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The name of a popular
wireless networking technology that uses radio
waves to provide wireless high-speed
Internet and
network connections. The
Wi-Fi
Alliance, the organization that owns the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) term specifically defines Wi-Fi as any "wireless local area network
(WLAN) products that are based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards."
Initially, Wi-Fi was used in place of only the 2.4GHz
802.11b standard,
however the Wi-Fi
Alliance has expanded the generic use of the Wi-Fi term to
include any type of network or WLAN product based on any of the
802.11
standards, including
802.11b,
802.11a, dual-band, and so on, in an attempt to
stop confusion about wireless LAN
interoperability.
Wi-Fi works with no physical wired connection between sender and receiver by
using radio frequency (RF) technology, a frequency within
the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF
current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that then
is able to propagate through space. The cornerstone of any wireless network is an access point (AP). The primary job of an access point is to
broadcast a wireless signal that computers can detect and "tune" into. In order
to connect to an access point and join a wireless network, computers and devices
must be equipped with wireless network adapters (See "How Wireless Networks Work" in the
"Did You Know..." section
of Webopedia).
Wi-Fi is supported by many applications and
devices including
video
game consoles, home
networks,
PDAs,
mobile phones,
major operating systems, and other types of
consumer electronics. Any products
that are tested and approved as "Wi-Fi Certified" (a registered trademark) by the
Wi-Fi Alliance are certified as
interoperable with each other, even if they
are from different manufacturers. For example, a user with a Wi-Fi Certified
product can use any brand of access point with any other
brand of client hardware that also is also "Wi-Fi Certified". Products that pass
this certification are required to carry an identifying seal on their packaging
that states "Wi-Fi Certified" and indicates the
radio
frequency band used (2.5GHz for
802.11b, 802.11g, or
802.11n, and 5GHz for 802.11a).
A common misconception is that the term Wi-Fi is short for "wireless fidelity,"
however this is not the case. Wi-Fi is simply a trademarked term meaning IEEE
802.11x.
See
"How Wireless Networks Work" in the
Did You Know... section
of Webopedia.
See also the "Wireless LAN Standards chart" in the
Quick Reference section of
Webopedia.
Also see "'Wireless
Fidelity' Debunked" on
Wi-FiPlanet.com.
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 802.11 Hotspots
A list of WLAN hotspots around the world.
802.11n: Ratified at Last
Motivated largely by the sizable demand for wireless connectivity in netbooks, Atheros today announced that it has developed the industry’s first 1-stream 802.11n and Bluetooth combo solution on a Half MiniCard for the PC market.
Did You Know... How Wireless Networks Work
A wireless network or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) serves the same purpose as a wired one . to link a group of computers. Because "wireless" doesn't require costly wiring, the main benefit is that it's generally easier, faster and cheaper to set up.
Minimizing 802.11 Interference Issues
RF interference will continue to plague current and future 802.11b
implementations unless an adequate site survey is conducted - preferably
prior to actual network installation.
Tools Simplify 802.11 Deployments
Wireless LAN installation is tricky. The construction of a facility and silent sources of RF interference impact the propagation of radio waves, often in odd ways.
Wi-Fi Alliance
A resource page for Wi-Fi technology.
Wi-Fi Planet
802.11 news, commentary and information.
'Wireless Fidelity' Debunked
The current confusion seems to stem from a brief period early in the days of the Wi-Fi Alliance when a regrettable tag line was added that stated, "The Standard for Wireless Fidelity." This was not part of the original name and was not created by Interbrand, but it was added as an afterthought in an attempt to help users make sense of the new and somewhat nonsensical word, "Wi-Fi."
Wireless Tips for Road Warriors
If you travel a lot for work, chances are good that your notebook PC is equipped with a wireless adapter. So it's understandable that you hate the thought of being tethered to a wired Internet connection . Especially a dialup one. Follow these tips if you find yourself away from home and looking for a wireless connection.
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