What Is WiFi & How Does It Work and Cost?

You can find Wi-Fi networks in numerous places, including public libraries and some parks.

Found everywhere from college campuses to coffee shops, Wi-Fi networks have become commonplace in today's society. Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity and refers to a wireless network for computers and other Internet-capable devices. Using radiofrequency radiation to transmit information between computers and routers, Wi-Fi bears many similarities with cell phones and other forms of two-way radio communication.

Origins of Wi-Fi

In 1985, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to open up various bands of the wireless spectrum for unlicensed, public use. This meant that developers no longer had to obtain a license to develop hardware that utilized these channels. The FCC specifically set aside three bands for use by communications entrepreneurs. At 900 megahertz, 2.4 gigahertz and 5.8 gigahertz, developers called these frequencies "garbage bands" because other household electronics, such as microwaves, also utilized these bands and any new technology needed to find a way to overcome this interference.

Development

In 1988, the NCR Corporation wanted to set up a network of wireless cash registers using the newly opened bands and began to pursue a standard. The market became fragmented and technology remained incompatible for many years, with different manufacturers all producing their own variations of wireless equipment. In 1997 the new standard finally came on the market but at 400 pages long, it became cumbersome and difficult to follow. Six large companies came together in August of 1999 to create the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance and named the standardized technology Wi-Fi. Apple soon became the first major company to adopt Wi-Fi in 2001 with such smashing success that other computer manufacturers quickly followed suit.

How it Works

Wi-Fi works via radiofrequency waves, typically operating on the 2.4 and 5 gigahertz frequencies and less frequently, the 900 megahertz frequency. Wi-Fi service originates from a wireless router, which receives information from the Internet. The router then transmits that information to computers on the network. The router's antenna converts information into radiofrequency waves and broadcasts it to the recipient computer, where the computer's hardware reconverts that information back into a useable form. The router also serves to connect wireless devices all together on a single Wi-Fi network.

Cost

Many locations offer Wi-Fi to customers free of charge. Many restaurants, coffee shops and even roadside rest stops offer free Wi-Fi. Some locations offer municipal Wi-Fi, also known as city-wide free Wi-Fi access. Some Wi-Fi services require subscription, however, with varying prices. Some hotels charge a daily fee for Wi-Fi. Various cell phone networks offer Wi-Fi service in many locations but require a subscription fee.

References

• University of California at Irvine; What is Wi-Fi and Is It Safe?; June 2008
• Montana State University; A Brief History of Wi-Fi; June 2004
• Roadtrip America; Wi-Fi on the Highway: Rest Stops Go High-Tech; Aaron Reed; January 2008
• University of Southern California; Municipal Wi-Fi Networks: The Goals, Practices, and Policy Implications of the U.S. Case; Francois Bar and et al.