What are wifi networks – a complete guide

A WiFi network is a type of wireless network that uses radio waves to transmit data between devices. WiFi stands for “Wireless Fidelity,” and it is a technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or communicate with each other wirelessly.

A typical WiFi network consists of two main components: a wireless router or access point (AP) and wireless-enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

The wireless router or AP is connected to the internet via a wired connection, such as a cable or DSL modem. The router or AP broadcasts a wireless signal that allows wireless-enabled devices to connect to the network. Once connected, devices can exchange data with each other or access the internet.

The WiFi network operates on a set of wireless standards known as IEEE 802.11. These standards define the protocols and specifications for wireless networking, including the frequency band, channel width, and maximum data rate.

To connect to a WiFi network, a device needs to have a wireless network adapter, which can be either built-in or added as an external device. When a device detects a WiFi network, it requests permission to join the network and receives a unique identifier called an IP address. This IP address allows the device to communicate with other devices on the network or access the internet.

Overall, a WiFi network provides a convenient and flexible way to connect devices to the internet or communicate with each other wirelessly.

There are several types of WiFi networks, including:

• Personal WiFi Networks: These are WiFi networks created by individuals for personal use in their homes or small offices. Personal WiFi networks are typically secured with a password, and the devices connected to them are limited to those owned by the network owner.
• Guest WiFi Networks: Guest WiFi networks are intended for visitors or guests and are separate from the main network. Guest networks often have limited access to the internet and are not connected to the primary network’s devices.
• Enterprise WiFi Networks: Enterprise WiFi networks are designed for larger organizations, such as corporations, schools, and hospitals. These networks are typically more complex and require advanced security and management features.
• Public WiFi Networks: Public WiFi networks are accessible to anyone and are commonly found in public places, such as airports, cafes, and hotels. These networks often have limited bandwidth and may be unsecured, making them potentially vulnerable to cyber attacks.
• Mesh WiFi Networks: Mesh WiFi networks consist of multiple interconnected access points (APs) that work together to provide seamless coverage throughout a building or area. Mesh networks can help eliminate dead zones and provide more reliable coverage.

Each type of WiFi network has its own set of characteristics and requirements, and the choice of network type depends on the user’s needs and the environment in which it will be used.

There are several WiFi wireless standards defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) that specify how wireless devices communicate with each other over WiFi networks. The most commonly used WiFi standards are:

• IEEE 802.11b: This was the first widely adopted WiFi standard, introduced in 1999. It operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and provides a maximum data rate of 11 Mbps.
• IEEE 802.11a: This standard was introduced in 1999 and operates in the 5 GHz frequency band. It provides a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps.
• IEEE 802.11g: Introduced in 2003, this standard operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and provides a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps.
• IEEE 802.11n: This standard was introduced in 2009 and operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. It provides a maximum data rate of up to 600 Mbps.
• IEEE 802.11ac: This standard was introduced in 2013 and operates in the 5 GHz frequency band. It provides a maximum data rate of up to 6.9 Gbps.
• IEEE 802.11ax (also known as WiFi 6): This is the latest WiFi standard introduced in 2019. It operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and provides a maximum data rate of up to 9.6 Gbps. It also includes advanced features like Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) that allow multiple devices to transmit data simultaneously.

Each WiFi standard is backwards compatible with earlier standards, so devices that support newer standards can also connect to older WiFi networks. However, the data rate and other features will be limited by the capabilities of the older WiFi standard.