WiFi is a term that most people are now familiar with. Wherever you go, you can find many WiFi hotspots just by searching on your phone, although most of them require a password to connect. Nevertheless, let’s clarify what WiFi is.
Originally, WiFi was an abbreviation for wireless fidelity. In the realm of wireless local area networks, it refers to “wireless compatibility certification,” which is essentially a commercial certification and a wireless networking technology. Previously, computers were connected via wired connections, but now they connect through radio waves. A common example is a wireless router, which allows devices within its effective range to connect using WiFi. If the wireless router is connected to an ADSL line or another internet connection, it is referred to as a “hotspot.”
Currently, common wireless routers on the market typically support speeds of 54M and 108M, with 300M WiFi routers gradually becoming more prevalent. The next generation of WiFi standards aims for a maximum transmission rate of up to 6.7G. However, this speed does not directly equate to internet speed, as the internet speed primarily depends on the internet line connected to the WiFi hotspot.
Advantages of WiFi:
Firstly, the coverage area of radio waves is extensive. In contrast, Bluetooth technology has a very limited coverage radius of about 50 feet (approximately 15 meters), while WiFi can cover a radius of about 300 feet (approximately 100 meters), making it suitable for use throughout an entire office building.
Secondly, although the wireless communication quality transmitted via WiFi is not perfect, and its data security is somewhat inferior to Bluetooth, the transmission speed is very fast, reaching up to 54mbps, which meets the demands of individuals and societal informationization.
Thirdly, the barriers to entry for manufacturers in this field are relatively low. Manufacturers can set up “hotspots” in crowded places like airports, train stations, coffee shops, and libraries, connecting these locations to the internet via high-speed lines. The radio waves emitted by these “hotspots” can reach users within a radius of several dozen meters to 100 meters. Users can access the internet at high speeds by bringing their wireless LAN-enabled laptops or PDAs into these areas.
Fourthly, there is no need for wiring. The main advantage of WiFi is that it does not require physical wiring, making it unrestricted by wiring conditions. This makes it very suitable for mobile office users and has a broad market prospect. It has expanded from traditional sectors like healthcare, inventory control, and management services into more industries, even beginning to enter homes and educational institutions.
Models of WiFi Network Cards:
WiFi network cards can be categorized based on their speed and technology into 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n. Most WiFi network cards support three modes: 802.11b/g/n, so compatibility issues are rarely a concern.
Conclusion: Times are changing. Wireless networks have evolved from requiring routers with antennas to portable wireless routers and even personal WiFi devices, largely due to the advent of smartphones and tablets. I would like to remind everyone that while free WiFi is convenient, security should not be overlooked. It is advisable to avoid using public free WiFi for payments or sensitive transactions.
