Wifi Internet
Wi-Fi is wireless networking using radio signals rather than network cabling. Wi-Fi is supported by most PC’s, a number of consoles, printers, laptops and other handheld devices and peripherals and has been the chosen method of connection for many consumers across the world since it was first introduced in the 1990’s due to its convenience, versatility and ability to support an increasing mobile world.
Wi-Fi has come a long way since its introduction
Wi-Fi was invented in the Netherlands in 1991 and was intended initially to be integrated into cashier systems for the retail sector. Since then, Wi-Fi has become the norm at home or in the office due to the fact it will connect you at any point in the home or office, so long as you are in range. Wi-Fi routers are small enough to be hidden away in any room in the house and even keychain size Wi-Fi detectors can detect signals up to 50 meters away.
Wi-Fi internet supports our increasingly mobile lifestyles
A Wi-Fi set up means you can share internet connections with multiple users, swap files, share printers or storage between computer users. Nowadays, it is usual for coffee shops, hotels, airports and other commercial outlets looking to attract trade to offer Wi-Fi internet ‘hotspots’, which users can sometimes take advantage of free of charge, or for a small fee towards the Wi-Fi subscriber’s charges.
Wi-Fi’s future is threatened by emerging technology
Wi-Fi comes in two speeds: 11mbps or the newer standard that goes up to 54 mbps. Wi-Fi networks do, however, have limited range. A typical Wi-Fi router will give you a range of 30 or so meters indoors. This means internet providers are turning their attention now to both WiMax and mobile broadband technologies, both of which offer better range and performance than Wi-Fi. For example; a single WiMax hotspot is able to cover a small city, rather than just a small office, at much faster speeds and a mobile broadband modem allows you to access the web at the same sort of range as a cell phone.
Because of this, the future for Wi-Fi technology hangs in the balance and Wi-Fi may have soon had its day. As with everything associated with the fast moving telecommunications and IT sector, internet providers whether they are currently WiMax, mobile broadband or Wi-Fi providers are always on the lookout for the next generation technology in order to keep that all important competitive edge.
