What is Wi-Fi?
We are all familiar with Wi-Fi; it is supported on laptops and mobile devices. Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows us to connect wirelessly via a network to access networks or to other computers or mobile devices. Wi-Fi uses a circular spectrum of radio frequencies to deliver data.
The word "Wi-Fi," which is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance (previously known as the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance), is used to refer to the communication standard for wireless networks, which function similarly to local area networks but do not require cables or other kinds of cabling. We call it WLAN. IEEE 802.11 is the communication standard. The Physical Data Link Layer is used by Wi-Fi.
These days, Wi-Fi is supported by all portable computer devices, including laptops, smartphones, digital cameras, and smart TVs. Within a certain range—which is determined by the router that transmits the radio frequency through Wi-Fi—the Wi-Fi connection is created from the access point or base station to the client connection or any client-to-client connection. Currently, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are the two bandwidth types on which these frequencies operate.
All contemporary laptops and smartphones can utilise both bandwidths; however, the ability to connect to a Wi-Fi signal is dependent on the Wi-Fi adaptor that is built into the device. All of the gadgets support 2.4 GHz as the default bandwidth. While 5 GHz bandwidth is for a smaller range of area but the frequency is high so the speed is extremely high, 2.4 GHz bandwidth can reach a large range of places to disseminate the Wi-Fi signal but the frequency is low, so in simple terms, the internet speed is less.
Assuming a 60 MB/s internet connection, the 2.4 GHz bandwidth offers around 30 to 45 MB/s of bandwidth, while the 5 GHz bandwidth offers approximately 50 to 57 MB/s of capacity.
History:
Although Wi-Fi is a relatively new idea, its use is not. Hawaii Island was originally connected by a network in 1971 thanks to the ALOHA System, a wireless network system. The network employed packet transport, and the protocol used for this was the ALOHA protocol. It is later changed to the IEEE 802.11 protocol.
Then, in 1985, a new network operating on 900 Mhz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz bandwidth was made available for general use by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We refer to this as the ISM band. IBM also unveiled the Token Ring LAN network, which connects many PCs and has a 4 Mb/s data transmission rate. Then, in 1988, a wireless cashier system known as waveLAN was developed. Based on the Token Ring LAN network, it delivers speeds of 1 to 2 Mbps and runs at the 900MHz or 2.4 GHz spectrum. In 1989, it was changed to comply with IEEE 802.11LAN/MAN specifications. ?Then, in 1990, Vic Hayes—known as the “Father of WiFi”—founds the IEEE 802.11 Working Group for Wireless LANs.
Subsequently, in 1994, Dr. Alex Hills presented a study on wireless networks, which enabled the network to wirelessly span seven buildings.
Then, in 1996, the IEEE 802.11a standards were established by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), which had previously launched a wireless network based on the same protocol (802.11).
Following all of this, the first official release of Wi-Fi, known as 802.11, occurred in 1997. This version of the technology may handle a maximum link speed of 2 Mb/s. Then, in 1999, 802.11b—a variant that uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band—sees an increase in link speed to 11 Mb/s.
A month later, the IEEE 802.11a standard—which offers a 5 GHz band link speed of up to 54 Mb/s—is formally accepted. However, the signal range of this band is not as strong as that of the 2.4 GHz band.
Then, in 2003, a new version called 802.11g introduced faster speeds. Over 2.4 GHz, the speed gives up to 54 to 108 Mb/s.
Two further versions, 802.11i and 802.11e, were released after this. Multimedia streaming and voice via wireless LAN are included in 802.11e, while the security system was strengthened in 802.11i.
Subsequently, 802.11n, which supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radiofrequency, is created in 2009. Additionally, dual-band routers employ them concurrently and may achieve 600 Mbps at their fastest.
Then, a new version with a theoretical speed of 1733 Mb/s in the 5 GHz range was unveiled in 2014. We call this version 802.11ac. This is the most recent Wi-Fi version as of yet.
Applications of Wi-Fi :
Wi-Fi is utilised for entertainment purposes as well as many other areas where computers and other digital media are employed. Below is a list of a few applications:
- Internet Access: We can wirelessly access the internet on any device that is Wi-Fi compatible by using Wi-Fi.
- For entertainment purposes, we can wirelessly cast or stream audio or video to any device over Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi allows us to share files, data, and other resources among two or more computers or mobile devices, and it does it quickly. Additionally, Wi-Fi printers allow us to print any document; they are quite common in today's world.
- Wi-Fi may also be used as HOTSPOTS, directing wireless Internet access over a specific region. By using Hotspot, the owner of the primary network connection can grant Wi-Fi-capable devices temporary network access so that users can access the network without being aware of the primary network connection. In order to create a hotspot, Wi-Fi adapters primarily disperse radio waves via the owner network connection.
- Point-to-point networks are made up of basic wireless connections between two points using WLAN or Wi-Fi. This can be helpful for connecting two places that are hard to reach by wire, like two corporate office buildings.
