Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network, and it is recognised as one of the useful computer networking technologies. The process of communicating and exchanging data has recently changed. Although Wi-Fi does not technically stand for anything, we can infer local area wireless technology from the moniker.
How WiFi Works and What it Is?
WiFi operates similarly to other wireless technologies. In reality, it transmits signals between devices via radio frequencies. However, the radio frequencies used here are quite distinct from those used by walkie-talkies, cell phones, vehicle radios, and weather radios. It offers wireless high-speed internet and network connections via radio waves. Wi-Fi is a registered brand that stands for IEEE 802.11x.
First, a computer's wireless adapter converts data into a radio signal, which is then quickly transmitted through an antenna. The signal is then received and decoded by a wireless router. The router's other purpose is to transmit data across a wired Ethernet connection to the internet.
How does WiFi operate(work)?
Wi-Fi has become a necessary component of our hectic daily life. We are no longer required to use cables to connect to the Internet, thanks to Wi-Fi. But have you ever thought about how it operates?
Wi-Fi transmits data between your device and a router using radio waves that travel at specific frequencies. 2.4 gigahertz and 5 gigahertz are the two radio-wave frequencies that can be employed, depending on the volume of data being transmitted. But what does that really mean? A hertz is merely a frequency measurement, after all. Let's imagine, for illustration, that you are sitting on a beach and admiring the waves as they come in. You might determine the frequency of the waves by counting the intervals between each wave crash. The frequency of one wave per second is one hertz. On the other hand, one gigahertz equals one billion waves per second. Beaches aren't like that, which is a good thing because it probably wouldn't be very restful. The more data that is transferred each second, the higher the frequency.
Multiple channels are created using the two Wi-Fi frequencies to reduce interference and high traffic. Well, the magic, er, computer science, happens when the data is shared across these channels. You (the user) start the process off by taking the initial action. The information you have requested is converted into binary code, which is the computer language, when you access the Internet using your device. Binary code, a string of 1s and 0s, provides the foundation for everything a computer does. Your click on this article causes a string of 1s and 0s to be generated in response to your request. If you're utilising Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi chip built into your device converts these 1s and 0s into wave frequencies. The radio channels stated previously are used to transmit the frequencies, which are then picked up by the Wi-Fi router that your device is connected to. The router then transforms the frequencies into binary code once more, translating the code into the desired Internet traffic, which it subsequently receives via a hardwired Internet cable. Until you have loaded this article—or anything else requiring the Internet—the process is repeated. The majority of routers function at 54 Mbps (megabits per second), which means that 54 million 1s and 0s are received or sent out in a single second when such routers translate and transmit binary data.
A modem and a Wi-Fi router are two different devices.
A router is used to link different networks together and direct network traffic between them. The router must have one connection to the internet and one to the private local network in this manner. Most routers have built-in switches, which make it easier to connect several connected devices. Wireless radios that make it simple to connect Wi-Fi devices are built into many routers.
Instead, a modem acts as a connection point between a local network and the internet. Previously, digital information was encoded, sent, and decoded on the receiving end using modems to modulate telephone line signals. Modern modems operate differently from older models. A modem is connected to your network based on the type of connection. You can get a normal Ethernet wire output from modern modems. You must use a modem that is compatible with your internet service provider's infrastructure in order to communicate with them effectively.
Do I require a modem to use WiFi?
Without a modem, a Wi-Fi router is capable of operating. The purpose of the router is to give the devices an IP address and a Wi-Fi connection. This makes it simple to print documents, stream videos stored on your phone to a TV or Chromecast, and send data from one computer to another.
Why do I require WiFi? [Does Netflix require WiFi?]
You will either a wireless gateway or a modem linked to a wireless router in order to set up Wi-Fi in your home. Wi-Fi is accessible even without an internet connection. A device can function without an internet connection if it transmits wi-fi signals for other devices to connect to.
It's not necessary to have Wi-Fi to watch Netflix. Internet access is required here. Any broadband connection will allow you to browse Netflix and watch videos.
The popularity of Wi-Fi is increasing daily. It is affordable, practical, and simple to obtain. One can use this method to access the internet when away from their usual place of employment. Your productivity is unaffected by navigation if you have Wi-Fi on you.
Exactly how do WiFi and the internet differ from one another?
Simply said, Wi-Fi is a catchy name for wireless networks. Network cables were previously the only method for establishing a local area network between devices. It was uncomfortable. However, Wi-Fi enables wireless connections between devices. You will receive the network even without any physical connections. These connections are mostly managed by the router. Through the router, two devices can talk to one another.
Wide area networks, or WANs, include things like the internet. It is a sizable global network that connects computers. You will join a vast worldwide network once you link your personal wireless network. The internet is what it is known as.