Wi-Fi or WLAN
Wi-Fi or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Networks) is a wireless network based on a series of specifications from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) called 802.11. Wi-Fi uses unlicensed radio frequency, mostly in the 2.4GHz band. It enables a person with a wireless-enabled computer or PDA to connect to the Internet via a wireless access point. The geographical region covered by one or several access points is called a hot spot. Wi-Fi was intended to be used for mobile devices and local-area networks, but it is now often used for Internet access outdoors. Several cities, including Philadelphia and San Francisco, plan to install citywide Wi-Fi systems for use by all citizens in each municipality. There are several types of Wi-Fi:
- 802.11a (offering transmission speeds of 24mbps to 54mbps)
- 802.11b (6mbps to 11mbps) and 802.11g (24mbps to 54 mbps)
- 802.11n (50mbps to 100mbps) is a proposed specification that will become a Wi-Fi standard once it’s finalized by the IEEE, and the Wi-Fi Alliance completes its interoperability testing.
Related Blogpost : What is the difference between Wifi and WiMax ?
