What Is Wi-Fi? - Definition and Types
What Is Wi-Fi?
Wi-fi, which stands for wireless fidelity, is a wireless technology that allows computers, tablets, smartphones, laptops, wearable devices, speakers, wireless headphones, wireless printers, Smartwatch, routers and other electronic devices to connect to the internet.
Whether they realize it or not, a lot of people use wifi. Wi-fi technology, which allows users to connect to the internet wirelessly from public or private hotspots, has generally contributed to the creation of a more connected world.
This technology also connected many devices in the so-called Internet of Things, such as your TV, baby cam and a lot more. To learn more about what is wi-fi, including the types of wi-fi and how it works, see below.
How Does Wi-Fi Work?
Typically, wi-fi uses electromagnetic waves to transmit data from your wireless router to your Wi-Fi-enabled devices like your computer, smartphone and TV. These wi-fi frequencies are split into multiple channels to reduce interference and high traffic. Depending on the data, either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz is being used to transmit the data.
Whether the user accesses the internet through his device, it converts the requested information into binary code. This code gets further translated into wave frequencies with the help of the wi-fi chip that is embedded in your devices. In addition to the transmission of wi-fi signals, the following media are available:
Ethernet connection or Base station
This is the main host network that provides a network connection to the router.
Access Point
This point accepts the word ethernet connection and then converts the wired connection into a wireless connection.
Accessing Devices
It is a physical device on which wi-fi is enabled and on which we surf the internet.
Types of Wi-Fi or wireless connection
There are four primary types of wireless networks and each type is based on its range and connectivity requirements. Besides, they can be used for specific applications and use cases.
1. Wireless LAN
Wireless LAN (Local Area Network) are the most popular network type commonly used in commercial and residential applications.
2. Wireless Man
Wireless MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) is typically leveraged for use cases that demand more expansive coverage, including a university campus or the downtown stretch of a city.
3. Wireless PAN
Wireless PAN (Personal Area Network) is designed to connect a minimal number of devices with a very small coverage, like a single room.
4. Wireless WAN
Wireless WAN (Wide Area Network) is the most expansive and long-range network option that is used for broad coverage areas such as entire regions, states or countries.
What is a Wireless Access Point?
In general, a wireless access point allows wireless devices to connect to the wireless network. An access point for your network is similar to what an amplifier does for your home stereo. Besides, it takes the bandwidth that comes from a router and stretches so that many devices can go on the network from farther distances away. It does more than simply extend wi-fi.
What is a Desktop Wi-Fi router?
The most popular method for users to connect wirelessly to the internet is through a desktop wireless router. Usually, these desktop wi-fi routers look like small boxes with multiple short antennas that help broadcast the signal throughout a home or workplace. Whether the farther a user is from the base wi-fi router, the weaker the signal. So multiple wireless routers are usually placed throughout the workspace.