wi-fi
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Wi-Fi
The standard wireless local area network (WLAN) technology for connecting computers and myriad electronic devices to each other and to the Internet. An IEEE standard, Wi-Fi is the wireless...
Dictionary
Definition: Wi-Fi
The standard wireless local area network (WLAN) technology for connecting computers and myriad electronic devices to each other and to the Internet. An IEEE standard, Wi-Fi is the wireless version of a wired Ethernet network, and it is commonly deployed alongside Ethernet. To learn how Wi-Fi fits into the home and office, see wireless LAN and Wi-Fi hotspot. For details about the technology, see 802.11.
11a, 11b, 11g, 11n
In the early 2000s, IEEE 802.11b was the first widely used Wi-Fi version, followed by 11a and 11g. The latest is 11n (see 802.11n). Today, all laptops and wireless mobile devices come with Wi-Fi built in. Earlier laptops can be Wi-Fi enabled by plugging in an adapter via a PC Card or USB port. Although desktop computers may not be Wi-Fi equipped from the factory, a Wi-Fi USB adapter or Wi-Fi PCI card plugged into a desktop machine makes it wireless as well. Note that a "PCI card" plugs into a slot on the motherboard inside a desktop computer; a "PC Card" plugs into an external slot on earlier laptops.
What's in a Name?
Wi-Fi sounds like "hi-fi" and is easily mistaken to stand for "wireless fidelity." Although the term was obviously inspired by "high-fidelity," Wi-Fi is officially just a catchy name. A Wi-Fi logo from the Wi-Fi Alliance certifies that network devices comply with the IEEE 802.11 standards. See Wi-Fi Direct, WiMAX, Wi-Fi Multimedia, Muni Wi-Fi, wireless mesh network and cellular vs. Wi-Fi.
A Wi-Fi-Enabled Washing Machine!
Today, virtually anything can be Wi-Fi enabled. Every hour, the Remote Vision module in this Miele washing machine transmits its current status to the company via the home Wi-Fi network and Internet connection. If it reports a problem, the Miele operations center notifies the dealer and may even prepare to ship out a failed part.
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