A Wi-Fi signal is a wave of electromagnetic energy that travels through the air to your router. In order to connect to the internet, you'll need wireless access. A wireless connection emits its own waves of electromagnetic energy that travel through the air to your device's antenna. This means that if you're connected wirelessly, there will be two different signals traveling in opposite directions around your home. Think about it like two people talking next to each other! The powerline network can be used as a by-pass from one end of the house (the router) to the other (the phone).