What is WI-FI? This is one of the common questions asked by many. The full form of WI-FI is wireless fidelity. WI-FI is a wireless networking technology invented by the AT & T/ NCR Corporation in the Netherlands. WI-FI technology helps in exchanging information between 2 or more devices.
WI-FI was developed for mobile computing devices, like laptops, however, it is now extensively used for mobile apps as well as consumer electronics like DVD players, television, and digital cameras. There are two ways of communicating with the WI-FI network, firstly via an access point to client or client-to-client networking.
WI-FI is a kind of wireless technology. It is very commonly known as a wireless local area network (LAN). WI-FI technology permits local networks to simply operate without wiring and cable. It is an extremely popular option for business and home networks. A personal computer’s wireless adaptor simply transfers the data to a radio signal and this data is transferred into an antenna for the users.
The Principle on Which WI-FI Technology Functions
WI-FI is nothing but a high-speed network connection, which uses no wires and cables. The wireless connection operates on three crucial elements that are antenna, radio signals, and router. Radio waves are the keys that make a WI-FI network possible. Personal computers and mobile phones are ready with WI-FI cards.
WI-FI permits you to access the web in any location where it is available. You now use the internet in libraries, resorts, schools, campuses, colleges, personal institutes, and espresso stores in open public locations.
How Does WI-FI Function?
WI-FI works on a similar principle as over-the-air TV or radio. WI-FI devices send radio signals to one another. However, in place of broadcasting analog video or audio, these waves encode digital network packets that comply with internet protocol, the same as the ones sent over the wired ethernet network.
How this info is decoded and encoded by distinct devices is thoroughly complicated and has been over the past few years refined with technology and techniques such as beamforming. This allows easy transmission of data more quickly with less power.
The Basic Constituents of WI-FI Include
- A router works on managing traffic among devices on the network.
- An access point, which is wireless offers a radio connection between the router and the local wireless device.
- A modem connects a local network to a wider internet network. While not strictly necessary for making WIFI work, without this the devices on the network can just talk to one another and not the world at large.
Primarily, home users have three constituents combined in one box that you get from your ISP (internet service provider). If you are looking to cover a bigger physical area than the signal from an access point, you can deploy a wireless extender. More advanced deployment, especially in expertise settings may roll out mesh networks, wherein multiple extenders are coordinated to offer better cover.
It is necessary to note that just connecting to WI-FI does not provide you with an internet network without a modem. It must be connected to an internet service provider. In simpler terms, WI-FI alone is not enough to push you online. Such modems can simply connect to the internet in distinct manners; the most common are fiber or cable.
Some modems are wireless, while they use technologies besides WI-FI to make an internet network. Few cellular providers sell gadgets known as wireless hotspots that cater to both wireless modems and WI-FI routers. Most cell phones can also serve this purpose, though cellular carriers limit the data amount you can use in a day.
The router plays a key role and forms a good mediator between all devices and the internet. While you might have a lot of gadgets, they share a publicly linked IP address. It is up to the router to send inbound network traffic to the correct device on the internal network.
Also Check: How Paraphasing Tools will improve your writing skill?
What’s 802.11 and How is It Linked With WI-FI?
The Electrical & electronic engineers institute maintains various industry standards. 802 refers to the number that designates the family of standards that governs how local area networks (LAN) function and 802.11 is the subfamily dedicated to a wireless LAN. 802.11 standard defines how the devices must communicate wirelessly and devices that adhere to such standards can interact with others.
There is a wide host of 802.11 standards, wherein each one is distinct but usually backward compatible as the very first version rolled in around the 1990s. Oddly, 802.11b was started before 802.11a and then this evolved to 802.11 g, 802.11 n, and others.
How Can You Secure WI-FI Connections?
As WI-FI became popular, so did the potential for hackers and others to take advantage. In the beginning, most WI-FI was open with data traversing over air unsecured. This posed an issue for companies concerned that any employee connecting from the public coffee shop could leak out the data to anyone in the room having a WI-FI receiver.
The WI-FI alliance was addressed by adding a distinct security protocol to the standard under the WI-FI-protected access banner, which includes the latest WPA3. The users connecting to the secured access point via properly configured WPA, and VPN networks now are more secure.
What are the Devices That Can Use WI-FI?
Another reason for technology’s success is the exponential rise in devices where WI-FI can get installed including televisions, home appliances, smart watches, video game consoles, etc. The rise of IoT or the Internet of Things can be traced to powerful performance, low cost, and reliable WI-FI networks.
Conclusion
Now over 20 years after its introduction, WI-FI still continues to evolve. Thanks to the bigger channels, enhanced quadratic amplitude modulations, and multiple access points, WI-FI promises a radical enhancement in data speed. However, if you are looking for a WI-FI connection in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or any region in India, ensure to compare amongst distinct competitors and then opt for the one that matches your need and preference.
Tags: Advantages of wifi, how wifi works in mobile, how does wifi signal to travel, wi-fi connect, does wifi use microwaves or radio waves, the full meaning of wifi and mifi, where does wifi come from.