October 11th, 2011




What is WiFi?

The Basics Of WiFi

WiFi is the over the air network used by millions of computers across the world to connect up to each other and the internet.  There is no doubt that by now you are familiar with some of the basics of what this is with free WiFi hotspots all over the place.Many people do not even stop for a moment to consider how the technology works or why it is so fast and so easy to connect to.  In this article I am going to examine the basics of wireless networking so you can have a better understanding of how the technology functions.

The Basics Of How WiFi Works

At its heart, wireless networking is based around technology that has been in use for around a hundred years now.   A wireless network will use radio wave to communicate similar to how your television and radio works.  In those devices however there is only one way communication.  Probably the earliest examples of WiFi are the talk radio.  This simple device evolved into the cell phone, and now the same core technology is being used in WiFi systems to connect computers up to the internet.

Your laptop will take the outgoing data you want to send, translate that information into a radio signal and transmit it using an antenna.  This signal is encrypted so only the proper device that can decrypt will be able to analyze and decode the signal.In older laptops this was done by an external expansion card with a large antenna.  Today, the device is embedded inside the laptop and you will not even see it.  In order to download information, this process will work in reverse. The WiFi router will send out a signal that only your computer can decipher, you will then translate it and download the information. 

There are a few notable differences between a WiFi system and a cell phone or a walkie talkie.  The first is that WiFi operates at a much higher frequency then these other devices.Normally a WiFi system will transmit either in 2.4 GHz or upto 5 GHz.This higher frequency allows the WiFi system to transmit a larger amount of data.

The data for WiFi uses the 802.11 networking standard in 4 distinct types.  The a standard transmits at 5 GHz and can move up to 54 megabits of data per second by using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing.  For the purposes of this article you really do not need to know that is suffice to say it is a more efficient way of moving data.  B is the slowest and least expensive standard operating at 2.4 GHz.It can do up to 11 megabits per second.G is the most commonly used as of today, it is similar to a in that it uses OFDM, but it operates at 2.4 GHz making it a lot less costly.  It can handle 54 megabits per second.The latest standard of WiFi is N.  This standard significantly improves not only speed but range as well.  It can achieve a high of 140 megabits per second.These devices are not very common, but are becoming more so.

For more information about wifi please visit my wifi security camera website.

What is Wifi & How Does Wifi Work in Plain English


Maverick Industries ET-73 Maverick RediChek Remote Wireless Smoker Thermometer


Maverick Industries ET-73 Maverick RediChek Remote Wireless Smoker Thermometer


$29.99


Smoking meat and fish properly can take days. So, rather than going out to the smoker to check the temperature time and time again, simply install a RediChek Remote Wireless Smoker Thermometer and rest at ease. This handy thermometer monitors smoker air temperature and food temperature from up to 100 feet away. And, if the temperature drops too low or jumps too high, the RediChek alarm goes off, s...

Maverick ET-7 Remote-Check Wireless Thermometer With 2 Probes


Maverick ET-7 Remote-Check Wireless Thermometer With 2 Probes


$38.95


Cooking a dinner-party roast, holiday turkey, or backyard-barbecue pork loin to precisely the proper temperature without fuss is a snap with this thermometer. You can even monitor two foods (beef and lamb, for instance) simultaneously, since two stainless-steel probes are included, each 6 inches long and each connected to a 39-inch stainless-steel wire. Here's how it works: program the tool (two A...

Panasonic NN-SD967S 2.2 cuft, 1250 Watt Stainless Steel Microwave Oven, Inverter Technology


Panasonic NN-SD967S 2.2 cuft, 1250 Watt Stainless Steel Microwave Oven, Inverter Technology


$168.99


2.2 cu ft; 1250W cooking power; stainless front and silver body; pop-out dial; reflective door; one-touch sensor cooking (18 categories); one-touch sensor reheat; inverter turbo defrost; 6 digit display; keep warm setting; popcorn key; quick minute; more/less control...

Lux TX9000TS Touch Screen Seven-Day Programmable Thermostat


Lux TX9000TS Touch Screen Seven-Day Programmable Thermostat


$54.95


Efficient. Easy. Economical. That's why you'll love the Lux TX9000TS seven-day programmable thermostat. This clever device gives you complete and accurate temperature control at the touch of a finger. Compatible with a variety of heating and cooling systems, this thermostat incorporates do-it-yourself installation, a responsive touch screen, and a large lighted display for straightforward programm...

Honeywell RCWL300A1006 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button


Honeywell RCWL300A1006 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button


$31.27


The Honeywell RCWL300A P3 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button makes it easy to replace your home's generic doorbell ring with a chime tune that better fits your individual style. This chime is also compatible with a wide range of optional security accessories that can help you safeguard your home and family, and it comes complete with a pre-programmed bell push button. .caption ...


Tags: , , , ,