- Voice-over Wi-Fi, or VoWi-Fi, is another significant use. VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) was launched by telecom operators a few years ago. VoWi-Fi, which allows us to call anybody using our home Wi-Fi network, is something that has recently been released. The mobile device must first establish a Wi-Fi connection. The call quality is excellent since the voice is then transmitted over the Wi-Fi network rather than the mobile SIM network. VoWi-Fi functionality is already available on a large number of mobile phones.
- Wi-Fi in offices: Wi-Fi is used to link every computer in a workplace. There are no wiring complications with Wi-Fi. Additionally, the network has decent speed. A project for Wi-Fi may be shown to every member at once in the format of an excel sheet, powerpoint, etc. There is no network loss with Wi-Fi owing to cable breakage.
- A entire city may also have network connectivity using W-Fi by placing routers in particular locations to access the internet. Due of Wi-Fi's versatility, schools, colleges, and institutions already utilise it to provide networks.
- Wi-Fi is also utilised as a positioning system, allowing us to locate a device by detecting the locations of Wi-Fi hotspots.
Types of Wi-Fi:
There are many standards for Wi-Fi, which were previously covered; here, just their names are defined.
| Standards | Year of Release | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi-1 (802.11b) | 1999 | This version has a link speed from 2Mb/s to 11 Mb/s over a 2.4 GHz frequency band |
| Wi-Fi-2 (802.11a) | 1999 | After a month of release previous version, 802.11a was released and it provide up to 54 Mb/s link speed over 5 Ghz band |
| Wi-Fi-3 (802.11g) | 2003 | In this version the speed was increased up to 54 to 108 Mb/s over 2.4 GHz |
| 802.11i | 2004 | This is the same as 802.11g but only the security mechanism was increased in this version |
| 802.11e | 2004 | This is also the same as 802.11g, only Voice over Wireless LAN and multimedia streaming are involved |
| Wi-Fi-4 (802.11n) | 2009 | This version supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio frequency and it offers up to 72 to 600 Mb/s speed |
| Wi-Fi-5 (802.11ac) | 2014 | It supports a speed of 1733 Mb/s in the 5 GHz band |
2020 will see the arrival of a new version called 802.11ax, created by Huawei, which can support up to 3.5 Gb/s. It is aware of Wi-Fi 6.
How does Wi-Fi work?
Since Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology, networks are transmitted by electromagnetic waves. We are aware that electromagnetic waves may be classified into a variety of waves based on their frequency, including microwave, X-ray, gamma, radio wave, and others. In Wi-Fi, for example, radio frequency is utilised. There are three different ways to broadcast a Wi-Fi signal:
- The primary host network from which the router receives its network connection is known as the base station network or an Ethernet (802.3) connection.
- A router, also known as an access point, serves as a bridge between a wired and wireless network. It receives a wired Ethernet connection, transforms it into a wireless connection, then broadcasts the wireless connection like a radio wave.
- Accessing gadgets: We use our computers, smartphones, and other devices to access the internet and utilise Wi-Fi.
Every electrical equipment, including routers and our own gadgets, reads data in binary form. Routers send out radio waves, which our devices then receive and interpret as binary data. We are all familiar with the appearance of a wave; in binary, the top pick of the wave is denoted by 1 and the bottom pick by 0. Like below:
A few further terms
The 32-character identifier known as the SSID (Service Set Identifier) is used to identify a wireless network and set it apart from other wireless networks. Every device is trying to connect to a certain SSID. The name of the wireless network is simply called SSID.
The Wi-Fi Alliance Authority created WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access-Pre-Shared Key), a programme that uses Pre-Shared Key (PSK) authentication to protect wireless networks. Three kinds of WPA exist: WPA, WPA2, and WPA3. This technique encrypts the Wi-Fi signal to keep unauthorised users out.
Wi-Fi transmits via ad hoc networks. It is an interface-free point-to-point network.
How signals are reached to our devices?
Benefits of Wireless
- There are no wiring complications, and the network connection is versatile. is reachable from any location within the Wi-Fi range.
- Individual users do not need regulatory clearance for it.
- It is marketable and expandable with the help of WiFi extenders.
- It is quick and simple to set up. All that is required is to set up the password and SSID.
- WPA encryption is used by high-security Wi-Fi networks to encrypt radio communications.
- It costs less as well.
- Hotspots can also be provided by it.
- Additionally, roaming is supported.
The drawbacks of WiFi
- Wi-Fi uses a lot of power in any battery-operated device, including laptops and mobile phones.
- Even when encryption is used, security issues might arise often. Wi-Fi can also be hijacked, just as recognised devices have frequently stopped being recognised by the network.
- Compared to a direct cable connection, speed is slower.
- It can hurt people even though it emits less radiation than cell phones.
- Weather events like thunderstorms might interfere with Wi-Fi transmissions.
- Wi-Fi is susceptible to unauthorised access as it lacks a firewall.
- We require a router in order to utilise Wi-Fi, and since routers require electricity, we are unable to access the internet during a blackout.
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