WiFi networks use radio waves to connect computers and share online access without cabling. They require a router and WiFi card or adapter, and use the IEEE 802.11 standard. Different generations of protocols exist, and components must support the same type to communicate. Certified components are recommended for business networks. Bluetooth networks use a weaker radio band for personal device connectivity.
A Wi-Fi® or WiFi® network is the most familiar type of wireless network used to connect computers and share online access in your home or office. A WiFi® network requires no cabling, but transmits network traffic over radio waves. It does this using a central device that is often three components in one: a network hub, a router, and a high-speed Internet modem. For simplicity we will refer to this device as a router, although in some cases the router, which has a built-in hub, is purchased separately from the modem.
Each machine on a WiFi® network must either have a WiFi® card installed or an external WiFi® adapter. These devices incorporate a receiver and transmitter to send and receive data across the network to the router. The transmission range varies up to 300 feet (~100m) or more, but is fairly centralized, creating what is referred to as a local area network (LAN). Your WiFi® router, cards, and adapters use a common language or protocol to communicate that conforms to a standard known as IEEE 802.11.
Within the 802.11 standard, there are several generations of protocols, each designated by an additional letter. Generations to date include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. The first two versions are now legacy, but as of Spring 2009, 802.11g is still in widespread use with the newer and faster 802.11n on its way to replacing it.
All WiFi® components in the network must support the same type or generation of 802.11 standards in order to communicate. If your router only supports 802.11g, your WiFi® cards and adapters must also support 802.11g. If your router supports 802.11n, your cards and adapters must also support 802.11n.
Some routers, adapters and adapters manufactured during the transition periods between standards changes will be designed to support both the current and the new protocol for maximum flexibility. These devices will be more expensive as the “g” and “n” networks use different frequency bands, requiring two radios rather than just one.
Components made for a WiFi® network may be certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Certification ensures that the product fully complies with supported standards. Only a wireless network with certified components is a true Wi-Fi® network according to technical standards, as Wi-Fi® is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. However, “WiFi” or “wifi” has been generalized to mean any 802.11-compliant wireless network whether the components are officially certified or simply marketed as compatible.
When setting up a WiFi® network it’s best to use the latest technology available to future-proof your investment. For home use, non-certified WiFi® components might save you some money and will most likely get the job done. If you’re setting up a wireless network for a business, a true Wi-Fi network with certified components that have been thoroughly tested and known to be fully compliant might be a more prudent choice.
The 802.11 standards used in a WiFi® network differentiate it from other types of wireless communications that use radio waves, such as Bluetooth® networks. Bluetooth uses a weaker, less robust radio band that travels a much shorter distance up to about 30 feet (~10m). Bluetooth is primarily designed to connect battery-powered personal devices together for interoperability, creating a personal area network (PAN). Bluetooth could be used to transfer files from a cell phone to a computer, to sync a personal digital assistant with a laptop, or to connect a wireless headset with a cell phone or MP3 player.
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