WiFi Definition | Blog Bilcyber.com

WiFi Definition

According to the brand style guide of the Wi-Fi Alliance (the owner of the Wi-Fi brand):

” Products which successfully pass the Wi-Fi Alliance testing may use the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED brand. The Alliance tests and certifies the interoperability of wireless LAN products based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. Studies show that 88% of consumers prefer products which have been tested by an independent organization.”

Wi-Fi technologies have gone through several generations since their inception in 1997. Wi-Fi is supported to different extents under Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS and open source Unix and Linux operating systems. Contrary to popular belief, Wi-Fi is not an abbreviation for “Wireless Fidelity” (see “Origin and meaning of the term “Wi-Fi”" below).

[edit] Uses

A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a PC, cell phone or PDA can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet. The area covered by one or more interconnected access points is called a hotspot. Hotspots can cover as little as a single room with wireless-opaque walls or as much as many square miles covered by overlapping access points. Wi-Fi can also be used to create a mesh network. Both architectures are used in community networks.[citation needed]

Wi-Fi also allows connectivity in peer-to-peer (wireless ad-hoc network) mode, which enables devices to connect directly with each other. This connectivity mode is useful in consumer electronics and gaming applications.

When the technology was first commercialized there were many problems because consumers could not be sure that products from different vendors would work together. The Wi-Fi Alliance began as a community to solve this issue so as to address the needs of the end user and allow the technology to mature. The Alliance created the branding Wi-Fi CERTIFIED to show consumers that products are interoperable with other products displaying the same branding.

Many consumer devices use Wi-Fi. Amongst others, personal computers can network to each other and connect to the Internet, mobile computers can connect to the Internet from any Wi-Fi hotspot, and digital cameras can transfer images wirelessly.

Routers which incorporate a DSL or cable modem and a Wi-Fi access point are often used in homes and other premises, and provide Internet access and internetworking to all devices connected wirelessly or by cable into them. Devices supporting Wi-Fi can also be connected in ad-hoc mode for client-to-client connections without a router.

Business and industrial Wi-Fi is widespread as of 2007. In business environments, increasing the number of Wi-Fi access points provides redundancy, support for fast roaming and increased overall network capacity by using more channels or creating smaller cells. Wi-Fi enables wireless voice applications (VoWLAN or WVOIP). Over the years, Wi-Fi implementations have moved toward ‘thin’ access points, with more of the network intelligence housed in a centralized network appliance, relegating individual Access Points to be simply ‘dumb’ radios. Outdoor applications may utilize true mesh topologies. As of 2007 Wi-Fi installations can provide a secure computer networking gateway, firewall, DHCP server, intrusion detection system, and other functions.

In addition to restricted use in homes and offices, Wi-Fi is publicly available at Wi-Fi hotspots provided either free of charge or to subscribers to various providers. Free hotspots are often provided by businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and airports who offer the service to attract or assist clients. Sometimes free Wi-Fi is provided by enthusiasts, or by organisations or authorities who wish to promote business in their area. Metropolitan-wide WiFi (Mu-Fi) already has more than 300 projects in process.[1]

15 Responses to “WiFi Definition”

  1. Eddie Van Halen: Dude, Where’s

    As a result of the recent wildfires, may celebs, including Matthew McConaughey and Minnie Driver, were forced to leave town,

  2. LANCASHIRE HOLDINGS Investor Day -

    I mean, they’re AAA rated and it seems to be the perception today that a single A-rated corporate bond is

  3. Eternalsparkles.com Launches 300-Plus New Styles

    What used to be a mere wardrobe accessory has now transformed into a wardrobe in itself. Fashion jewelry today is

  4. Chairmen: Lawmakers Must Bear Down

    Amanda Aguirre, D-Yuma, later said the state shouldn’t rush headlong into cutting spending on programs important for economic development, public

  5. Auburn, UAB and UNA will

    Athletics departments at three Alabama colleges must end their relationship with a student-loan consolidation company as part of a settlement

  6. Airbag system is affected by

    Transport Canada says salt from drivers’ shoes can damage the wiring for the air bag occupant detection system in about

  7. The Top Energy Stories to

    It was a year that moved Washington to enact the first increase in automobile fuel economy standards in 32

  8. When Buying a Used Ferrari

    The website features the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of Ferrari Approved Used Cars available in the network, with personalised

  9. Selling prayers by the wick

    By KATE MURPHY Mary Flood Nugent with her daughters, Ann, left, and Dorothy, light devotional candles at their home in

  10. Reuters Business Summary – Conde

    The study comes as Rio allocates at least $1 billion to increase its overall mining capacity from Australia’s ore-rich Pilbara

  11. The Splendid Table Mojo works

    Serve them with a spoonful of bleu cheese on the side. Candied peels and bleu or other strong cheeses are

  12. Twin Cities / First, too

    Activities during the three-day holiday weekend include an 11 am Saturday talk by Polar Bear International President Robert W.

  13. Insurance Company Denies Coverage For

    … has a rare disorder that makes her allergic to every kind of food except a certain formula that her

  14. Hi all!
    Free Ringtones Cool – more than 15.000 free polyphonic ringtones, composer ringtones, effect ringtones, real sound ringtones as well as wallpapers and …
    download free ringtone

    G’night

  15. Fergie is pregnant? – LIVENEWS.com.au

    During the event, held at Las Vegas’ Palms Casino Resort Hotel, Mayor Goodman also handed the key of the

Leave a Reply

You must be Logged in to post comment.

© 2007 Blog Bilcyber.com. All rights reserved.
Proudly designed by Theme Junkie.