Guide To Wireless Broadband - Part 4 of 7

Have you heard of Wi-Fi but don’t really understand it? This section of the wireless broadband guide will explain exactly what Wi-Fi is and how it works.

Quick Links:

• Part One – What is wireless broadband/wireless networking?
• Part Two – What are the pros and cons of wireless broadband?
• Part Three – How do you set up a wireless connection?
• Part Four – What is Wi-Fi and how does it work?
• Part Five – Wireless broadband jargon buster
• Part Six – Top tips for a better wireless experience
• Part Seven – Where can you get wireless broadband?

What is Wi-Fi and how does it work?

Wi-Fi is actually a wireless technology brand owned by the Wi-Fi Alliance. To put it in simple terms, it takes wireless technology to the next level by allowing users to access the internet via mobile phones, iPods, games consoles and more.

A Wi-Fi enabled device can access the internet when within range of a wireless network. As a result, many mobile phone manufacturers have established wireless hotspots around the country – these can be small rooms with wireless opaque walls or many square miles with overlapping access points.

The number of hotspots is expanding as Wi-Fi technology becomes more popular. Generally, they are found in public places which are regularly frequented by large numbers of people – such as at airports or train stations, along with hotels and motorway service stations. As their popularity expands they can be found in smaller venues such as cafes, restaurants and even public houses.

Many mobile phone providers now offer Wi-Fi technology as a subscription service, while others offer it through pay-as-you-go deals. You should think about how often you are likely to use the technology before deciding which is right for you. If you are constantly on the move and you regularly pass through areas with hotspots there can be substantial benefits to buying a Wi-Fi package deal. However, if you use it irregularly and for short periods, a pay-as-you-go deal will probably work out more cost-effective.

The capabilities of Wi-Fi technology have been expanded with the development of Wi-Max, which aims to provide wireless data over longer distances. This can be used to connect Wi-Fi hotspots to each other and provides connectivity while you’re on the move.

What else does Wi-Fi technology offer?

Wi-Fi also allows you to connect in peer-to-peer mode – known as a wireless ad-hoc network. This is when devices connect directly to each other.

With this technology, you can share applications and other data. For example, you could take images on a camera phone with Wi-Fi capabilities and then transfer them to a digital camera or a PC.

Guide to broadband jargon – Part 5 >>>

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