Wi-Fi is a modern technology for wirelessly connecting computers, laptops and smartphones into one network and connecting them to the Internet. You can read more about Wi-Fi and how to set it up on your computer in the article.

How Wi-Fi works

Wireless connection of computers to the Internet occurs through the use of radio waves and, according to the principle of operation, does not differ from the operation of radio stations, cell phones and television receivers. The only significant difference between Wi-Fi is the use of higher frequencies than in radio communications and television broadcasts (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Operating at such frequencies makes it possible to transmit large amounts of information.

To implement wireless access To connect to the Internet, you need a router (router) with a built-in module for receiving and transmitting radio signals and a similar module built into a computer or laptop. The router connects to the Internet via a network cable through a provider. By cable digital signal from the Internet is sent to the router, where it is converted into radio waves. The router sends a radio signal to the computer's receiving module, which again converts it to digital. Similarly, a digital signal from a laptop is encoded by a transmission module into a radio signal, transmitted “over the air” to the router, converted there into digital and sent to the worldwide network.

How does a Wi-Fi router work?

Routers are capable of transmitting a signal from the Internet to more than one device. This allows one network cable to access the Internet immediately from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, etc. The coverage area of ​​modern routers is 50-100 meters (if there are no obstacles). This allows a person to move freely around the apartment with mobile device without losing connection with the World Wide Web.

The router's memory contains a routing table that stores paths to all connected devices. The Internet access channel width provided by the provider is also distributed among all mobile and stationary devices. It should be noted that a Wi-Fi connection through a router is convenient for communicating on social networks or via Skype, viewing Email, internet surfing. For online viewing of large videos or downloading files, a network connection is more suitable.

How Wi-Fi works on a laptop

Most modern laptops are equipped with a built-in module for receiving and transmitting radio signals that supports a Wi-Fi connection to the Internet. Such devices usually have a sticker with the Wi-Fi logo. network hardware for wireless connections is produced by many companies, using different technical solutions. However, the presence Wi-Fi logo tells consumers that manufacturers use a single communication standard, and devices from different companies will be mutually compatible, that is, they will be able to work with each other on the same network.

Good day.

Today, any modern user has an idea of ​​what Wi-Fi is. But do you know everything about him? In this article you will find an explanation of this term, information about its appearance, standards, advantages and disadvantages.

Wi-Fi: what is it?

Wi-Fi is a method of transmitting data over the Internet over short distances without the use of wires. More precisely, Wi-Fi is a standard for broadband communication equipment, on the basis of which local networks Wireless LAN.

If you look deeply, this term is not the Internet that many people think it is. It displays the trademark of the company that came up with this technology - the Wi-Fi Alliance. It is developed based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, and any device that complies with it can be tested by this company, as a result of which it will receive a certificate and the right to apply the Wi-Fi logo.

Explanation of the term

The abbreviation Wi-Fi is derived from Hi-Fi, which in English stands for High Fidelity - high precision. The abbreviations are similar in sound and essence, so, according to the developers, users should have a positive association when meeting a new term.

The first two letters in it hid the already mentioned word Wireless, which in translation means wireless. However, now the concept of Wi-Fi has taken root in our society so much that it is no longer considered an abbreviation, but is an independent term.

Scope of use

The technology was invented for providing the Internet in places where it is not possible to run wires: for example, houses remote from the city, buildings of historical value, etc. However, now Wi-Fi is used everywhere. With its help, various companies and establishments offer free Internet access to attract customers and show their modernity.

Most people install such an access point at home. Since it allows you to connect to the network from different gadgets while within the coverage area. Thus, thanks to Wi-Fi, you are not tied to one place, as is the case with a desktop computer to which an Internet cable is connected.

When answering the question of what Wi-Fi is, it is important to understand. Wi-Fi is not the Internet as a type, but only a way to connect to a device that already has access to the Internet. Wi-Fi technology is similar to (communication using radio waves). It works approximately the same, but is applied in a different direction.

Organization of a wireless network

So that you can use wireless internet, you will need a device with an appropriate receiver (smartphone, tablet, laptop, modem for a regular computer), a router, and an established connection with your service provider.

They are provided by individual organizations or mobile operators. Having signed an agreement with them, you install a router at home or in another place, which has a built-in radio module that receives and sends out a signal. A similar device should be in the gadget from which you will access the Internet.

As a rule, the cable is supplied to the provider. But in places where this is not possible, service providers transmit the Internet to the client’s access point also via Wi-Fi. But for this, their router must be located in a nearby area. Which is much more powerful than those installed by ordinary users.

