What is WiFi??

The question, "What is wi-fi?" seems to be on the lips of many Malaysian these days. The term wi-fi has certainly become a buzz word but whether or not it is always used correctly is debatable. The problem is many people do not really know what wi-fi means. They may have a vague idea of what is meant by wi-fi but don't really grasp the subject. There are others who believe they know exactly what wi-fi means but they are not correct in their interpretation. The confusion surrounding this term is a result of the relative newness of the term combined with the common misuse of the term. This article will explain what wi-fi is and will also explain how the term is most often used.


One common misconception about the term wi-fi is that it is an acronym for a longer term. It is often referred to be short for wireless fidelity but this is not true. Wi-fi is a term that has been trademarked by the Wi-fi Alliance. This organization holds the responsibility for defining the standards for wi-fi. The term wi-fi refers specifically to networking technology which provides wireless high speed Internet connections through the use of radio waves. Under the definition provided by the Wi-Fi alliance any technology which provides a wireless local area network and adheres to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11 standards is considered to be wi-fi technology.


The language above describes the technical definition of wi-fi. This type of definition is very important to those with a vested interest in the industry of wireless networking. Having a clear understanding of the term and using it correctly gives them credibility in their field. Equally important to these individuals is understanding how wi-fi technology works. In very general terms, radio waves are transmitted to access points. Users of mobile devices can use these access points to connect to the Internet.


Another important aspect of the term wi-fi refers to electronic devices which are capable of accessing the Internet via wireless connections. Wi-Fi technology is supported by a number of devices including laptops, cell phones, PDAs, video game consoles and all types of consumer electronic products. These products are usually referred to as being wi-fi compatible or wi-fi certified. This wi-fi certified designation is awarded by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The wi-fi certified designation is of particular interest because it assures the consumer that the product will be interoperable with all other wi-fi certified electronic devices. This includes products from different manufacturers.


Finally, consider how the term wi-fi is most commonly used. Although the proper definition may refer to the technology most people use the term wi-fi interchangeably with the term wireless. They may refer to wireless hotspots as wi-fi areas. In this way the term wi-fi is being used to define any area where a person can connect to the Internet on their laptop, cell phone, PDA or other mobile device. Business establishments such as coffee shops, bars and cafes often boast about offering free wi-fi access. Likewise airports, hotels and hospitals may also advertise the availability of wi-fi connections.


just sharin'..tot you want to know..:)