The term “WiFi” stands for “Wireless Fidelity” and refers to a wireless networking technology that allows devices such as computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices to interface with the internet. Essentially, it provides a wireless connection to the internet via a wireless network. Here’s how it works:
- Connection to an Internet Source: The process begins with an internet connection to an internet service provider (ISP), typically through a physical, wired connection such as a DSL, cable, or fiber optic link.
- Wireless Router: This internet connection is then connected to a wireless router. This router translates the data from the internet connection into a radio signal.
- Radio Waves: The radio signal is broadcast in the form of radio waves, which are picked up by devices with WiFi capability within the range of the router.
- WiFi-Enabled Devices: Devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets have wireless adapters that translate the radio waves broadcasted by the router into data, allowing these devices to connect to the internet.
WiFi networks are typically protected with passwords to ensure security and prevent unauthorized access. The technology operates on various standards, with the most common being 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac, each offering different levels of performance and range. WiFi has become a ubiquitous technology, found in homes, offices, and many public spaces, allowing people to access the internet wirelessly from nearly any convenient location.