By the way, instead of a router, you can use your smartphone, which will act as a modem if you use the Internet mobile operator. This connection is called tethering or teasing.

Network without a router

We should also highlight the connection standard Wi-Fi Direct. Which allows two or more devices to communicate without the mediation of a router. When connecting for the first time, the gadgets themselves determine which one will be the access point.

This technology is relevant in cases where, for example, you need to transfer a document from a computer to a printer for printing. Or you want to view photos from your phone on a large monitor without the help of a wire. Thus, with using Wi-Fi Direct you can organize a wireless home network.

Pros and cons of Wi-Fi

The advantages are:

• The absence of wires allows you to expand the scope of the Internet and reduce the cost of connection.
• There is no binding to one place.

• You can access the Internet not only from a desktop computer, but also from a mobile device.
• Several users can connect to the Internet at once.
• Wide distribution and wide range of devices certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
• Requires a password when connecting a new device, which ensures the security of the connection.

Now about the disadvantages:

• There is no connection to a place - yes. But there is a connection to the signal source.
• Due to the fact that Bluetooth devices also operate at the 2.4 GHz frequency of the IEEE 802.11 standard, microwaves and other equipment, communication quality may be degraded.
• Although the signal penetrates furniture and walls, obstacles still somewhat reduce its power.
• Bad weather conditions also degrade network performance.

As you already know, the basic Wi-Fi connection standard is IEEE 802.11, which defines a set of protocols for the lowest data transfer rates. It has many subspecies, so it would take a long time to list them all.

I will name the main ones:

• 11b. Appeared in 1999. Describes more high speed, than the basic one, but still insufficient by today's standards - 11 Mbit/s. The safety of the standard is also low. Protected by WEP encryption protocol, which does not have good functionality. Operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Nowadays it is practically not used, except for equipment that does not support other standards.
• 11a. Released in the same year as "b", but differs in frequency (5 GHz) and speed (maximum 55 Mbit/s).
• 11g. It replaced the two previous versions in 2003. Is more perfect. Its average speed is 55 Mbit/s, and when using devices that support SuperG or True MIMO technologies, it can reach 125 Mbit/s. The level of security is also enhanced thanks to the WPA and WPA2 protocols.
• 11n. The most modern standard, which appeared in 2009. Operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, so is compatible with all the options above. It has a high level of security, as it is encrypted with the same protocols as “g”.

That's all about what Wi-Fi is.

Enjoy your Internet surfing.

One of the most common questions when connecting to the World Wide Web is: “How to use Wi-Fi?” This is the most used data transmission standard today. He can be found on both desktop computers, and on tablets, smartphones, laptops. Depending on the operating system and hardware implementation, the method of connecting to such a network changes significantly. Therefore, it would be more correct to link how to use Wi-Fi to a group of devices. There is one algorithm for laptops and stationary system units, and another for tablets and smartphones.

What is Wi-Fi?

Before using Wi-Fi, let's find out what it is. This term hides the most common data transfer standard. It has a number of advantages. Among them are:

• No wires.
• Maximum mobility within signal range.
• Can be installed in most mobile and desktop computing devices.

Among the disadvantages are:

• There is a possibility of hacking.
• High power consumption.
• A sharp decrease in signal quality in rooms with reinforced concrete slabs.

It has several different modifications, which in most cases are compatible with each other. To date, several
security options, the best of which is WPA2. It is the most difficult to hack.

On a smartphone or tablet

Now let's figure out how to use Wi-Fi on the most popular mobile gadgets: smartphones and tablets. To do this, turn on the device. After downloading it, go to the address: “Applications/Settings/Wireless/Wi-Fi Settings”. At the bottom of the screen there will be a list of available networks. We choose the one we need. If it is protected by a password, a window will appear for you to enter it. Next, the device automatically connects, after which you can launch the browser to surf the Internet. Then you can use accelerated connection. To do this, you need to open the drop-down menu on the main screen. At the top there will be a characteristic set of buttons, including a Wi-Fi activation button. When you press it, the wireless network will turn off. When you press it again, it will be reactivated and you will be able to visit pages on the World Wide Web. This connection is configured on a tablet in the same way.

On a laptop or desktop PC

On a PC running Windows, the algorithm for how to use Wi-Fi is very similar. On the taskbar in the lower right corner there is an icon for wireless networks. Click on it once with the right button of the manipulator. A list will open in which you need to select the required connection. If the network is protected by a password, a window will appear in which you will need to enter it. Next, a short period of time is required to obtain a network address. After this procedure is completed, you can launch the browser and browse sites on the Internet.

