the world of wifi

By Justin Watts

What is WiFi?

WiFi is a simple name for a wireless local networking area.

It allows users to connect two or more computers to the Internet wirelessly.

Who uses WiFi? Anyone looking to connect multiple computers

wirelessly to the same Internet connection.

People who want to use the Internet almost anywhere.

Students

Teachers

Libraries, schools, cafeterias.

How Does WiFi Work? Radio waves.

Wireless adapter translates and sends data.

Wireless router recieves and translates data.

Data is sent the Internet using Ethernet cable.

Process works in reverse.

The Parts Needed to Connect to a Hotspot.

Wireless Transmitter.

Built-in Transmitter.

Wireless Adapter.

Plugs into USB port of PC card slot.

Computer will inform when wireless networks are available.

Creating Your Own WiFi Network. Wireless Router.

A port to connect to your cable or DSL modem.

A router.

An Ethernet hub.

A firewall .

A wireless access point.

HowStuffWorks "Building a Wireless Network"

Protecting Your WiFi Network. After you setup your wireless router you can:

Select a channel different from other WiFi networks that may be interfering with your connection.

Select a username and password.

Allows only users you approve.

Keeps out strangers.

WiFi Radio Waves. Frequencies of 2.4 or 5 GHz.

High frequency allows to carry more data.

Waves travel in 802.11 networking standards.

You can purchase different standards.

802.11a.

802.11b.

802.11n.

802.11g.

Systems that use WiFi. Computers.

Home systems and laptops.

Game consoles.

Xbox, Playstation

Cell phones.

iPhone, Blackberry.

Printers.

Cost of Setting Up a WiFi System.

WiFi Router $35-$120

WiFi Adapter $40-$70

Summary. WiFi is easy to set up

You need a transmitter, router, and Internet cable

It gets data from the internet to you wirelessly through radio waves

It is being widely used by different users in different areas all over the world

Works Cited. Brain, Marshall. "How WiFi works?." How Stuff Works.

A Discovery Company. 5 Dec 2008 <http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network2.htm>.

Breeding , Marshall. "Wireless Network Configuration." 41(2003) 21-30. 5 Dec 2008 <http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=6&hid=17&sid=5c18fb43-1527-49cc-9748-6e298c546aac%40sessionmgr7>.