How Does WiFi Work?

PART 3: How does Wi-Fi work?

Wi-Fi is really very similar to your cell phone. Radio signals are
transmitted from the computer or Bluetooth device to a wireless
router, sometimes called a wireless access point (WAP) or wireless
local area network (WLAN).

The router then sends the signal to the
Internet through a cable modem. So this router or wireless access
point is really the device responsible for transmitting the harmful
radio waves. Any number of computers or devices can be configured to
connect to one wireless router to make Internet connections.

The workable distance is about a range of 300 feet or more from the
wireless access point while most distances for good connections are
maintained at about 100 feet. And, of course there are many
variables that can affect this connection. Laptop computers and
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are the most common devices
utilizing Wi-Fi technology.

WiFi Hotspots Now in Schools

PART 5: Wi-Fi Hotspots Now In Schools

Wi-Fi has become popular in the home, office, the airport and coffee

shops. Many cities are now installing "hot spots" where one can take a

laptop computer and freely access the Internet over the provided

network. This is what is known as a "hot spot." It's a place to make a

wireless connection to the Internet. And they are springing up

everywhere. Entire cities are becoming wireless allowing one to

connect to the Internet from anywhere in the city. And due to the ease

of convenience Wi-Fi connections in schools are now becoming quite

popular, too. No longer are computers hard-wired to a connection in a

classroom. Connections are now virtual and allow the user,

student or teacher, the freedom to connect anywhere in the

school without the burden of being restricted by cable

connections.

What a great idea. Or is it?

PART 2: What exactly is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is a common term that stands for 'wireless fidelity.' It simply means that a computer can access the Internet without wires or cables.

In other words, it allows one to have a wireless connection to the Internet. It's like taking a cell phone base station and placing it in your home, schoolroom or office area. Wi-Fi is basically the same type of connection as used to operate a cell phone. It's a product of convenience as it allows one to access the Internet with a desktop or

laptop computer without the need for connecting cables. Moving from room to room with a laptop computer and no cables is a nice convenience although it certainly isn't a necessity.

Wi-fi and Wi-max - Why You Shouldn't Use Them

By Lynn Quiring

PART 1: The hot new craze in Internet access is Wi-Fi and its soon-to- be big

brother Wi-Max. Wi-Fi is a wireless connection that allows users to

access the Internet without the computer being connected to a cable.

And yes, it's very convenient. Imagine walking from the sofa to the

bedroom with your laptop and never loosing your connection. Imagine

the freedom and flexibility afforded schools and office workers. No

more ugly bothersome cables to tie you down. You're free to roam the Internet with your fingers while roaming your home, school or office with your feet. Freedom to move and freedom to surf. Perfect for the individual who is on the go and up to date with the latest

technology. You can even have free Internet access at your

local coffee shop. Same for airports.