Wi-Fi definition and purpose

Summary

Wi‑Fi is a family of wireless networking protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. It enables nearby digital devices to exchange data by radio waves for local area networking and Internet access. Wi‑Fi is widely used in homes, small offices, and public places (e.g., coffee shops, hotels, libraries, and airports) through wireless routers and wireless access points. The purpose of Wi‑Fi is to connect devices within a local coverage area (a hotspot) and allow them to communicate with each other and, when an access point is connected to the Internet, to access the Internet. Wi‑Fi operates using specific radio frequency bands (commonly 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, with newer generations also using 6 GHz), divided into channels; within range, only one transmitter can use a given channel at a time. Wi‑Fi products may be labeled “Wi‑Fi Certified” by the Wi‑Fi Alliance, which restricts the branding to devices that pass interoperability certification testing; non-certified devices are typically referred to as WLAN and may or may not work seamlessly with certified equipment.

Key Points

• 1

  Wi‑Fi is based on IEEE 802.11 standards and supports local networking and Internet access.

• 2

  It connects devices wirelessly within a hotspot using radio bands and channels (commonly 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, newer also 6 GHz).

• 3

  The Wi‑Fi Alliance uses certification to ensure interoperability for products labeled “Wi‑Fi Certified.”

• 4

  Wi‑Fi coverage can range from a single room to large areas using multiple overlapping access points and roaming.