Wi-Fi, also spelled Wifi or WiFi, is a local area wireless technology that allows an electronic device to exchange data or connect to the internet using 2.4 GHz UHF and 5 GHz SHF radio waves. It is the name of a popular wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections. The name is a trademark name and is a play on the audiophile term Hi-Fi. The Wi-Fi Alliance defines Wi-Fi as any “wireless local area network” (WLAN) products that are based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards. However, since most modern WLANs are based on these standards, the term “Wi-Fi” is used in general English as a synonym for “WLAN”. Only Wi-Fi products that complete Wi-Fi Alliance interoperability certification testing successfully may use the “Wi-Fi CERTIFIED” trademark.
Wi-Fi networks have no physical wired connection between sender and receiver by using radio frequency technology; a frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum connected with radio wave propagation. When a radio frequency current is supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that then is able to propagate through space.
WiFi is widely used in businesses, agencies, schools, and homes as an alternative to a wired LAN. Many airports, hotels, and fast-food facilities offer public access to WiFi networks. These locations are known as hot-spots. Many charge a daily or hourly rate for access, but some are free. An interconnected area of hot spots and network access points is known as a hot zone.
