Though it won’t give you access to the world wide web, it’s more than possible to purchase a WiFi router in order to set up local networks or connect personal devices.
I’ve spent most of my life working (and tinkering) with different Wi-Fi setups. That has given me a wide knowledge of both how routers operate, as well as the numerous ways they can be used.
The following article goes into both of those in much more detail by looking at what a router is, how the device works, as well as the different ways you can use it without a provider.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- A router needs a provider to work at full capacity, but it can still technically work without one.
- Even without internet, a router is still able to remotely control devices, set up LAN parties, and locally connect different machines.
- Mobile hotspots, public WiFi, and borrowing a neighbor or a friend’s network, are all ways to access the internet without turning to a traditional provider.
A Router Without Internet Access
Routers are devices that many people assume are tethered to an internet provider. However, that’s not exactly true. While using one without an internet provider won’t provide access to a lot of benefits that routers come with, it doesn’t mean they’re completely useless.
At their base, the devices work to enable wireless devices or networks to connect and run smoothly. They need the internet to the best of their abilities, but it’s not a necessary prerequisite if they’re only used at a local level.
Where modems, which also help bring the internet to your home, are basically useless with an internet provider, routers still have the ability to work with devices on a local level. Though they will not give you WiFi on their own, they still may be worth a purchase.
If you want that extra internet access, that’s where a provider comes into play. No router on any level will be able to get you onto the web without some type of WiFi source. Still, if you’re just connecting locally that’s not something you necessarily have to be worried about.
Using a Router on Its Own
Once your router is set up, even without internet, there are several acts it can perform that may be useful to your needs. First, it will allow you to remotely control devices. That alone can be worth it, especially if you have quite a few gadgets at home.
On top of that, you can create a home server, share files through connected devices, and host games through LAN parties. They can even stream available network content.
All of those tasks are useful, and give your router a purpose even when you aren’t using it with internet. It’s important to note that, in this way, routers are much different than modems. They may be limited, but they aren’t a complete brick.
How to Get WiFi Without a Provider
For the most part, you’re not going to be able to get on the internet without a service provider. However, it’s not impossible either. While an ISP is important, they aren’t always necessary when it comes to jumping on the world wide web.
The first way to get your own WiFi is by creating a mobile hotspot. Almost everyone these days has a personal phone or tablet device that can generate a connection. Such methods do eat up a lot of data (and battery life) but if you have an unlimited plan it’s a reliable WiFi source.
You can tether your mobile devices as well. While that method does come with a few drawbacks, such as being completely reliant on your mobile phone’s signal for service, it’s quick and easy if you just need to jump online every now and then.
There’s also the option to access public WiFi. Almost all metropolitan areas have some sort of connection that people can jump on, and they tend to be pretty reliable. You typically won’t be able to use them with a router, but it’s a free way to surf the web.
If that’s not enough, you can always share a neighbor’s (or even a roommate’s) WiFi. That option takes a bit of asking, and it’s not always going to yield the results you want, but there’s no harm in trying. This is especially great if it’s someone you trust.
Of course, going with a provider is easier than the above options. It’s more costly, but you’re paying for the convenience more than anything else.
FAQs
This section answers some of the top router-provider related questions.
How Much Should I Spend on a WiFi Router?
There’s no one amount you should (or should not) spend on a router. As with any device, it depends on your personal budget and what traits you want. Still, it’s hard to go wrong with a solid model that’s around $100.
Do Routers and Modems Come Together?
Sometimes. Though routers and modems are traditionally separate, there are a few models that combine the two into one device. They are not the norm, however, so you’ll have to specifically buy one if you’re looking for it.
Does Any Router Work with Any Internet Provider?
No. Routers have to be compatible with the internet offered by your provider. Always check the two first and make sure they work together before completing your final purchase.
Final Words
Most users who get a router will do so with an internet provider, but it’s important to understand that the two aren’t linked. If you only need local access and just want something that helps you work with a few devices, a provider-less router is a solid choice.
Have you ever used a router without the world wide web? What did you do with it? Let us know in the comments below!
