Wi-Fi, or wireless fidelity, is a technology that allows electronic devices to connect to the internet or communicate with other devices without the need for wires or cables. It has become an essential part of our daily lives, but where did it all begin? The history of Wi-Fi can be traced back to the 1980s when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the unlicensed radio spectrum, which allowed for the development of wireless communication technologies. However, it wasn't until the 1990s when the first Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11, was introduced. This standard allowed for the creation of wireless local area networks (WLANs), which allowed multiple devices to connect to the same network and communicate with each other. In 1997, the first commercial Wi-Fi product, the Apple AirPort, was released. It was a wireless card that could be inserted into a Macintosh computer, allowing it to connect to a wireless network. However, it wasn't until the early 2000s that Wi-Fi began to gain widespread popularity. In 2002, the first Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones, the Nokia 6310i and the Nokia 7650, were released. This allowed users to connect to the internet and send emails from their phones. In 2003, the first public Wi-Fi hotspot was launched in San Francisco, and by 2005, there were over 50,000 hotspots worldwide. In 2007, the release of the iPhone and the iPad revolutionized the way we use Wi-Fi. These devices allow us to connect to the internet and access a wide range of apps and services from anywhere. Today, Wi-Fi is an essential part of our daily lives, and it's hard to imagine a world without it. As technology continues to advance, so does Wi-Fi. In recent years, new standards such as IEEE 802.11ac and 802.11ax have been introduced, offering faster speeds and better performance. Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11ax, is the latest standard and promises to offer faster speeds, better coverage, and improved battery life for devices. In conclusion, Wi-Fi has come a long way since its inception in the 1990s. It has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information, and it continues to evolve with new technologies and standards. As we move towards a more connected world, Wi-Fi will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping our future.
Wireless access point: what is it? Wireless devices can join the wireless network by connecting to a wireless access point (AP). Having a wireless network device makes it simple to connect additional devices and offers mobile workers flexible support. An amplifier does for your home sound what a wireless access point does for your network. In order for multiple devices to connect to the network from farther distant locations, an access point spreads the bandwidth flowing from a router. However, a wireless access points do more than just increase Wi-Fi coverage. It can also provide proactive security, relevant information on the network's devices, and many other helpful functions.
Known WiFi Access Points brands
A wireless router: what is it? Homes frequently contain wireless routers. You connect to their cable or xDSL Internet network using these hardware components provided by Internet service providers. The term "wireless local area network (WLAN) device" is sometimes used to describe a wireless router. The term "Wi-Fi network" can also refer to a wireless network. A wireless router combines a router's networking capabilities with those of a wireless access point.
What exactly is a desktop Wi-Fi router? A desktop wireless (Wi-Fi) router is the most typical device that people use to connect wirelessly to the Internet. These routers resemble little boxes with numerous small antennas that assist spread the signal around a house or office. The Wi-Fi signal gets weaker the further away a user is from the main router. Therefore, a number of wireless routers known as range extenders are typically installed all over the workspace. When arranged in an array, Wi-Fi range extenders can increase or expand Internet coverage.
A mobile hotspot: what is it? Smartphones with both tethered and untethered connections frequently have a mobile hotspot. By activating the mobile hotspot feature on your phone, you can allow other devices to connect to your wireless network and use the Internet. What exactly is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot? A mobile hotspot that may be accessed through a cell phone carrier is referred to as a portable Wi-Fi hotspots. It's a tiny gadget that connects to cell towers to receive high-speed 3G or 4G broadband transmissions. Then, as you move around, the device may wirelessly connect to a variety of devices, including computers and iPads, enabling constant access to the Internet. The portable hotspot's monthly price is determined by the data use plan you choose, just like a cell phone. When compared to looking for static public Wi-Fi hotspots, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot offers a more secure internet connection. Wi-Fi deployment types
An organization can pick from different deployment types to build a wireless network. Every deployment has unique characteristics that will favor certain solutions over others. Centralized deployment
The most typical kind of wireless network system, typically used on campuses where networks and buildings are near together. With this setup, the wireless network is consolidated, making updates simpler and providing cutting-edge wireless capability. The controllers are positioned in one main area and have an on-site basis. Converged deployment
a remedy designed specifically for small campuses or outposts. It gives users uniformity across their wired and wireless connections. In this configuration, wired and wireless are combined on a single network device—an access switch—which serves as both a switch and a wireless controller.
