What is WiFi?

Browsing the Internet is one of the most common ways of answering a question. You can research information on unfamiliar subjects or ask someone a question over the Internet. Being free of winding cables that keep you stuck in one place is a thing of the past. With a WiFi connection you're able to travel to multiple destinations and still use the Internet.

Function

WiFi is a wireless technology that can be used to connect to the Internet. Its popularity has allowed it to be used in large corporations, small businesses, universities, and even at home. There are various devices that can take full advantage of a WiFi Internet connection. Each one of them can belong to a single wireless network and communicate with one another for entertainment and business purposes.

Types

There are several types of WiFi Internet connections that can be used. A few examples include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. With 802.11a, you'll have access to an Internet connection that operates on the 5 GHz band frequency. It's range isn't as far as 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n. If you're using 802.11b Wifi, then you can expect a connection of up to 11 Megabits per second. Although, this Wifi connection is faster than the previous one, it shares the frequently used 2.4 GHz frequency. It commonly suffers from interference problems from other common devices such as microwaves and cordless phones.
802.11g is a popular WiFi connection that many wireless devices utilize. It also uses the 2.4GHz frequency, but at a faster Internet rate than the previous WiFi versions. Generally, 802.11g can get up to 54 mega bits per second. Wireless devices that operate on the 802.11g Wifi network can also successfully run on the 802.11b network because the network is backwards compatible. The latest WiFi connection is 802.11n. This particular WiFi connection is significantly faster than all other versions. The maximum amount of speed it can reach is up to 600 mega bits per second in some cases.

Features

WiFi is used along with many popular electronic devices. Gaming consoles, mobile phones, PDA's and computers are only a few of the devices that use it. Mobile phones use WiFi connections to browse the Internet while on the road. You won't have to worry about locating a computer with an Internet connection. Just simply launch your browser application on your phone and search for the information you need. Gamers often use Wifi to compete with others via their gaming consoles. If you'd like to chat with your competition while playing a game, access the nearest WiFi connection and start the chat application. PDA's also use WiFi for various programs. Sending and receiving emails, getting directions, sending or receiving faxes are all common features of using WiFi with your device. With a computer at home or at the office, you can avoid placing Ethernet cables all over the place. Use a WiFi connection to position your computer in a comfortable area and still be able to surf the web.

Considerations

Although WiFi is one of the most useful ways of accessing the Internet, it's not available in each destination. There may be areas that are considered "dead zones" because there's no WiFi coverage. Some locations that have WiFi may also provide spotty coverage that will give you a weak Internet signal.

Warning

When using a WiFi connection, verify that it's a secure one. There are many identity thieves and hackers that will constantly try to break into your computer or mobile device. Stealing personal information and adding viruses or spyware are only a few examples of the harm they can cause. Place a password on sensitive files located on your computer and don't access a WiFi connection that is unprotected.

Resources

• Dell Networking and Wireless
• WiFi Alliance