What is WIFI Full Form?

There has been a drastic change in human lives since the evolution of digital technologies. WIFI is one such technology that has a significant impact on humans. We use the term WIFI in our daily lives. However, many people are not aware of the WIFI full form. So what exactly is the WIFI full form? Wireless Fidelity is the WIFI full form in English, which is a wireless local area network (WLAN). This technology enables computers or laptops and other devices, like mobile phones, tablets, smart speakers, drones, and cars to communicate across the wireless network.

WIFI, also denoted as Wi-Fi, is a symbol of Wi-Fi Alliance. According to 2019, more than 3.05 billion devices that support Wi-Fi are shipped globally per year. This wireless technology utilizes IEEE 802 protocol family’s parts and works seamlessly with the wired technology, Ethernet. Moreover, Wi-Fi is a brand for all products that use IEEE 802.11 standards. Wireless Fidelity uses 5 gigahertz SHF ISM and 2.4 gigahertz UHF radio bands.

When you use Wi-Fi to create a hotspot, users within 66 feet or 20 metres can access the Wi-Fi network. Wired networks are highly secure than Wi-Fi, as attackers do not need any physical connection to connect to Wi-Fi. In the case of a wired network, intruders can access the network only with the physical contact. In order to secure the Wi-Fi wireless network, one has to secure it with the WAP authentication process.

WIFI Technical Specifications

As Wi-Fi follows the IEEE 802.11 protocol, there are some Wi-Fi standards that appear in the sequence, as follows:

• 802.11a
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n
• 802.11ac

Today, most wireless devices, like smartphones, smart speakers, tablets, etc., use 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11ax standards. All the above-mentioned standards of IEEE represents bandwidth, GHz frequencies, indoor range, and speeds that wireless devices utilize to connect to the network. Depending upon the IEEE 802.11ax standard, Wi-Fi 6 is relatively faster and efficient.

How Does Wireless Fidelity Work?

Wireless networks use radio waves or frequencies for communication. However, it uses two frequencies bands, one of 2.4 GHz and the other of 5 GHz – UHF and SHF ISM respectively for the signal. Users can choose any of the two frequencies through their dual-band devices. Strangely, 2.4 GHz band offers higher Wi-Fi coverage with slower speeds, whereas 5 GHz band transmits data quickly with less coverage.

The Wi-Fi wireless network requires a modem, connecting to the wireless router or the combination of a wireless router and modem, called a wireless gateway. These devices are also called the hub, generating wireless signals and allowing wireless devices to access the internet.

A router connected to the modem uses its antennas to send radio waves and transmits it to the required space, where several mobile devices can use the internet. You require Ethernet cables to connect a modem with a wireless router. Once the set-up is ready, the Wi-Fi name appears on the wireless and dual-band devices. Users can select the desired Wi-Fi, enter SSID and password, and connect to access the internet.

Types Of Wireless Fidelity

We have seen what is the full form of WIFI, its technical specification, and how does it work. Now, we shall discuss some commonly used WIFI types.

Wi-Fi-802.11

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) developed the first WLAN standard in 1997 and named it 802.11. However, this WLAN standard was quite slow and supported the maximum bandwidth of only 2 Mbps.

Wi-Fi-802.11b

Further, IEEE extended 802.11 to its next and better version, called 802.11b. 802.11b WLAN standard supported the bandwidth of up to 11 Mbps, which is relatively more than the previous standard. It uses the unregulated radio frequency of 2.4 GHz. Therefore, 802.11b WLAN experiences interference from several other devices that use the same, 2.4 GHz, frequency. However, interference can be avoided by installing this WLAN at enough distance from appliances that are responsible for interference.

Wi-Fi-802.11a

While developing the 802.11b WLAN standard, IEEE also developed 802.11a. It is the second extension of the original WLAN. The advantage of 802.11a over 802.11b is it supports the maximum bandwidth of up to 54 Mbps. However, another advantage of 802.11a is it uses regulated radio frequency of 5 GHz, which is comparatively greater than 802.11b. Therefore, 802.11a offers faster speed and avoids interference, as it uses regulated frequency. But the cost for installing this WLAN is high.

Wi-Fi-802.11g

IEEE developed another WLAN standard, 802.11g in 2002 and 2003. This WLAN devices consist of the best features of 802.11b and 802.11a. As a result, 802.11g uses the frequency of 2.4 GHz and supports the maximum bandwidth of up to 54 Mbps.

Wi-Fi-802.11n

IEEE developed The 802.11n WLAN Standard to overcome the shortcomings of 802.11g. It is also referred to as Wireless N. This WLAN standard uses multiple wireless antennas and signals to support a maximum bandwidth of up to 100 Mbps, which is greater than 802.11g.

Elements Of Wireless Fidelity

Wireless Access Point

Wireless Devices, like smartphones, tablets, etc., are connected to the wireless network using the wireless access point. However, the wireless access point works in the same way as an amplifier in the home stereo. It provides significant information about the number of devices connected to the wireless network.

WIFI Cards

Wi-Fi card is also known as Wi-Fi adapter. Wi-Fi cards are connected to the PC or laptops via USB port and allow the device to connect to the network. It acts as a receiver and a transmitter.

After going through this post, you can understand what is the full form of Wi-Fi. Most people use Wi-Fi but are not aware of the WIFI full form. However, we have discussed the Wi-Fi technology in detail.

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