About: WiFi (Wireless Internet)

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WiFi (also known as Wireless Internet) is a technology that makes it possible for devices to connect to the Internet wirelessly. Your Shaw modem acts as a wireless hub, making WiFi available in your home.

What is WiFi?

WiFi allows your device (i.e. laptop) to be connected to the internet without requiring to be plugged in while you surf the Web. WiFi uses a device called a wireless router to spread the wireless Internet signal throughout your home or office so that you can connect to it with your devices.

To use WiFi, your device needs to be WiFi capable. Most laptops, smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and other devices you might take outside of the house are WiFi-ready by default. Desktop computers are often not set up to connect to WiFi by default.

How WiFi works

For WiFi to work a wireless router is required. A wireless router is a device that broadcasts the WiFi signal in your household. The modem that Shaw provides is often referred to as a wireless modem because it functions as a modem that provides wireless router features.

WiFi interference occurs in every home, to a varying degree, and is the result of your WiFi signal being weakened or interrupted by other signals and physical obstructions. To learn more, read About: WiFi interference and How To: Troubleshoot your WiFi connection.

WiFi Internet speeds will not be the same as the speeds you can achieve with a wired connection. Speeds can be slowed further by interference, distance between devices and wireless modem, and the number of WiFi connections active in your household. Some older devices may also be limited in the wireless speeds they can attain.

What is Shaw Go WiFi?

Shaw Go WiFi is Canada’s largest WiFi network which provides access for Shaw Internet and Shaw Mobile customers. Stay connected no matter where you are with access to hundreds of thousands of Shaw Go WiFi hotspots. Get Started with Shaw Go WiFi and connect your device today.

Learn More: About: Shaw Go WiFi.

What is WiFi 6?

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is the latest WiFi standard. The previous standard was WiFi 5 (802.11ac) and before that WiFi 4 (802.11n). WiFi 6 comes with many benefits including higher data transfer rates, increased capacity for more devices, improved performance, and improved power efficiency.

Can I use WiFi 6 with my Shaw Internet service?

Yes. Currently only the Shaw Gateway 2.0 (XB7) supports WiFi 6. If you have the Gateway 2.0, any WiFi 6 compatible device connected to your home network will use the WiFi 6 standard.

How do I know if my device is WiFi 6 compatible?

Many new devices (2019 or later) support WiFi 6 including Apple and Samsung smartphones, and the PlayStation 5. As WiFi 6 is a relatively new technology, devices more than a couple years old likely do not support it.

We recommend checking your device specifications from the manufacturer to confirm if it supports WiFi 6. This is usually indicated with "ax" being included in the WiFi details for the device. For example, "WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax".