WiFi Full Form- What is the Full Form of WiFi?

Sudeshna chakrabartiUpdated On: June 21, 2023 05:10 pm IST

The full form of WiFi is Wireless Fidelity and is often called a local area wireless technology. It has become an integral part of our life as it allows us to connect with the internet in a wide array of services like laptops, smartphones, printers etc. It uses radio bands to establish a swift connection between a device and the internet. 

The average frequencies a WiFi uses can vary between 2 to 5 gigahertz, which is pretty similar to that of microwave ovens. It generally hails from the family of IEEE 802.11 networks. You must be using WiFi for your work, school or personal use but are still unaware of certain facts associated with this network. This article will allow you to take a short dive into the applications, technical details, benefits and challenges of using WiFi.

 

What is WiFi Full Form?

As discussed above, WiFi full form is Wireless Fidelity, and is used for connecting devices to the internet.To establish WiFi connectivity, the users must enter the SSID or network name and a password.Wireless Fidelity gives liberty to share the internet among a group of people by creating hotspots ranging to 20 meters.Well, at times hotspot connection might pose security issues.

As WiFi adopts an IEEE 802.11 protocol, below is a list of the wireless accessing points used by a WiFi network.

  • 802.11 ac
  • 802.11 g
  • 802.11 a
  • 802.11b
  • 802.11n

If you are using the access point 802.11b or 802.11g, then it will help you get a connectivity range of 120 ft indoor and 300 ft outdoor respectively. 

An Interesting History of WiFi

Wireless Fidelity (WiFi full form) technology’s formation can be traced back to 1985 when bands of radio spectrum ranging to 900MHz were released by the Federal Communications Commission; the internet was used without any license. However, it was found that because of the lack of a common wireless standard, it became difficult to connect devices from different manufacturers. 

Finally, a committee was formed whereby industry leaders reached a consensus of creating 802.11, a common standard; it immediately gained approval from the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) in 1997. After two years, a non-profit organization, Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance was established to promote the new wireless standard, which was given the name WiFi. Since then, the demand and popularity of WiFi have grown rapidly on a global scale. 

What are the Different Types of WiFi?

Wireless networks were invented to help people access the internet by breaking away from the shackles of cables. Whether surfing the internet while sipping your cappuccino at Starbucks, finishing an important office project or completing a school assignment, WiFi connection saves time by connecting different devices without cables. Well, whatever may be your requirements, you need to choose from the below-mentioned types of WiFi. 

  • WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Networks): As the name suggests, a wireless Wide Area Network has a huge capacity to connect countries and cities by using multiple satellite systems, mobile signals or antennas. 
  • WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Networks): This category unlike a WWAN covers a comparatively smaller area.With the use of WPAN, a user can connect devices that are within a reach of 30 feet.You can connect your headset to a laptop using a wireless personal area network connection. 
  • WMAN (Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks): A metropolitan area network allows connection within a metro city or town.It is wider than a LAN and smaller than a WAN.
  • WLAN (Wireless Local Area Networks): Unlike WPANs, a wireless local area network uses radio waves instead of Bluetooth for establishing an internet connection. They help in connecting devices confined within a room or a single building. 

Type of Devices to Connect with WiFi?

With digitization, internet consumption has increased at tremendous rates and to fulfill the growing demands of people, workspaces, schools, government buildings, and restaurants offer free access to WiFi. Here is a list of devices with which WiFi can be connected.

  • Smartphones
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Printers
  • Smart TVs
  • Digital camera
  • Tablets

Pros and Cons of Using WiFi

Every technology besides offering a host of benefits poses a fair amount of threat, similar is the case with WiFi, full form of which is wireless fidelity. Here we would like to inform you about the benefits and pitfalls of using a Wireless fidelity network.

Pros:

  • Guarantees high-end accessibility: The primary reason to switch to a wireless connection is to get rid of cables which often pose management issues. With WiFi, users get the liberty to connect to the internet with a wide array of devices in a hassle-free manner.
  • Improved efficiency: With businesses going digital, it has become essential to maintain a swift communication channel with different stakeholders. WiFi is helping businesses connect with clients and customers alike effectively.
  • Opening new opportunities: When the world was hit by a pandemic in 2020, companies switched to a new kind of working style, which is work-from-home. Employees save on traveling time and cost and can work at the convenience of their homes by using WiFi.

Cons:

  • Slower transmission speed: Compared to wired networks, the transmission speed of a wireless network is slow. Users can connect to the network within a specific range.
  • Issues in the installation: In places where any electromagnetic source exists, it may hinder the connectivity, and in some cases, the wireless fidelity (WiFi full form) connection can disrupt completely.
  • Expose to hackers: While using your WiFi, you may face the challenge of it getting exposed to some unauthorized people. Improper security protection can result in hacking.

Hopefully, the article offered you a detailed insight into the merging and booming technology of WiFi. Those who wish to pursue a career as wireless engineer can enroll in IT courses and get a chance to earn a handsome salary.

FAQs

What is WiFi full form?

The WiFi full form is Wireless Fidelity.

 

When was WiFi invented?

WiFi was invented in 1997.

 

What are the advantages of using WiFi?

Wireless Fidelity helps one to connect to the internet effectively and efficiently without the hassle of using cables.

 

Do WiFi use high-powered radio bands?

Yes, WiFi generally uses SHF or Super-High Frequency radio bands that range between 2 to 5 gigahertz.

 

Is exposure to WiFi radio bands harmful?

Though there are no health risks when exposed to 2.4 gigahertz radio bands, prolonged exposure might lead to neurodegenerative diseases.

 

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