, a modem and router may be combined into one piece of equipment.

The WiFi router 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. When you’re on your laptop or other device, you can often see a list of other WiFi router names nearby such as yours and your neighbors’. Select your router name from the list, enter the router’s password, and just like that, you’re connected to WiFi. As long as your router is properly connected to your modem, you should then be able to access any online service or go to any website using your web browser.

The WiFi router 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. When you’re on your laptop or other device, you can often see a list of other WiFi router names nearby such as yours and your neighbors’. Select your router name from the list, enter the router’s password, and just like that, you’re connected to WiFi. As long as your router is properly connected to your modem, you should then be able to access any online service or go to any website using your web browser.

Is connecting to WiFi the same as connecting to the Internet?

The short answer is no, not technically. Just because you’re connected to your WiFi router does not mean that you are also connected to the internet. You might notice from time to time that your computer says you’re connected to WiFi, but you are not able to access any websites or send email. This may mean that your router is having trouble communicating with your modem, preventing you from accessing the internet. But rest assured, DirectLink's Tech Support Team is ready to help troubleshoot connection issues should they occur.

So the next time you “get on WiFi,” you’ll know there’s a bit more to it. You are actually connecting to a router that is then connecting to the modem that is then connecting to the internet.

Want to Dive Deeper into WiFi?

Register for DirectLink’s Next Community Class

In this upcoming class, the local DirectLink team will discuss tips and tricks for optimizing your WiFi network. We’ll go over how some older connected devices could be slowing down your network, new WiFi solutions that provide more user control options and increased security, and the differences between a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band.

FENDER COMES TO CANBY

By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer

Photos by Andrew Sambuceto

Canby Music welcomes Fender! Following a 2½ year delay from the original order date, this iconic guitar brand takes up its long-awaited place at Canby Music. Fender guitars, amps, basses, and everything else comprising the full Fender line has finally arrived. Canby Music is excited to be your local Fender dealership and offer “one of the biggest names in guitars.” With upwards of 100 guitars in the Fender line on-site, customers will have the luxury of selecting just the right instrument to fit their music style and level of expertise. Beginning with the Squier, a more affordable brand in the Fender line suitable for a beginner, moving up to the quality instruments crafted in Mexico, and ultimately the Made in the USA top-of-the-line Fender guitar. A complete inventory of amplifiers, everything from practice amps to full-stage tube amps are also available, as well as all the accessories—straps, strings, stands, and more. Don’t see something in the Fender line you’re looking for? No worries. Canby Music can order it for you!

Brian Haines, owner of Canby Music, began his business in 2008 on “kind of on a whim,” he relates. All through his 20s he had traveled on the road playing guitar in different bands. He enjoyed local success performing at fairs, rodeos, and casinos, and often performed weeklong gigs within the Western United States. On

his final road trip Brian had been gone 6 months, returning home at 29 years old. “This has all been fun and dandy,” he remembers thinking, but he also entertained the idea of settling down and having a family. Wanting to stay in music without traveling, Brian decided that “a music store would be the way to go.” He opened Canby Music in downtown Canby, and due to multiple requests he began teaching lessons as a service to the community. Along the way, band instrument rentals and repairs were also added.

After 10 years of growing business, Canby Music bought the “blue house” property in 2018 and began renovating. Completing much of the work himself, Brian opened the new location in September 2020, which includes: 4 lessons rooms staffed by instructors who teach multiple instruments, an instrument repair shop, band rentals, a high-end retail shop, and climate control throughout. In addition to more space, Brian expresses, “It’s nice and new, everything works.”

Canby Music hand-picks their staff of highly-qualified individuals. Nathan Doty, Repair Technician, started with Canby Music at the downtown location. Nathan is the school liaison, in charge of instrument repairs for all the local schools.

Christian Engerman, Studio Manager, teaches lessons and is responsible for lesson scheduling and billing. Lana Szenasi was “perfect” with her background in band and was assigned to school band rentals. Lana also teaches lessons and repairs instruments in the rental fleet. Ryleigh Mulhern, a school senior, came in with family and thought it would be “neat” to work in a music store. She sat and played their piano, the staff was impressed, and thought she’d be a good fit for the store. She teaches lessons and is their graphic designer. Cody McEldowney heads up Drums and School Percussion. He’s also in charge of the retail business, receiving and displaying products, and ringing up sales.

Brian continues teaching 20 or so individuals who’ve “been coming for years,” he says, “but mostly steers the ship

these days.” Living in Canby with his wife and 2 school-age children, both in Canby School District, Brian Haines knows what it means to be a local independent business owner and active community member. Brian, who’s originally from Canby, came up with the concept of Canby Music, and he states candidly, “This is as Canby as it gets.” He donates instruments and lessons to school auctions and equestrian events (showing support for his daughter who rides). He shops generously at the fireworks booth at Canby Music Boosters Club,

which raises money for high school and middle school bands. He is also a member of Canby Chamber of Commerce.

Stop by Canby Music today and check out their impressive inventory of Fender guitars as well as their other local brands such as Breedlove from Bend, OR. Don’t forget to ask about Free Financing!

Canby Music is located at 590 NW 1st Ave. in Canby. Call them at (503)263-2263 or email brian@canbymusic.com. For additional information visit their website at canbymusic.com.