Changes

Access points are typically connected to some form of high-speed internet service, such as DSL/cable or fiber optic lines. These access points generally transmit their identification (called an SSID) so users can easily connect to them using any WiFi-capable device, such as a laptop, [[smartphone]], tablet, or portable gaming device.

Access points are typically connected to some form of high-speed internet service, such as DSL/cable or fiber optic lines. These access points generally transmit their identification (called an SSID) so users can easily connect to them using any WiFi-capable device, such as a laptop, [[smartphone]], tablet, or portable gaming device.

Since information is being broadcast (so that anyone within range can "hear"), the signal is often encrypted, using protocols such as WEP, WPA, or WPA2.  Unfortunately, all three of these are vulnerable to attackers and do not therefore provide the security they were intended too.

Since information is being broadcast (so that anyone within range can "hear"), the signal is often encrypted, using protocols such as WEP, WPA, or WPA2.  Unfortunately, all three of these are vulnerable to attackers and do not therefore provide the security they were intended too. The Wifi Alliance announced in 2018 that it was working on creating WPA3, which they promise will offer more robust security than the previous failed attempts.<ref>https://www.pcmag.com/article/362111/what-is-wpa3</ref><ref>https://www.howtogeek.com/339765/what-is-wpa3-and-when-will-i-get-it-on-my-wi-fi/</ref>

In some places such as Sunnyvale in [[Silicon Valley]], WiFi is largely replaced by [[WiMAX]], which can service entire [[cities]].

In some places such as Sunnyvale in [[Silicon Valley]], WiFi is largely replaced by [[WiMAX]], which can service entire [[cities]].