What is Wi-Fi-How does Wi-Fi work-What is a wireless access point? 

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi can be described as a wireless technology. This technology allows devices like computers, mobile devices as well as equipment's like video, cameras, and printers to interface with the internet. It let's such devices exchange information with one another,  creating a network. It uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed internet and network connections.

We must know the fact, that Internet connectivity takes place via a wireless router. Once you access, Wi-Fi you are basically connecting to a wireless router that lets your Wi-Fi compatible devices to interface with the internet.

Read  Also: What is the internet -Internet Connection-How to check internet speed

What does Wi-Fi mean?

When the internet first came into existence, lots of cables were required to ensure that the Internet operates properly however, with the up-gradation of technology, things were simplified. This is precisely the reason, due to which instead of wire cables, a wireless network was created known as Wi-Fi.

Around  12 years back, it was not possible for people to use the internet so conveniently. People used to go to an internet cafe to access the internet, but nowadays it is easily available, that too without any cable. For this credit goes to Wi-Fi. In order to use the internet on mobile phones, laptops & computers, Wi-Fi is used.

Wi-Fi was discovered by John O' Sullivan & John Deane in 1991. It is basically a wireless network facility which is also known as Wireless Local Area Network. It is a technology that is enabling us to use the internet and network connections.

It comes under the purview of Local Area Technology signifying that its range is not very large. Data is also transferred using this technology.

In modern-day Smart Phones, laptops, Printers and Computers etc there is a Wi-Fi chip by which a wireless router is connected and the internet is used.

Benefits of Wi-Fi

• 1) It is user friendly.
• 2) It is convenient to use.
• 3) It is available almost everywhere.
• 4) The speed of the Wi-Fi Router is more than the Cellular network.

How does Wi-Fi work?

Wi-Fi uses radio frequencies to send signals between devices and in order to receive information from these waves it is important that your radio receiver needs to be set to receive waves of a certain frequency. Wi-Fi frequency is 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

It is pertinent to mention out here, that the IEEE 802.11 defines the protocols that allow communication with Wi-Fi enabled wireless devices which also includes wireless routers as well as wireless access points. We must remember, that the wireless access point is something that supports different IEEE standards.

Further, it is worth mentioning that each standard is an amendment that has been ratified over time. The standards operate on varying frequencies. They also deliver different bandwidths apart from supporting a different number of channels. 

Read Also: What is Internet Protocol -The various types of Internet Protocol

Wireless access point

A wireless access point enables wireless devices to connect to the wireless network.  An access point is a sub-device within the Local Area Network that gives another location for devices to connect from and allows more devices to be on the network.

A Cisco's wireless network makes it easy to bring new devices online and offer flexible support to mobile workers

Access point ( AP ) is a hardware device that allows other  Wi-Fi devices connectivity to a wired network. An access point takes the bandwidth from a router and extends it in such a way so that many devices can go into the network from farther distances away. It also provides beneficial data regarding the devices on the network. It offers security and serves many other purposes as well. 

Wireless router

It is basically a device capable of playing the role/function of a router as well as that of a Wireless Access Point. Wireless routers are usually used in homes. Wireless Routers are devices used by internet service providers so that one can connect to their cable or for that matter with their xDSL Internet network. A wireless network is also referred to as a Wi-Fi network or Wireless Local Area Network ( WLAN ) device. Eg of the latest Wi-Fi routers are ASUS, TP-Link, Nest etc.

What is a desktop Wi-Fi router?

Desktop Wi-Fi routers look like small boxes having multiple short antennas to assist broadcast the signal in the workplace or home. It is worth mentioning, that the farther a user is from the base Wi-Fi Router, the weaker the signal. Usually, multiple wireless routers known as range extenders, are placed throughout the workspace. Such range extenders placed in an array helps to extend the coverage of the internet.

What is a mobile hotspot?

A mobile hotspot is capable of delivering a strong and secure online connection almost everywhere. We must keep in mind, that it is all about data. It operates by first up taking an LTE connection and subsequently converting it into a Wi-Fi signal that is used in laptops or smartphones.

It is a common feature on smartphones with both tethered and untethered connections. When you activate your mobile hotspot then you share a wireless connection with other devices, so that the Internet can be accessed.

What is a portable Wi-Fi hotspot?

It is basically a pocket-sized mobile router which can be easily carried and one can set up an internet connection. Since most portable hotspots device uses 3G and 4G signals from network providers, therefore, they require a SIM card. We can also say, that a portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a mobile hotspot obtained through a cell phone carrier.

A portable hotspot is considered as a more reliable way of accessing the internet instead of looking for public Wi-Fi hotspots.  It basically uses cellular towers that broadcast 3G and 4G broadband signals. Devices like iPads and laptops can then connect wirelessly to the device, is which in turn connects to the internet. The portable hotspot's monthly cost is based on the selected data usage plan.

Introduction to Wi-Fi 6 

It won't be unfair to say that Wi-Fi 6 is all set to power an entirely new mobile experience. When we talk about crowded places like Airports, Shopping malls, universities, Lecture halls, Stadiums as well as other dense environments, Wi-Fi 6 is ideal for such places. One major advantage is that it lets many users and devices stay connected and they can do various things like streaming ultra-high-definition movies etc. 

It provides a consistent and dependable network. It is capable of transmitting more data to more clients in comparison to previous Wi-Fi standards. It offers better Wi-Fi coverage and also supports 2.4GHz. In terms of speed, it can achieve speed four times faster than 802.11ac which is another astonishing fact about it. We must keep in mind that it improves battery efficiency in tablets, smartphones, and IoT devices.

Conclusion

This article has given us a thorough knowledge about Wi-Fi and its significance as well as how does it work. Wi-Fi has become extremely important for internet users, there can't be two ways about it. Alongside Wi-Fi, we have also covered other relevant topics like Wireless Router, Desktop Wi-Fi Router, Mobile hotspot etc. By going through this post, one can expect to enrich his or her knowledge on such topics.

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