Wi-Fi Technology
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Wi-Fi Technology

Wi-Fi or Wireless Fidelity is a brand licensed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to explain the fundamental technology of wireless local area networks (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. The Wi-Fi Technology is a wireless networking protocol which only works in limited areas or ‘hotspots’ and usually does not allow users to roam freely while maintaining a connection. The technology of Wi-Fi can be applied to a number of devices such as Internet, VoIP phone access, gaming and network connectivity for televisions, digital cameras, DVD players and other devices.
The Wi-Fi Technology is steadily evolving, with more standards being developed to allow Wi-Fi to be used by cars in highways to support an Intelligent Transportation System to augment security, collect statistics and facilitate mobile commerce 1EEE0802.11p. Moreover longer-range solutions, like citywide Wi-Fi networks can be availed in some markets.

Through the Wi-Fi Technology users can transfer digital data wirelessly, at broadband speeds. This technology can also be used to create a local network of computers, or to connect laptops to the internet while traveling. At present, Wi-Fi is mainly used to construct short-range wireless networks, covering a single home or office space. With Wi-Fi enabled devices like a telephone, computer or a personal digital assistance (PDA) you can connect to the internet when in propinquity to an access point. Wi-Fi technology is most commonly used by laptop users to gain access to the Internet in locations like, hotels, airports, coffee shops, etc. This wireless technology is extremely useful to consumers in their pursuit of work-based or recreational Internet usage. All Wi-Fi enabled products undergo a rigorous certification process conducted by the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Wi-Fi is part of the wireless Ethernet family of technologies, also referred to as wireless LAN (local area network) or radio LAN. Wi-Fi Technology provides a wide-ranging bandwidth in the 2.4-gigahertz (GHz) frequency band up to 11mbit/s theoretical and 5 mbit/s operational divided between users. The primary advantage of Wi-Fi Technology is the elimination of wires. The Wi-Fi Technology is just right for business service access in areas covered by GSM/GPRS and UMTS. Users of this technology can get access to their services like e-mail, intranet and Internet anywhere with the simultaneous advantage of the wide international coverage provided by GPRS/GSM, Wi-Fi networks in hotspots and UMTS in all built-up areas.

Presently Wi-Fi Technology continues to be the paramount technology for constructing general-purpose wireless networks. However in spite of the various uses and advantages of this technology a Wi-Fi network can be susceptible to access by unauthorized users if it is not adequately protected. To avoid this problem it is imperative to use security safeguards like the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption standard, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and other safeguards.

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