What is WiFi and How Does It Work?

We will be diving into everything WiFi, from what it is, how it works, to different WiFi devices you can use in areas where traditional internet is not available.

What is WiFi?

Wireless internet is known by different names, WiFi, wireless fidelity, and wireless LAN (wireless local area network or WLAN). WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity. Regardless of what you call it, WiFi is a wireless networking technology that gives devices like desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, smart TVs, game consoles, and other compatible wireless devices internet access. This allows for Bluetooth, social media, real-time streaming, and access to the limitless information that makes 2020 such a convenient time to be alive.

WiFi Standards

In order for wireless devices to communicate with each other there needs to be a set of standards. WiFi or wireless LAN is classified under the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ) 802.11 standards. The IEEE standards have been certified by the WiFi Alliance – a nonprofit organization created to certify IEEE 802.11 products and to promote them as wireless LAN standards.

There are a variety of WiFi standard categories: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax.

Most wireless devices now use the 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.1ax standards. These different IEEE standards represent different speeds, GHz frequencies, bandwidth, and indoor ranges wireless devices use to access the internet.

The latest and greatest WiFi option is WiFi 6, based on the IEEE 802.11ax standard. It’s significantly faster than other options, so if you’re looking to upgrade your existing WiFi, that’s what we recommend looking for.