| The question, "What is wi-fi?" seems to be on the | | | | understanding of the term and using it correctly |
| lips of many people these days. The term wi-fi | | | | gives them credibility in their field. Equally |
| has certainly become a buzz word but whether or | | | | important to these individuals is understanding how |
| not it is always used correctly is debatable. The | | | | wi-fi technology works. In very general terms, |
| problem is many people do not really know what | | | | radio waves are transmitted to access points. |
| wi-fi means. They may have a vague idea of | | | | Users of mobile devices can use these access |
| what is meant by wi-fi but don't really grasp the | | | | points to connect to the Internet. |
| subject. There are others who believe they know | | | | Another important aspect of the term wi-fi refers |
| exactly what wi-fi means but they are not | | | | to electronic devices which are capable of |
| correct in their interpretation. The confusion | | | | accessing the Internet via wireless connections. |
| surrounding this term is a result of the relative | | | | Wi-Fi technology is supported by a number of |
| newness of the term combined with the common | | | | devices including laptops, cell phones, PDAs, video |
| misuse of the term. This article will explain what | | | | game consoles and all types of consumer |
| wi-fi is and will also explain how the term is most | | | | electronic products. These products are usually |
| often used. | | | | referred to as being wi-fi compatible or wi-fi |
| One common misconception about the term wi-fi | | | | certified. This wi-fi certified designation is awarded |
| is that it is an acronym for a longer term. It is | | | | by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The wi-fi certified designation |
| often referred to be short for wireless fidelity but | | | | is of particular interest because it assures the |
| this is not true. Wi-fi is a term that has been | | | | consumer that the product will be interoperable |
| trademarked by the Wi-fi Alliance. This | | | | with all other wi-fi certified electronic devices. This |
| organization holds the responsibility for defining the | | | | includes products from different manufacturers. |
| standards for wi-fi. The term wi-fi refers | | | | Finally, consider how the term wi-fi is most |
| specifically to networking technology which | | | | commonly used. Although the proper definition |
| provides wireless high speed Internet connections | | | | may refer to the technology most people use the |
| through the use of radio waves. Under the | | | | term wi-fi interchangeably with the term wireless. |
| definition provided by the Wi-Fi alliance any | | | | They may refer to wireless hotspots as wi-fi |
| technology which provides a wireless local area | | | | areas. In this way the term wi-fi is being used to |
| network and adheres to the Institute of Electrical | | | | define any area where a person can connect to |
| and Electronics Engineers 802.11 standards is | | | | the Internet on their laptop, cell phone, PDA or |
| considered to be wi-fi technology. | | | | other mobile device. Business establishments such |
| The language above describes the technical | | | | as coffee shops, bars and cafes often boast |
| definition of wi-fi. This type of definition is very | | | | about offering free wi-fi access. Likewise airports, |
| important to those with a vested interest in the | | | | hotels and hospitals may also advertise the |
| industry of wireless networking. Having a clear | | | | availability of wi-fi connections. |