| | '''WiFi''' is a form of [[wireless]] [[internet]] access (Wireless Local Area Network) which complies with the [[IEEE]]'s 802.11 standards. 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 /> | | '''WiFi''' is a form of [[wireless]] [[internet]] access (Wireless Local Area Network) which complies with the [[IEEE]]'s 802.11 standards. 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. | | 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. |