Full Form of WIFI
| Acronym |
Full-Form |
| WIFI |
Wireless Fidelity |
Definition
The full form of WiFi is Wireless Fidelity. A local area wireless technology or WIFI allows an electronic device to transfer data or connect to the internet using ISM radio bands. This is an underlying technology of WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). Computers and other devices are allowed to communicate over a wireless network using Wi-Fi.
The components of the Wi-Fi network are based on one of the 802.11 standards and have been developed by the IEEE and adopted by the Wi-Fi alliance. You will be provided with a standard way to connect with the wireless network. Used as a brand name for products using the IEEE 802.11 standards, Wi-Fi is the trademark of the Wi-Fi alliance.
There are several types of devices on which Wi-Fi can be used, like video game consoles, personal computers, smartphones, digital cameras, tablet computers etc. Wi-Fi can be used to create a hotspot within the range of 20 meters (66 feet). As the intruder here does not need a physical connection to use the Wi-Fi, it is less secure than a wire connection.
Technical Specification
IEEE 802.11 specifications are Wi-Fi based. Here is a list of Wi-Fi standards.
- 802.11g
- 802.11n
- 802.11ac
- 802.11a
- 802.11b
A range of 120 ft indoor and 300 ft. outdoor access internet is provided by a wireless accessing point 802.11b or 802.11g through laptops, computers, smartphones, etc.
Radio Waves are used by Wi-Fi to transmit data from your wireless router to your Wi-Fi enabled devices like your smartphone, TV, tablet and computer. Your devices and personal information can become vulnerable to hackers, cyber-attacks and other threats as they communicate with each other over the airwaves. This is most evident when you connect to a public Wi-Fi. network at places like coffee shops or airports. It is best to connect to a wireless network that is password-protected or a personal hotspot.
Types of WiFi Network
There are four main types of WiFi networks:
1. Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN)
These are networks that are in short-range, connecting devices within a relatively small area. Though the range can extend up to 30 feet, a WPAN generally connects devices within a person's reach. A WPAN can interconnect compatible devices near a central location using Bluetooth technology. Example: Interconnecting a headset to a laptop on your desk.
2. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)
WLAN does not use Bluetooth technology like WPAN. Instead, they use Radio waves. Generally, there is at least one cable that acts as the access point for internet access, such as the wired internet connection going into a router and then broadcasting to other devices. WLANs can be used to connect to the internet and to the local resources. The range can be set to cover the entire building or campus with the use of OFDM technologies.
3. Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWAN)
WWAN can be maintained over very large areas, such as states or countries, via multiple satellite systems, mobile phone signals or antenna sites. WWANs provide a way to stay connected with a wide coverage area when other forms of network access are unavailable.
4. Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN)
WMAN can connect several different WLANs in a metropolitan area, such as different buildings in a city.
Wireless Access Point
A wireless network device that works like a portal for devices, enabling them to connect to a local area network is called an access point. You can use access points for increasing the number of users that can connect to an existing network and for extending the wireless coverage of the network.
The wired signal is transformed into a wireless one by a high-speed Ethernet cable that runs from a router to an access point. The only available option for access points to establish links with end devices using WiFi is by using wireless connectivity.
Wireless Router
There are two main functions of a router:
- connecting multiple phones, computers, tablets, or other devices to form a managed local area network.
- to make sure that all the compatible devices connected to the router are provided with Internet access.
You can simply deploy a router and connect one or several devices to it, to set up a local area network (LAN). Present-day routers can be connected to, both via Ethernet cables or wirelessly.
