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Summary
Wi-Fi is a networking technology primarily used to connect to the internet.
Wi-Fi has become one of the most popular technologies.
Most of us use it to access theinternet.
Jordan Gloor / How-To Geek
But what does connecting to Wi-Fi mean, what does Wi-Fi stand for, and how does it work?
Here’s everything it’s crucial that you know.
These standards are also known as IEEE 802.11.
Originally introduced in the late-1990s, Wi-Fi has come a long way.
Like any other technology, it has evolved and gotten better.
Related:Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6: What’s the Difference?
What Are the Different Wi-Fi Generations?
As of January 2023, sevenWi-Fi generationshave been formally unveiled, including IEEE 802.11-1997.
Each Wi-Fi generation has brought new capabilities and has typically been faster than its predecessor.
However, as of 2023, Wi-Fi 4 and older generations have mostly become a thing of the past.
How Does Wi-Fi Work?
Wi-Fi usesradio waves to send informationto and from devices.
A wireless router or access point converts data received from a wired connection to radio waves and transmits it.
It’s a continuous process in which both the access point and the receiver constantly exchange data as required.
How Is Wi-Fi Different From Ethernet?
Wi-Fi andEthernetare two mediums for getting Internet access to your machine or forming a local area internet.
There areadvantages and disadvantages to both mediums.
While Wi-Fi is convenient and great for mobility, Ethernet is more reliable, consistent, and secure.
Ethernet is also better at reducinglatency.
What Does Wi-Fi Stand For?
Wi-Fi doesn’t stand for anything.
It’s not an abbreviation but a marketing name.
It’s sometimes erroneously spelled out as “wireless fidelity,” but that’s inaccurate.
But the tagline didn’t take off and only diluted the brand.
So once Wi-Fi became popular, Wi-Fi Alliance dropped it.
What Do you’re gonna wanna Access Wi-Fi?
Even the mostbudget-friendly routerswill do the job.
So if you face dead spots or low signal strength, thebest mesh routersorWi-Fi range extenderscan help.
Similarly, laptops and tablets also come with Wi-Fi support.
But if you own an older desktop, you’ll have to confirm whether it can work with Wi-Fi.
If it lacks Wi-Fi, you could get aWi-Fi adapter.
This has been possible because of its convenience, mobility, simplicity, and expandability.
You don’t need to worry about thenumber of available Ethernet portsor deal withdifferent cables.
It’s also relatively easy to set up and takes seconds to connect.
