Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi

Wireless Fidelity, or Wi-Fi for short, is a term used by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance to describe wireless networking technology. The term is used interchangeably with 802.11g or 802.11b.

How it works
Instead of moving data through a network using Ethernet network cables, Wi-Fi uses radio waves in the 2.4 GHz at 11 Mb per sec. (802.11b) or 2.4GHz at 54 Mb per sec. (802.11g) spectrum to move data. This is the same range used by many cordless phones. In a wireless network, all of the computers in your office or home broadcast their information to one another using radio signals. This can make networking extremely easy, especially if you have computers all over your office or house. It also makes it a whole lot simpler to move computers around. For example, a laptop with a wireless network card is completely portable throughout the office or house.

Under 802.11b and 802.11g devices are fully compatible and communicate at a speed of 11 and 54 Mbps respectively whenever possible. If signal strength or interference is disrupting data, the devices will drop back to lower speeds. Though it may occasionally slow down, this keeps the network stable and very reliable.

Wireless broadband
The best way for consumers to use this technology is to tap into their office or home high-speed Internet connection. A wireless router or access point is installed to your wired network to broadcast your Internet signal. If you purchase a wireless network card, your laptop, PC, or personal digital assistant (PDA) can get the signal. Certain cafés, airports, and universities let you tap into their wireless network so you can get Internet access on your Wi-Fi-equipped laptop.

What’s a hotspot?
A hotspot is a wireless access point where users can get onto a network or the Internet. Hotspots are found in various public places for free or for a fee, provided the users’ devices (laptops, PDAs) have Wi-Fi network cards. Many airports and hotels have hotspots . Also, Starbucks has hotspots at more than 1,000 locations in the United States. Soon, you will be able to find a hotspot anywhere in the world by visiting the Wi-Fi Zone, a project of the Wi-Fi Alliance.