WiFi is a wireless networking technology that uses the 802.11 standard and allows devices to connect wirelessly to a network or gain access to the internet. WiFi networks can be open or closed with a password, and efforts are underway to turn entire cities into massive WiFi hotspots. WiFi technology uses radio signals to communicate and several versions of the 802.11 standard have been released over the years.
WiFi®, also spelled Wi-Fi®, is a wireless networking technology used throughout the world. Refers to any system that uses the 802.11 standard, which was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and released in 1997. This standard has been promoted extensively by the Wi-Fi Alliance®, a trade group that pioneered commercialization of the technology. An individual or business can use a wireless router or similar device to create a “hotspot” or area where appropriate devices can connect wirelessly to a network or gain access to the Internet.
Basic setting
In a WiFi® network, computers with the appropriate network cards can connect wirelessly to an appropriate router. This router is usually connected to the Internet through a modem, often with a high-speed connection. Any user within approximately 200 feet (about 61 meters) of the access point can then connect to the Internet, although for good transfer speeds, distances of 100 feet (about 30.5 meters) or less are often suggested. Retailers also sell signal boosters that extend the range of a wireless network.
Types of networks
WiFi® networks can be “open”, so that anyone can use them, or “closed”, in which case a password is required. An area covered by wireless access through a device is often called a “wireless hotspot.” Anyone with a device that includes appropriate functionality can connect to this network while in the hotspot. Through this connection you can access a local network or get internet connectivity. This allows people inside the hotspot to connect to the Internet through the router and modem, often provided to employees of a company or as a free service at coffee shops and similar places.
Great hotspot
Efforts are underway to turn entire cities, such as San Francisco, Portland and Philadelphia, into massive WiFi® hotspots. Many of these plans might offer a free, ad-supported or ad-free service for a small fee to anyone within the city. Such efforts require a great deal of infrastructure planning and support, while ensuring unprecedented connectivity for the residents of those cities.
How does it work
WiFi® technology uses radio signals to communicate, typically operating at a frequency of 2.4 gigahertz (GHz). “WiFi® Certified” electronic devices are guaranteed to interact with each other regardless of brand, as long as they use the same version of the technology. Companies have designed this standard to cater for lightweight computing systems, which are typically mobile and designed to consume minimal power. Hardware developers produce mobile phones, laptops and tablets that are all compatible with this wireless technology. Desktop computers can usually connect to such a network by installing a wireless card or dongle.
Different types
Several versions of the 802.11 standard have been released over the years, often denoted by a letter after the designation. Wireless-G, for example, has introduced several improvements over the initial standard such as faster transfer speeds. It is important for the user of a computer or device to recognize the type of WiFi® their device uses, to ensure compatibility with the router creating a hotspot. As the technology continues to improve, further designations are likely to be released, although they are often backwards compatible.
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