Cloud-based deployment
A system that uses the cloud to manage network devices installed on-site at several locations is known as a cloud-based deployment.
Wi-Fi Standards
WIFI networks (as well as other data transmission networks) must adhere to a set of services and protocols known as wireless standards.
IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN (WLAN) & Mesh are the two wireless standards you'll run into the most frequently. Every couple of years, IEEE makes changes to the 802.11 Wi-Fi standard. As of this writing, 802.11ac is the most widely used Wi-Fi standard, whereas 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi6E (but more on that later! ), is currently being implemented, albeit more slowly than most experts anticipated. With IEEE 802.11be (also known as Wi-Fi 7) set to debut around 2024–2025, the generation following 802.11ax is now approaching. The first wireless standard was IEEE 802.11! The maximum connection speed of 54 megabits per second (Mbps) was supported by this long-gone standard, which was developed in 1997. This is no longer used in devices, and they are incompatible with machinery manufactured today. EEE 802.11a: This Wi-Fi standard was developed in 1999 and operates on the 5GHz range. Since many devices (such as the majority of wireless phones) also use the 2.4GHz band, this was done in the hopes of experiencing less interference. Additionally, 802.11a is fairly speedy, with high data rates of 54Mbps. However, the range is frequently inadequate since the 5GHz frequency has greater trouble with objects in the signal's path. IEEE 802.11b: This standard, which was also developed in 1999, operates on the more common 2.4GHz band and has a maximum speed of 11Mbps. The standard that gave Wi-Fi its start was 802.11b. IEEE 802.11g: Created in 2003, the 802.11g standard increased the top data rate to 54Mbps while still using the dependable 2.4GHz frequency. This led to the standard being widely adopted. IEEE 802.11n: This version was first released in 2009, however initial uptake was slow. The 802.11n standard supports multi-channel utilization and operates at 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The highest data rate allowed under the standard, which is 600Mbps, is 150Mbps for each of the channels. At the time of writing, the majority of wireless devices are using the IEEE 802.11ac standard. The AC significantly boosts Wi-Fi device data throughput up to a maximum of 1,300 megabits per second since its initial introduction in 2014. Additionally, MU-MIMO compatibility, more Wi-Fi broadcast channels for the 5GHz band, and assistance for multiple antennas on a single router are all added by ac.
IEEE 802.11ax: The axe standard is the next one for your wireless router and other devices. You will have access to theoretical network performance of 10Gbps as 802.11ax completes its rollout, which represents a 30–40% boost over the ac standard. Furthermore, wireless axe will boost MU-MIMO, enable more concurrent data streams, and introduce broadcast subchannels to increase network capacity. Although the 802.11be specs have not yet been finalised, it is very likely that this technology will replace 802.11ax. The IEEE Xplore report states that 802.11be will give "doubled bandwidth and the increased number of spatial streams, which together provide data rates as high as 40 Gbps." What is internet speed?
The amount of time it takes for a specific amount of data to travel from a server to your device and vice versa is known as internet speed. Whether you're watching Netflix streaming films, tweeting, or participating in a Zoom meeting, you're using your smartphone to download and upload data packets. Your internet connection's capacity, expressed in megabits per second (Mbps), determines how quickly you can move all of this data. Your internet service provider determines your Wi-Fi speed on a home Wi-Fi network. The amount you can spend for faster speeds and the provider's technological capabilities determine what you can get. Naturally, faster connections typically cost more each month.
How much internet speed do you need?
0–5 Mbps:
Send emails Search Google Stream in HD on a single device
5–40 Mbps:
Stream in HD on a few devices Play online games Run 1–2 smart devices
40–100 Mbps:
Stream in 4K on 2–4 devices Play online games with multiple players Download big files quickly (500 MB to 2 GB) Run 3–5 smart devices
100–500 Mbps:
Stream in 4K on 5+ devices Download very big files very quickly (2–30 GB) Run 5+ smart devices
500–1,000+ Mbps:
Stream in 4K on 10+ devices Download and upload gigabyte-plus–sized files at top speed Run 10 or more smart-home devices in your abode Do basically anything on multiple devices with no slowdowns