Yes, you can have Wi-Fi without necessarily owning a router. This is because Wi-Fi is not an Internet connection, but rather a wireless means of connecting devices to a network. However, in most cases, the typical Wi-Fi for residential and commercial use is a hybrid device, which means it combines several functionalities into a single device. Here’s what this breakdown means:
Network switch: A network switch is a hardware device that enables several devices that are connected to it to share information with each other.
Router for networks: A router is a device that directs data traffic between networks. In this case, it directs data between the devices in your network and the Internet.
Wi-Fi Access Point: This functionality in the router creates a wireless signal that enables devices with Wi-Fi capability to join your network without the need for cables.
In summary, owning a router is not a prerequisite to having Wi-Fi in your home or office since you can connect your devices to a Wi-Fi signal without a router. However, most common Wi-Fi connections come in the form of hybrid devices that integrate multiple functionalities into one device.