Difference between revisions of "WiFi"
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| − | '''WiFi''' is a form of [[wireless]] [[internet]] access (Wireless Local Area Network). WiFi is | + | '''WiFi''' is a form of [[wireless]] [[internet]] access (Wireless Local Area Network). The protocols and standards used by WiFi are governed by the Wifi Alliance, which is composed of an international network of companies.<ref>https://www.wi-fi.org/who-we-are</ref> It was originally invented by the [[Australia]]n government's research arm, the CSIRO. WiFi networks use a [[Network_topology#Star|star architecture]] to service numerous devices within proximity of the access point (or "hotspot"). Wireless access points can be teamed together to offer seamless service over a relatively large area, be switching off clients from one access point to another as is needed to maintain connectivity. This is typically done by companies with a large amount of square footage to service, such as [[hotels]], [[hospitals]], [[restaurants]], [[airports]], [[schools]] and [[universities]], and [[shopping malls]].<br /> |
| + | 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. | ||
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| + | 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. | ||
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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]]. | ||
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* [[Ethernet]] - more secure than using wireless | * [[Ethernet]] - more secure than using wireless | ||
* [[Encryption]] | * [[Encryption]] | ||
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* [[Internet security]] | * [[Internet security]] | ||
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[[Category:Internet]] | [[Category:Internet]] | ||
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[[Category:Telecommunications]] | [[Category:Telecommunications]] | ||
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Revision as of 04:54, December 29, 2018
WiFi is a form of wireless internet access (Wireless Local Area Network). The protocols and standards used by WiFi are governed by the Wifi Alliance, which is composed of an international network of companies.[1] It was originally invented by the Australian government's research arm, the CSIRO. WiFi networks use a star architecture to service numerous devices within proximity of the access point (or "hotspot"). Wireless access points can be teamed together to offer seamless service over a relatively large area, be switching off clients from one access point to another as is needed to maintain connectivity. This is typically done by companies with a large amount of square footage to service, such as hotels, hospitals, restaurants, airports, schools and universities, and shopping malls.
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.
In some places such as Sunnyvale in Silicon Valley, WiFi is largely replaced by WiMAX, which can service entire cities.
See also
- Ethernet - more secure than using wireless
- Encryption
- Internet security