What is Wifi

Wifi is a wireless communication technology that allows electronic devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones or cell phones, etc. to be connected to the Internet through the use of radio frequencies or infrared for the transmission of information. Wifi or Wi-Fi is originally an abbreviation of the trademark Wireless Fidelity, In this sense, Wi-Fi technology is a computer solution that includes a set of standards for wireless networks based on the IEEE 802.11 specifications, which ensures compatibility and interoperability on equipment certified under this name. Wireless communication, as such, is one that dispenses with cables or visible physical means of propagation, and that, on the contrary, uses electromagnetic waves for its transmission, being that this, however, will be limited to a specific radius of coverage.

For its operation, the wifi needs a computer (router) connected to the internet and equipped with an antenna, so that it, in turn, redistributes this signal wirelessly within a certain radius. The receiving equipment that is within the coverage area, at the same time, must be equipped with devices compatible with Wi-Fi technology so that they can access the internet. The closer the equipment is to the signal source, the better the connection will be. In this sense, wifi technology allows the implementation of internet connection networks that benefit multiple users. Nowadays, many public places, such as hotels, airports, bars, restaurants, shopping centers, schools, universities, offices, and hospitals, are equipped with hotspots that offer free or pay wifi connection.

In a simplified way, a WiFi network is the link between a fixed data network and a series of devices that work wirelessly. If those devices want to connect with any user, portal or computer that is near or on the other side of the planet and do not want to use the networks of traditional mobile operators (with the corresponding costs and fees), one of the most used options is the WiFi network. This network has one or more access points, which capture the signal from the devices and channel it to the fixed network, or vice versa. More access points can be added to generate wider coverage networks, connect larger WiFi antennas that amplify the signal or use wireless WiFi repeaters to extend the coverage of a network that has the weakest signal. In the case of networks of smaller dimensions (home or small office), the key element is the WiFi router, which acts as an access point. The provider of the fixed broadband network is the one usually provided by that WiFi router, which may have the double option of sending the signal by cable or wirelessly within that house or premises.

Source, Pixabay Public Domain

HOW WAS THE WIFI CAME?

The companies 3Com, Aironet, Intersil, Nokia, Symbol Technologies and Lucent Technologies created the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), known as the WiFi Alliance since 2003. They aimed to promote wireless technology and ensure compatibility between different devices.

Thus, in 2000, the WECA created the IEEE 802.11b standard, but it was commercially called WiFi, with the intention of being an easy name to remember. From that moment on, it was ensured that all devices compatible with this technology could work together, independently of their manufacturer. Finally, it should be noted that the different WiFi standards have been developed and its popularization has been such that the radioelectric space has become saturated due to the overcrowding of users. The WiFi denomination is a brand and not an abbreviation, as sometimes tends to think.

Radiofrequency

The concept of radiofrequency is used to name the frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum that are used in radio communications. To understand this notion, therefore, it is necessary to have certain knowledge on this subject. The electromagnetic spectrum refers to how the energy of electromagnetic waves is distributed. This spectrum is determined by the radiations that are emitted. The waves, on the other hand, suppose the propagation of this radiation, carrying energy. This means that the electromagnetic spectrum ranges from radiations with smaller wavelengths (gamma rays) to radiations with longer wavelengths (radio waves). The frequency of the waves is measured in Hertz.

Radio Frequencies in the Wifi

Wi-fi is an energy field that is transmitted in waves. The waves have a certain height, a certain distance between them and travel at a certain speed. The distance between the wi-fi waves is less than that of the radio waves and greater than the microwave waves, which gives the wi-fi a single frequency that cannot be interrupted by other signals. Wi-fi waves measure seven to twelve centimeters from crest to crest. The crest is translated into 1 and the depression is equal to 0. The strings of ones and zeros can be translated into letters, numbers, and codes that build web pages, emails, and other Internet content.

Wi-fi waves travel in space as fast encrypted pulses or waves. A frozen image of those pulses would show that the pulses are nine centimeters from each other. Wi-Fi routers are basically antennas that can send data over multiple frequencies, all at the same time. The wi-fi occupies the radiofrequency of the electromagnetic spectrum between radio waves and microwaves. This frequency means that wi-fi boxes and computers can send and receive data such as electromagnetic waves that are between seven and twelve centimeters between each pulse.

Radio Frequencies Exposure

If you are worried about exposure to radio frequency from your mobile, wifi network, router, television or antennas that are near your home, forget about it. You can continue using your devices as you do so far. And also, do not forget, every day is permanently exposed to electromagnetic waves: artificial, like those already mentioned and to which you could add the microwave or even the light bulbs, and natural, from the earth.

"The levels of exposure of the population to the radio frequencies of WiFi devices, which are well studied under realistic operating conditions, are thousands of times lower than the maximum recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)."