WiFi or Wireless Fidelity is a wireless technology used to link one or more wireless devices to a network.
the logo
Bands[]
Several different bands of WiFi are used.
| Name | Frequency (GHz) | Range (approx ft.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | 3.7 | 35 | Prone to interference form most wireless devices and radios. |
| b | 2.4 | 35 | |
| g | 2.4 | 38 | Both b and g are prone to interference with cordless phones and microwaves. |
| n | 2.4/5 | 70 | Available in single and dual band. Most widely used by routers. |
| ac | 5 | The newest technology, not widely available yet. |
Most routers manufactured today use the g or n band. The n band has the advantage of reaching a much longer distance than g which is why it is more widely used. N is also less prone to interference from cordless phones, microwaves, and other wireless devices.
Advantages[]
WiFi has the advantage of being extremely portable. WiFi also allows more devices to be connected to a LAN at once than ethernet cables. WiFi is also widely accepted by portable devices such as phones, tablets, printers and game systems. Most laptops and tablets come with WiFi cards built in so they can be used anywhere within or within the vicinity of the building.
Disadvantages[]
WiFi has few disadvantages over ethernet cables. WiFi is somewhat less secure than ethernet cables because an unsecured network could be tapped by a hacker. However, a strong access code and encryption are usually enough to deter the average hacker.
WiFi is also prone to interference from other cordless devices such as phones, microwaves, and other networks, this can been reduced by using a wireless n router in combination with phone line filters connected to cordless phones.