Wi-fi Networking
Wi-Fi Logo
Wi-Fi Logo

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a high speed wireless connection that can be used to access the Internet on multiple devices or to transfer files between computers and/or Wi-Fi enabled devices, without the need of cable connections. Wi-Fi works by transmitting radio waves between a modem and a computer.

To computers with Wi-Fi capability, networks are listed by SSID (Service Set Identifier; 802.11 network). Upon connecting to a network a user may be asked for a password. There are many default passwords, such as a1b2c3d4e5, however it is suggested that upon setting up a Wi-Fi network that a secure password is set.

Most, if not, all wi-fi devices pass through what is known as the Wi-Fi Alliance, a trade organization that certifies and promotes Wi-Fi products.


Reliance

In this generation, the 21st century, most people wouldn't know what to do without wireless. Nowadays all new mobile phones, tablets, laptops and even some desktop computers rely on wireless technology to connect to internet services for crucial updates and additional software.


802.11 IEE Wireless LAN Standards

There are multiple different standards to the way information is transmitted over wireless. The most common being a, b and g. On the surface the main difference between these standards are the frequency bands along which the Wireless LANS transmit their data, the speed of their transmission and the area in which they are accessible.
802.11a - 54Mbps in a 5GHz band.
802.11b - 11Mbps in a 2.4GHz band.
802.11g - 54Mbps in a 2.4GHz band.
An in-depth summary can be found here.


Wireless Security

With the convenience of sending information without cables comes the problem of privacy.The first line of defense against unwanted on lookers was WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). At first it was thought to be secure enough for home use and where non-valuable data was being transmitted, but it wasn't long before programs were developed to get around WEP encryption.

This video will demonstrate how Wi-Fi works.

Wi-Fi Logo
WEP

Because of this threat, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) was developed. With WPA came the need for a user to enter a password upon connecting to the network. This was later updated by WPA2 to provide more security. Although no form of wireless security is truly secure most people, with the exception of those asking for trouble, and those with valuable information, don't need to worry. Mainly because someone trying to compromise your information probably won't spend the time required, sitting outside your house, apartment, or business in plain sight, waiting for a program on their computer to gain access.

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