What is WiFi short for? Everything you need to know about WiFi

We all know what WiFi signifies, but what is WiFi short for? Our watches, phones, televisions, and smart speakers all have been using this wireless networking technology.

Here's an overview of WiFi and its pros and cons. 

WiFi explained

What Is WiFi Short For?

What is WiFi? WiFi, short for Wireless Fidelity is a wireless network that connects to the Internet or sends data between devices without wires by using radio frequency waves. 

Thanks to these waves, you can utilize WiFi on everything from your phone and laptop to tablets and printers. This process is called WiFi sharing. 

Can you get WiFi without Internet access? Yes, you may connect to the Internet with a WiFi dongle, according to Miranda Yan, the founder of VinPit. (Related: What is a WiFi dongle?)

What’s more, you can use public WiFi in particular sites (such as restaurants and coffee shops), create a personal hotspot, and use a USB cord to attach your smartphone to your computer to access online.

WiFi is short for Wireless Fidelity

Who Invented WiFi?

The Great Hawaiin islands were connected in 1971 by a wireless network known as ALOHAnet. That's where Ethernet and WiFi have some of their historical roots.

However, the forerunner to WiFi, known as WaveLAN, was developed in 1991 as a means of connecting cash registers by NCR Corporation, a business that started as a cash register company, and AT&T, a company that started as a phone company.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) finally developed the 802.11 standard, which is now known as WiFi, as a result of its widespread popularity. To manage the WiFi trademark, the WiFi Alliance was established in 1999 as a trade association.

How WiFi was invented

How Does WiFi Work? 

WiFi networks use radio waves, a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths, to transport data over the air.

The frequency of WiFi radio waves is usually 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. These two WiFi frequency bands include different channels. 

When you download a file over a WiFi network, a wireless router gets the data from the Internet via your broadband Internet connection and converts it to radio waves. 

The wireless router broadcasts the radio waves to the surrounding area, captured and decoded by the wireless device that originated the download request.

Related: What is fiber wifi?

How does WiFi work?

Types of WiFi Connections

As mobile networks become more prevalent in the home Internet space, you have more alternatives than ever for connecting wirelessly. Every type of wireless connection has benefits and drawbacks, so here is a list of a handful of them.

Pros And Cons of WiFi

Pros

Mobility 

If you are within range of a WiFi Access Point, you may accomplish your everyday work from any place.  You can access the Internet on your devices anytime to conduct business, send emails, or examine work reports.

Convenience 

People can access a wireless network simultaneously. Without any settings, the router or hotspot technology can build a WiFi connection in seconds. A WiFi network provides this simplicity of usage and convenience.

Productivity

WiFi provides great productivity

A company's staff can do their work using a WiFi network wherever they are. As users move from one area to another while connected to a WiFi network, they may encounter varying speeds.

Installation 

Without the complication of cables in different locations and manipulating switches, WiFi installation is easy. In a workplace, setting up a desktop with a network connection. It's also easy to set up a new WiFi router.

Expandability 

You can add new users to a WiFi network. More users can connect to the WiFi network with the right Wireless LAN credentials. 

Affordability 

WiFi networks are beneficial for cost and labor. When setting up a new WiFi network, you can save money on wiring and maintenance.

WiFi is beneficial for users to connect to the Internet

Cons

Security 

Although WiFi networks use various encryption mechanisms, they have a high chance of being attacked. Because of its wireless nature, it is vulnerable to hacking, particularly on public WiFi networks.

Range 

WiFi networks have a restricted range, often approximately 100-150 feet. While it is enough for a typical home, it can be a challenge for constructing projects. As you travel away from the access point, the strength of a WiFi network will be reduced.

Speed 

WiFi connections are significantly slower than conventional connections (around 1-54 Mbps). You can check this speed through a WiFi speed test on your clients. 

There is just one device connected to the dedicated servers at this time. When a few devices are connected to the network, this may appear right.

Pros and cons of WiFi