As technology continues to evolve and spread into the tiniest corners of the world, it may surprise you that many people don’t know that Wi-Fi is an abbreviated term.
Wireless technology can connect you almost anywhere: work, school, libraries, airports, and even restaurants.
There are many theories surrounding the term, but the most widely accepted definition in the tech community is “Wireless Fidelity.”
It’s also sometimes spelled as Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi, WI-Fi, or Wi-Fi, but the Wi-Fi Alliance officially approves none of these.
Wi-Fi is the world’s most popular wireless networking technology. NCR Corporation/AT&T invented it in the Netherlands in 1991.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking protocol that allows devices to communicate without internet cords. It’s a technology that uses radio waves to provide network connectivity.
This connection is established using a wireless adapter to create hotspots, and devices in the vicinity or range of the hotspot can access internet services.
Once configured, it provides wireless connectivity to your devices by emitting frequencies ranging from 2.4GHz – 5GHz, though it’s based on the amount of data on the network.
How Does It Work?
Like every mobile device, a Wi-Fi network uses radio waves to transfer information.
This includes a wireless adapter to translate the data sent into a radio signal.
This same signal will then be transmitted through an antenna to a decoder known as the router.
Once the data is decoded, the data will be sent to the Internet through a wired Ethernet connection.
Take note that a wireless network works as a two-way traffic. The data received from the other end will also pass through the router to be coded into a radio signal that will be received by the computer’s wireless adapter.
An example is a typical home, where a router transmits an internet connection from a source outside the network, like an ISP (Internet Service Provider), and it delivers that service to a nearby device that can reach its wireless signal.
No matter how the Wi-Fi is used or the source of its connection, the result is always the same: a wireless signal that allows other devices to connect to its main transmitter for communication (transfer of data or voice messages).
In simple terms, Wi-Fi is a network that provides access to internet services from any capable wireless device, such as a tablet, laptop, or smartphone.
Most modern devices now support Wi-Fi, so they can easily access a network to get internet access and share resources through the network.
Types of Wi-Fi Technologies
A wireless network transmits at a frequency level of 2.4GHz or 5GHz to adapt to the amount of data its user sends.
802.11 is the working standard, but it varies depending on the user’s needs. There are four major types of Wi-Fi technologies.
Wi-Fi-802.11a
It transmits data at 5GHz and defines the radio signal format and structure that Wi-Fi routers and antennas can use.
The OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) uses an enhanced reception by dividing the radio signals into small bits before they reach the router. With this wireless network, you can transmit a maximum of 54 MB/s.
Wi-Fi-802.11b
This wireless network supports a bandwidth of 11MB/s. When its signal is regulated, its frequency is around 2.5GHz, which is low compared to the 802.11a frequency.
Wi-Fi-802.11g
It transmits data at 2.4GHz but can also transmit a maximum of 54 MB/s because it uses an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) coding. It’s more expensive than 802.11b.
Wi-Fi-802.11n
This is the latest Wi-Fi technology. It was designed to succeed in the 802.11g. It can transmit a maximum of 140 MB/s and uses a frequency level of 5GHz.
Using multiple wireless signals and antennas instead of one supports more bandwidth and increases signal intensity.
Is it Secure?
Security is not a hidden element concerning Wi-Fi technology; it is a personal decision because some people might leave their Wi-Fi network open but have a wireless connection.
We should always pay attention to protect our private details from prying eyes. It is advisable to be careful when connecting to an unsecured wireless router.
How to Make Your Wi-Fi Secure?
All routers are provided a web page to connect to for easy configuration of the Wi-Fi security.
Turning on the WEP (Wired Equivalence Privacy) and entering a password on the configuration page makes your Wi-Fi secure.
Once this is done, whenever you try to connect with any device, you will be asked to enter the connection password to gain access to the network.
Is Wi-Fi Free?
There are a lot of places to get access to Wi-Fi for free, like airports, subway, public squares, hotels, etc.
But we all know Wi-Fi is not free because it’s Wi-Fi; the cost is determined by whether the service is capped.
Application Area of Wi-Fi
- Video conferencing
- Surfing the Internet
- Home appliances
- Mobile applications
- Automotive segment
- Business applications
What are Hotspots?
A hotspot is a term used to define an area where a Wi-Fi network can be accessed. It can be a closed or open network in a public place like a restaurant or an airport.
To access a hotspot, your device’s Wi-Fi must be turned ON. You can connect to it directly if it’s open, but if it is password-protected (closed), you will need a password to access the network.
Fortunately, hotspots in public areas are open to everyone. However, connecting to a Wi-Fi network that is not yours puts your privacy in great danger.
Advantages
- It allows wireless connectivity to the Internet
- Its configuration is easy
- It can be moved from one place to another.
- It allows a connection to the Internet through hotspots
Does It Have Any Disadvantages?
It does. Some are listed below;
- Wi-Fi generates radiation that can be harmful to your health
- It’s advisable to disconnect from the Wi-Fi whenever you are no longer using the server.
- It has some limits to transferring data as it doesn’t transfer data long-distance.
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