is a wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to connect devices like smartphones, computers, and smart TVs to the internet or to each other without cables. It operates based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards and is managed by the Wi-Fi Alliance, which certifies products as "Wi-Fi Certified" for interoperability.
How it works: A wireless router (connected to an internet modem) broadcasts a signal that devices pick up using built-in Wi-Fi adapters. Data is transmitted in packets via radio frequencies, typically in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz bands.
Key components:
Router: Manages network traffic.
Modem: Connects to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Wireless Access Point (WAP): Extends or provides the Wi-Fi signal.
Wi-Fi vs. Internet: Wi-Fi is not the internet—it’s a way to connect to a local network. The internet comes from your ISP via cable, fiber, or wireless (like 5G Home Internet).
Wi-Fi generations:
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Optimizes efficiency and reduces latency.
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be): Released in 2024, supports speeds up to 46 Gbps (theoretical), with multi-link operation (MLO) and larger channels.
Security: Use WPA3 encryption to protect your network from unauthorized access.
Common uses: Home networks, public hotspots (coffee shops, airports), smart homes, and enterprise environments.
Note: The term "Wi-Fi" is a trademark and does not stand for "Wireless Fidelity" — it was chosen for its catchy sound, similar to "Hi-Fi," but has no official acronym.
family of wireless network protocols
Factsheet
What is wifi?
A1 suddenly doesn't connect to App via wifi, only via hotspot or guest wifi
Moving into my first apartment what are the cheapest Wi-Fi providers? I don’t need anything fancy just enough to run like 2 tvs and a laptop.
Need assistance/advice regarding constant home wifi issues
What is a Wi-Fi gateway?
The AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway is more than just a router that provides internet connectivity. It combines the functions of both a modem and a router to handle your home internet needs. It is designed to seamlessly support a home full of smart devices and your most demanding Wi-Fi connections.
How do I reboot my Wi-Fi gateway?
1. Press and hold the Reset button on the gateway for at least 10 seconds. If you let go before 10 seconds, the gateway will reboot, but it won’t reset.
2. Wait until the gateway restarts and all the status lights are lit.
3. See if the Broadband or Service status lights are solid green. If so, the reset succeeded.
How do I find my Wi-Fi network name and password?
The best way to find your Wi-Fi network name and password will vary somewhat based on which Wi-Fi gateway or modem you are using in your home. You can go to this page to get detailed instructions on how this works on a variety of popular devices.
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I see things like Star link wifi and "my isp wifi doesn't work". I thought wifi is only what is between the wifi router in my house and my devices. Cell phones use 3/4/5g data internet through cell towers and home isps don't usually send internet through the air (i. e. Coax/copper/fiber) unless it is star link, but even then, the technology to your device is still wifi but most of the journey is via satellite transmission. 5g is not 5ghz. When did everyone get confused and started calling everything wifi? Am I wrong?
Edit: thanks for the laughs. To clarify, I am in IT and I know how internet works. However the language of the times change and sometimes the meanings change. I used to buy dial-up and then high speed internet. Now that "high speed" is meaningless, I think arbitrary adjectives were used to sell the service because no one knows what broadband or DSL means. Dropping the A in DSL didn't help either. So hey let's just call everything wifi! /s
This is most likely our own fault. It's all RF or wires. So rather than fix the internet, how do we fix the skewed understanding of it? Honestly I've taken my eye off the ball a few times and suddenly find myself confused how things work anymore. Almost want to actual dumb myself down, ignore understanding all this QAM and MIMO stuff and just go for the expensive package and call it a day.