It Guy

All About Wi-Fi

Introduction

Computers, laptops, cell phones and palm pilots are examples of mechanisms that can grant the user internet access. Although computers and laptops are capable of having normal internet connection (i.e. Ethernet connection), they are also able to have internet access through wireless technology. Cell phones and palm pilots can only be connected to the internet by wireless connection. Wireless networking is possible through the technology of wireless-fidelity. Wireless-fidelity or WiFi as most people call it allows a ubiquitous internet connection to be broadcasted through radio waves. Its purpose serves directly to the users looking for internet access devoid of any cords or wires.

Summary

Radio waves are the keys which make WiFi networking possible. These radio signals are transmitted from antennas and routers and are picked up by WiFi receivers such as computers and cell phones that are equipped with WiFi cards. Whenever a computer receives any of the signals within the range of a WiFi network which is usually 300 - 500 feet for antennas and 100 - 150 feet for routers, the WiFi card will read the signals and thus create an internet connection between the user and the network without the use of a cord. Usually the connection speed is increases as the computer gets closer to the main source of the signal and decreases when the computer gets further away. With that in mind, think of the WiFi card as being an invisible cord that connects your computer to the antenna for a direct connection to the internet. Many new laptops already come with a WiFi card built in and in many cases you don't have to do anything to start WiFi which is one of the best things about it and how simple it is. WiFi cards can be external or internal, meaning that if a WiFi card is not installed in your computer, you may purchase a USB antenna attachment and have it externally connect to your USB port, or have an antenna-equipped expansion card installed directly to the computer. Laptops without a built in WiFi card is usually installed the external way while PCs have it installed internally. Once a connection is established between the user and the network, the user will be prompted with a login screen and password if it is a fee-based type network. Though there're also free-based network connections as well in some areas. Wifi networking around the world is creating hot spots in cities where anyone with a laptop can wirelessly plug into the internet. A hotspot is a connection point for a WiFi network. It is a small box that is hardwired into the internet. There are many WiFi hotspots now available in public places like restaurants, hotels, libraries and airports. You can also create your own hotspot in your home. Research has shown that within the next 10 years, hot spots will be all over urban and suburban vicinities.

Design

Here is a simple and easy to understand diagram of the basics of WiFi networking. The main source of the network is shown on the diagram as an antenna. The purpose of the antenna is to send radio signals to the people who want access to the internet by using laptops and palm pilots. In order for the person to gain access to the internet, they must have WiFi equipped products shown on the diagram. The diagram also features how WiFi cards can receive these radio signals into their WiFi receivers and have wireless connection to the internet. The diagram represents the person with the most important information of what features you need to understand of how WiFi spreads the net in a specific location. It also gives the person insight of how wireless technology work through radio waves and how it functions.

Specific Parts

Radio Signals

When it comes to WiFi technology, radio signals are the most essential and crucial components. They determine if you have internet access and what speed the connection is running on. The basic concept of radio signals used in WiFi networking is usually compared to that of walkie talkies. These walkie talkies can transmit and receive radio signals which makes possible to communicate with one another. When you literally talk into the walkie talkie, it is fixed to a radio frequency and broadcasted with the antenna. The person holding the other walkie talkie receives the radio transmission through its antenna and decodes the words from the original walkie talkie. Thus the same idea is used when it comes to radio signals in WiFi networking. The main sources of radio waves come from the antenna or router which transmits these waves to another antenna, in this case, WiFi cards, which give a direct signal to the user the ability to have internet access. For a better understanding, look back again at the photographic representation in the summary section. The antenna is placed on top of a building and emits radio waves within the vicinity. Notice that people with internet devices are receiving these signals to gain access to the internet. The IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) has produced a set of standards and specifications for wireless networks under the title "IEEE 802.11" that defines the format and structure of radio signals sent out by WiFi networking routers and antennas. Currently there are three forms of the 802.11 standard proposed by the IEEE: 802.11b, which came before 802.11a, and then 802.11g as its last form. WiFi radios that work with 802.11b and 802.11g broadcasts at a frequency rate of 2.4 GHz while those that comply with the 802.11a form broadcasts at 5GHz. The higher frequency allows faster data rates. Each standard has advantages, but 802.11g has the speed, compatibility, and range to replace 802.11b as the most common configuration of WiFi. Here is a chart that represents the main differences of each standard.

Standard 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g

Speed 11 Mbps 54 Mbps 54Mbps

Range 100-150 feet indoors 27-75 feet indoors 100-150 feet indoors

Frequency 2.4GHz, a band already crowded with cordless phones 5GHz, an uncrowded band 2.4GHz, still a crowd of cordless phones and microwaves

Acceptance Hot spots are already established using 802.11b. Equipment is readily available More common in corporate and office environments. 802.11g is compatible with the specs for 802.11b, meaning it can be used on a network based on b or g versions.

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