What is Wi-Fi in Computer Network?

In computer networking, Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect and communicate with each other using radio waves. Wi-Fi is a type of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology that enables devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and other devices to connect to the internet or share resources without the need for physical cables.

Wi-Fi operates based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, which were developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These standards define the protocols and specifications for wireless networking, including the transmission and reception of data over the airwaves.

To establish a Wi-Fi network, you need two main components: a wireless access point (WAP) and wireless network adapters. The wireless access point serves as the central hub that transmits and receives data to and from connected devices. It acts as a bridge between the wired network (such as a modem or router) and the wireless devices.

Wireless network adapters, also known as Wi-Fi adapters or Wi-Fi cards, are the devices that enable computers, laptops, and other devices to connect to a Wi-Fi network. These adapters receive the wireless signals from the access point and convert them into data that the device can understand.

When a device wants to connect to a Wi-Fi network, it scans for available networks, and once it finds the desired network, it initiates a connection by sending a request to the access point. If the access point allows the connection, the device is assigned an IP address, and it can then send and receive data over the network.

Wi-Fi networks can operate on different frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and they can have different levels of security, such as WEP, WPA, or WPA2, to protect the data transmitted over the network from unauthorized access.

Wi-Fi has become incredibly popular and widely used due to its convenience, flexibility, and the freedom it provides from the constraints of wired connections. It has revolutionized the way we connect our devices, enabling seamless internet access and communication in homes, offices, public spaces, and even on the go through Wi-Fi hotspots.