Wi-Fi Technology

Wi-Fi is a family of wireless network protocols that form the backbone of modern wireless communication, enabling devices to connect to the Internet without physical cables. It is based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, commonly used for local area networking. The term "Wi-Fi" is a play on words, similar to the term Hi-Fi, suggesting high-quality wireless communication.

Development and Standards

The development and evolution of Wi-Fi have been marked by several standards:

Wi-Fi 6: Known as IEEE 802.11ax, it represents a significant advancement in wireless networking, providing faster data rates and improved performance in dense environments. It operates in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Wi-Fi 7: This upcoming standard builds upon 802.11ax, focusing on enhancing indoor wireless local-area networking (WLAN) capabilities.

Wi-Fi Alliance

The Wi-Fi Alliance is a non-profit organization that owns the Wi-Fi trademark. It plays a crucial role in certifying products for Wi-Fi interoperability and ensuring that devices from different manufacturers can work seamlessly together. The organization also develops security certification programs such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3), which are essential for protecting data on wireless networks.

Connectivity and Uses

Wi-Fi technology enables several practical applications:

Wi-Fi Hotspots: These are physical locations where users can access the Internet via a wireless connection, often found in public areas such as cafes, airports, and libraries.
Wi-Fi Calling: Also known as Voice over Wireless LAN (VoWLAN), this feature allows mobile phone voice calls and data to be made over IP networks using Wi-Fi, providing enhanced call quality and connectivity.
Wi-Fi Direct: This standard allows two devices to connect directly without the need for a wireless access point, facilitating file sharing and device interaction.

Simplified Setup

For consumer convenience, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) was introduced to streamline the process of connecting to a secure Wi-Fi network. This feature simplifies the configuration of network security settings, making it easier for users to establish secure connections.

Notable Implementations

An example of Wi-Fi deployment for public use is Google WiFi, a municipal wireless network in Mountain View, California, funded by Google. This network was installed mainly on city lightposts, providing residents and visitors with free wireless Internet access.

Wi-Fi has become an integral part of daily life, enabling seamless connectivity for a wide array of devices, from smartphones and laptops to home automation systems and smart appliances.