By: Amith Shetty
Most of us use the internet every single day. From browsing, to doing work, to relaxing, the internet is a huge part of our lives and plays a key role in how we receive information. However, most people don’t know how exactly it gets to them and what process it takes. But, they likely have heard the terms “WiFi” and “Data,” which are the two most popular means of connecting to the internet through mobile devices. Let’s take a look at what exactly WiFi is and how it works: So, what is WiFi? Essentially, it is the means by which multiple different devices connect to the internet. It allows them to send signals and engage with the different apps and products we use everyday, giving us the functionality that we are used to. On a technical level, WiFi is the radio signal that is sent between a device and a router, and this signal allows the device to connect you to the internet. The device is able to translate the signal into usable data and outputs it to you as you use the device. As a result, this is why WiFi falters as you get farther from the router - the farther you are, the more difficult it is for the signal to go from your device to the router and vice-versa. So, what happens after the signal goes to the router? Well, since the router is connected to the internet via a wire, this means that the signal will go through the wire and to the internet, and wherever you need it to go (for example, a social media app or an online shopping site). Due to the advances of technology that have occurred over the past several decades, this process is extremely fast, hence the very low wait times people experience when loading their content[1]. Another aspect of WiFi is the generational advances it goes through every few years. Just like our phones or laptops that go through updates every few months, WiFi also goes through updates in a similar fashion. This allows it to periodically improve speeds and data transfer rates as the demands of the modern world continue to grow. Currently, the most up-to-date version of WiFi is Wifi 6, which was released in 2019. Prior to this, Wifi 5 was the standard, which was released in 2014. Other advances this update introduced include better efficiency (in terms of battery life preservation for the device using the WiFi) and enhanced performance in large areas with several devices. This allows for a smoother experience for users, especially as apps become more demanding and the amount of information being presented increases [2]. These periodic updates can require buying an entirely new router, however, so not all users are able to immediately upgrade to the latest standards as they would with software updates on their devices. However, as it becomes more widespread as the years go on, it will likely become the new standard in a more widespread sense. Overall, we can see that WiFi is a crucial part of our lives and is more complex than it may seem. It is a technology that is constantly being improved as more people connect to the internet and require it’s services. Additionally, WiFi, while helpful, also requires use with caution (particularly in public places). Users must be weary of public connections where a hacker can infiltrate their devices and steal information, which is why it is critical to use preventative measures whenever possible (such as VPNs and anti-tracking mechanisms) since Wifi certainly won’t be going away anytime soon. Sources: [1]https://www.verizon.com/info/definitions/wifi/#:~:text=Wi%2DFi%20is%20the%20wireless,you%20can%20see%20and%20use. [2]https://www.howtogeek.com/368332/wi-fi-6-what%E2%80%99s-different-and-why-it-matters/
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