Wi-Fi

Widely used standard of wireless communications established by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 1997. Before its introduction, wireless connectivity was available, but was often restricted by the need for components from the same manufacturer in order to work successfully. Wi-Fi is defined by the IEEE 802.11 standards.

Wi-Fi provides a wireless network communication standard that enables computers, laptops, routers, mobile phones, games consoles, and other devices to connect to a network to share information and communication. The key benefits of wireless network connectivity over a wired network are the reduction in the costs of cabling and the ability of devices not to be limited by cable accessibility and physical proximity to network access points. Wi-Fi networks can work reliably over distances of 30 m/98 ft or more.

The main disadvantage of Wi-Fi communications is that devices outside the operating premises can attempt to connect and potentially intercept communications. This threat led to the development of the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and other encryption standards for securing wireless networks.