What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi refers to a set of wireless communication standards that enable devices to connect to the internet and communicate with each other without needing physical cables. Wi-Fi technology uses radio waves to transmit data between devices within a network.

From homes to cafes and offices to public spaces, the invisible threads of Wi-Fi weave through our daily lives and keep us connected. We will explore the origins of wireless internet, Wi-Fi’s underlying technology and how it has transformed the landscape of communication.

What does Wi-Fi stand for?

Wi-Fi stands for “wireless fidelity.” The term was created as a play on the term “Hi-Fi” (high fidelity), which is often used to describe high-quality audio reproduction. In the case of Wi-Fi, it emphasizes the high-quality wireless connectivity and the fidelity of data transmission between devices on a local network.

When was Wi-Fi invented?

The initial development of what would become Wi-Fi started in the 1980s, but Wi-Fi technology as we know it didn’t come around until the late 1990s.See Disclosure ¹ The first official wireless standard was released in 1997, which provided the foundation for wireless communication. However, early implementations were relatively slow compared to today’s Wi-Fi standards.

The first Wi-Fi certification program was launched in 2000, which marked the beginning of widespread adoption of this wireless technology. Since then, Wi-Fi has become a fundamental part of everyday life.

How does Wi-Fi work?

Acting as the central hub for the network by connecting to your internet service provider (ISP) through a wired connection, a Wi-Fi router is the key to Wi-Fi. Your device sends a connection request to the router when it wants to connect and the router verifies the request and grants access to the device. Once connected, the device can send and receive data through the Wi-Fi network, letting you browse the web, stream videos, play online games and anything else you enjoy doing online.

Wi-Fi operates on different frequency bands, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range but is more susceptible to interference from other devices. On the other hand, the 5 GHz band offers faster speeds but has a shorter range. Most modern routers support both bands, allowing users to choose the one that suits their needs the best.

What are the different types of Wi-Fi networks?

There are four main types of wireless networks, with each one serving a particular purpose.

Local-area network (LAN). Covering small areas like a home or office, a LAN lets devices within the network share files, printers, internet access and other resources.
Personal-area network (PAN). A PAN connects devices in a close proximity, like a smartphone and a smartwatch, allowing them to seamlessly communicate and transfer data.
Metropolitan-area network (MAN). Ideal for larger areas like a city or town, a MAN can provide Wi-Fi internet connectivity to a large number of users within that area.
Wide-area network (WAN). A WAN spans a wide geographical area and connects multiple LANs or MANs, enabling long-distance communication between different locations.

The relationship among a home wireless network, modem and router enables devices to connect and share data, which is crucial for seamless internet connectivity.

What is a modem and what does a modem do?

A modem connects a computer or router to an ISP to access the internet. It’s main function is to modulate digital data from a computer or network into a form suitable for transmission over communication lines. Conversely, a modem also demodulates incoming signals from the ISP into the digital data that the computer or network devices can understand.

What is a router and what does a router do?

While a modem connects you to the internet, a router lets you create a local network and share the internet connection with multiple devices. It acts as the central hub, directing the flow of data packets between devices and ensuring that the information reaches its intended destination. Routers often incorporate features for sharing a single public IP address among multiple devices, firewalls for network security and wireless internet connectivity through built-in Wi-Fi access points.

For larger spaces, mesh Wi-Fi is available, which lets you strategically place access points to create a network that blankets the entire space with a strong and reliable Wi-Fi signal.

How to set up Wi-Fi

Setting up Wi-Fi in your home is easier than you might think. Here are general steps on how to set up home Wi-Fi:

Choose a router. Select a Wi-Fi router based on your needs, such as the size of your home and the number of devices you plan to connect.
Connect the router and connect to a modem. Place the router in a central location, preferably elevated and away from walls and obstructions. Plug it into to a power source and then connect it to the modem with an Ethernet cable if you are not using a modem and router combo.
Login and configure wireless settings. Enter the router’s default username and password. Then, locate the wireless settings section and set the network name (SSID) and choose a strong password.
Connect devices. Search for available Wi-Fi networks on your devices, select your SSID and enter the password. You are now connected to your Wi-Fi network.

The process may vary slightly depending on your specific router and devices, so be sure to refer to your router’s manual for detailed instructions tailored to your device. Home Wi-Fi support is also available to help guide you along the way.

Find the best Wi-Fi solutions for you

Hopefully we’ve helped answer the question, “how does wireless internet work?” Make sure to also look into how to set up a streaming device and see firsthand how an efficient Wi-Fi connection is crucial for enjoying your favorite content.

Both a luxury and a necessity, Wi-Fi technology has become an integral part of our lives and continues to make the world more interconnected than ever before. So, find the best Wi-Fi solutions for you and get connected.

References

1. Pahlavan, K. and Krishnamurthy, P. “Evolution and Impact of Wi-Fi Technology and Applications: A Historical Perspective.” International Journal of Wireless Information Networks. November 19, 2020. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10776-020-00501-8.