Conclusion

This article examined the wireless technology for transmitting information over a distance - Wi-Fi. How to use it, configure it, visit pages on the Internet? These are the most common questions that arise while working with it. These are the questions that were answered here.

It was created in 1998 at the CSIRO Radio Astronomy Laboratory in Australia. The creator of the wireless data exchange protocol is engineer John O'Sullivan. The term "Wi-Fi" was originally coined as a play on words with a "hint" to Hi-Fi (High Fidelity). Despite the fact that at first some press releases included the phrase “Wireless Fidelity” (or “wireless accuracy”), this moment such wording is not used, and accordingly the term “Wi-Fi” is not deciphered in any way. How does the standard work? wireless transmission data - Wi-Fi? About this in today's episode!

The principle of Wi-Fi operation is based on the use of radio waves, and the data exchange itself resembles radio communications. Typically, a Wi-Fi network diagram contains at least one access point and at least one client. It is also possible to connect two clients when the access point is not used, and the clients are connected via network adapters"directly". Adapters on each computer convert digital data into radio signals that are sent to other network devices. They also convert incoming radio signals from external network devices into digital data. Radio transmitters and receivers on the same Wi-Fi network operate at the same frequencies and use the same type of data modulation into radio waves.

Wi-Fi networks work in special bands radio frequencies “2.4” and “5” GHz, which are reserved in most countries of the world for so-called unlicensed radio services, that is, those that can be used without obtaining a license for the radio station.

To connect to a network, you need to know the network ID. The access point transmits it using special signaling packets at a speed of 0.1 Mbit/s every 100 milliseconds. Therefore 0.1 Mbit/s - lowest speed Wi-Fi data transfer. Knowing the network ID, the client can find out whether a connection to a given access point is possible. When two access points with identical IDs come within range, the receiver can choose between them based on signal strength data. Wi-Fi standard gives the client complete freedom in choosing connection criteria.

Thanks to the wide range of coverage of routers, provided there are no obstacles - about 50-100 meters, the user can easily move around the room with his device without worrying about interrupted communication. The router's memory stores a routing table containing paths to all devices connected to the access point. At the same time, the Internet access channel width provided by the provider is evenly distributed among all connected devices.

Wi-Fi standards are constantly improving. In January 2014, the IEEE (I-triple I) 802.11ac standard was adopted, the data transfer speed of which can reach several Gbit/s. There is also the IEEE 802.22 standard, intended for use in rural areas and allowing data to be received within a radius of 100 km at speeds of up to 22 Mbit/s.

Articles and Lifehacks

Such an interesting and useful thing as WI-FI was invented relatively recently - in 1991 in the Netherlands. At first the name sounded like HI-FI and stood for “ high accuracy" After a while, the name was rephrased to “ wireless precision" Now they have refused to decipher the invention; it is simply used with a short abbreviation. This access point is popular and indispensable in almost every corner of the world.

What is Wi-Fi in mobile phone? This wireless connection with the Internet, which occurs based on radio signals. That is, Wi-Fi itself is supplied to other devices using a router. The more people connect, the slower the data transfer rate.

Where to find Wi-Fi and how to connect to it

Often, many establishments provide a service such as a wireless network for free. Cafeterias attract busy people who dine and work online without looking away from their phones and laptops. For students, this is also a free salvation: download the abstract, print it out - and you’re ready for the seminar.

In such establishments it is easy to see a badge enticing them with wireless Internet. It’s very easy to connect: you need to go to your phone’s settings, turn on WI-FI (in some it’s called “ WLAN"). After this you should go to " wireless network ", a list of all devices that your phone can see and can connect will be displayed. There are networks that are password protected. You need to enter it, and access will be immediately allowed.

You can connect in various shopping centers, for example, as well as at home if a router is installed.

Pros and cons of wireless connection

On the plus side:

• The location doesn’t matter – whether it’s at home, office, favorite cafeteria.
• The scale of the zone, the ability to move.
• Low emissivity of the device.
• High data transfer, while saving mobile Internet.

Of the minuses:

• A password that restricts access to the network.
• If the access point exceeds 100 mW, then mandatory registration is required.
• Experienced hackers can easily crack the security.
• Phones that use only Wi-Fi have a short network range.
• The quality of the connection is affected by foreign objects (walls, furniture, vehicles).