What Is Wi-Fi?
WiFi is a technology that allows wireless connections to the Internet from anywhere, such as from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, a conference room at work, or a city street. When deployed to provide city-wide coverage, it is generally known as Muni Wi-Fi, or a Municipal Wireless Mesh Network.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) enabled computers send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station. Best of all, Wi-Fi is fast - several times faster than the fastest cable modem connection.
WiFi mesh networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11b or 802.11a to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Muni Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks.
Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a) data rate or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so they can provide real-world performance similar to the basic wired Ethernet networks used in many offices.
Large corporations, campuses and cities use Wi-Fi to extend standard wired Ethernet networks to public areas like meeting rooms, training classrooms and large auditoriums. Many corporations also provide wireless networks to their off-site and telecommuting workers to use at home or in remote offices.
Service providers and wireless ISPs use Wi-Fi to distribute Internet connectivity within individual homes and businesses as well as apartments, commercial complexes, and across entire cities.
Wi-Fi networks are also found in coffee shops, hotels, airport lounges and other locations where large crowds gather.
For more information about Wi-Fi, visit the Wi-Fi Alliance at www.wi-fi.org.
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