Wi-Fi technology allows you to connect to the internet without the need for cables, offering several key advantages. Firstly, it provides mobility, as you can connect from different locations within the coverage area. It also offers convenience by eliminating the need for complex physical installations.
Furthermore, it stands out for its flexibility, as it allows you to connect multiple devices such as mobile phones, computers, tablets or smart TVs. Finally, it helps to save costs by reducing the use of cabling and making it easier to expand networks.
What are its main features?
It is a wireless technology based on radio waves, whose technical standards are grouped under the designation IEEE 802.11.
It operates on different frequency bands, mainly 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, with the 6 GHz band also included in the most recent versions. Depending on technological developments, it supports different transmission speeds. For example, WiFi 5 (802.11ac), launched in 2013, operates exclusively on the 5 GHz band and achieves speeds exceeding 1 Gbps. Subsequently, WiFi 6 (802.11ax), introduced in 2019, significantly improves performance in environments with many connected devices. The latest version, WiFi 7 (802.11be), due to be launched between 2024 and 2025, offers very high speeds and greater efficiency in congested networks.
On the other hand, Wi-Fi has a limited range that depends on the environment and obstacles such as walls, mirrors or plants. In terms of security, it has evolved from initial protocols such as WEP or WPA to the current WPA3, which is the most advanced.
How does it differ from other technologies?
Unlike Ethernet, WiFi does not require cables. Compared to other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, it offers greater range, speed and connection capacity.
Compared to mobile networks such as 4G or 5G, it is faster and more cost-effective in local environments. However, it requires an access point, such as a router, to function.
What are the main applications of this technology?
Nowadays, the concept of WiFi is part of everyday life — whether as ‘wifi’ in Spanish or ‘waifai’ in other languages — and is used in a wide range of applications. It is used for internet access in homes, offices and public spaces, as well as in home networks for sharing files and peripherals.
It is also essential for streaming audiovisual content, the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and remote working or education, including video calls and online platforms, amongst many other applications.
What is the origin of this technology’s name?
In reality, the term “WiFi” does not mean anything specific, as it is more of a trade name than a technical abbreviation.
As a point of interest, it is worth noting that the foundations of this technology date back to the work of Hedy Lamarr, who, as well as being a Hollywood actress, was also an inventor.
How does WiFi interact with new technologies?
Nowadays, we are completely accustomed to having WiFi coverage and accessing the internet via it, both at home and in public spaces. Its ubiquity is key to the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as to complementing mobile networks through features such as voice over Wi-Fi.
Furthermore, it facilitates the use of technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality thanks to fast and stable connections. At the same time, it continues to evolve to offer higher speeds, lower latency and better performance in environments with a high density of connected devices.
