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Wi-Fi Last modified: Thursday, August 14, 2008
The name of a popular wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections. The Wi-Fi Alliance, the organization that owns the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) term specifically defines Wi-Fi as any "wireless local area network (WLAN) products that are based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards." Initially, Wi-Fi was used in place of only the 2.4GHz 802.11b standard, however the Wi-Fi Alliance has expanded the generic use of the Wi-Fi term to include any type of network or WLAN product based on any of the 802.11 standards, including 802.11b, 802.11a, dual-band, and so on, in an attempt to stop confusion about wireless LAN interoperability. Wi-Fi works with no physical wired connection between sender and receiver by using radio frequency (RF) technology, a frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that then is able to propagate through space. The cornerstone of any wireless network is an access point (AP). The primary job of an access point is to broadcast a wireless signal  that computers can detect and "tune" into. In order to connect to an access point and join a wireless network, computers and devices must be equipped with wireless network adapters (See "How Wireless Networks Work" in the "Did You Know..." section of Webopedia). Wi-Fi  is supported by many applications and devices including video game consoles, home networks, PDAs, mobile phones, major operating systems, and other types of consumer electronics.  Any products that are tested and approved as "Wi-Fi Certified" (a registered trademark) by the Wi-Fi Alliance are certified as interoperable with each other, even if they are from different manufacturers. For example, a user with a Wi-Fi Certified product can use any brand of access point with any other brand of client hardware that also is also "Wi-Fi Certified". Products that pass this certification are required to carry an identifying seal on their packaging that states "Wi-Fi Certified" and indicates the radio frequency band used (2.5GHz for 802.11b,  802.11g, or 802.11n, and 5GHz for 802.11a). A common misconception is that the term Wi-Fi is short for "wireless fidelity," however this is not the case. Wi-Fi is simply a trademarked term meaning IEEE 802.11x. See "How Wireless Networks Work" in the Did You Know... section of Webopedia. See also the "Wireless LAN Standards chart" in the Quick Reference section of Webopedia. Also see "'Wireless Fidelity' Debunked" on Wi-FiPlanet.com.		Related Categories Mobile Computing Networking Standards Wireless Computing Related Terms 802.11 ad-hoc mode AP HiperLAN HomeRF infrastructure mode Mobile IP roaming Shared Wireless Access Protocol WECA WEP Wi-Fi Alliance Wi-Fi detector Wi-Fi Protected Access Wi-Fi Protected Setup Wi-Fi5 WLAN WPA Shopping Wi Fi Products Compare Products,Prices and Stores Shop by Category: Keyboards and Mice 614 Model Matches Wireless Adapters 670 Model Matches Wireless Access Points 683 Model Matches
Did You Know... How Wireless Networks Work A wireless network or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) serves the same purpose as a wired one . to link a group of computers. Because "wireless" doesn't require costly wiring, the main benefit is that it's generally easier, faster and cheaper to set up. Minimizing 802.11 Interference Issues RF interference will continue to plague current and future 802.11b implementations unless an adequate site survey is conducted - preferably prior to actual network installation. Tools Simplify 802.11 Deployments Wireless LAN installation is tricky. The construction of a facility and silent sources of RF interference impact the propagation of radio waves, often in odd ways. Wi-Fi Alliance A resource page for Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi Planet 802.11 news, commentary and information. Wi-FiHotSpotList.com Search this directory for Wi-Fi hotspots in your region. 'Wireless Fidelity' Debunked The current confusion seems to stem from a brief period early in the days of the Wi-Fi Alliance when a regrettable tag line was added that stated, "The Standard for Wireless Fidelity." This was not part of the original name and was not created by Interbrand, but it was added as an afterthought in an attempt to help users make sense of the new and somewhat nonsensical word, "Wi-Fi." Wireless Tips for Road Warriors If you travel a lot for work, chances are good that your notebook PC is equipped with a wireless adapter. So it's understandable that you hate the thought of being tethered to a wired Internet connection . Especially a dialup one. Follow these tips if you find yourself away from home and looking for a wireless connection.