Wi-Fi, which stands for "Wireless Fidelity," is a radio technology that networks computers so they connect to each other and to the Internet without wires. Users can share documents and projects, as well as an Internet connection among various computer stations, and easily connect to a broadband Internet connection while traveling. By using a Wi-Fi network, individuals can network desktop computers, laptops and PDAs and share networked peripherals like servers and printers.

A Wi-Fi network operates just like a wired network, without the restrictions imposed by wires. Not only does it enable users to move around and be mobile at home and at work, it also provides easy connections to the Internet and business networks while traveling.

Wi-Fi allows you to connect to the internet from virtually anywhere at speeds of up to 54Mbps. Wi-Fi-enabled computers and handsets use radio technologies based on the IEEE 802.11 standard to send and receive data anywhere within the range of a base station.

Let's start with the basics:

• Wi-Fi® is Freedom
• Wi-Fi Connects You Anywhere
• The Wi-Fi Technology
• What are the obvious benefits of going wireless?
• Why would you want to use a wireless (vs. a wired) network?
• Using Enterprise-Level Wi-Fi Technology
• Wi-Fi Connects Travelers
• Extending Your Current Network with a Wi-Fi LAN


Wi-Fi is Freedom

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, is freedom: it allows you to connect to the Internet from your couch at home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room at work without wires. How? Wi-Fi is a wireless technology like a cell phone. Wi-Fi enabled computers send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station. And the best thing of all, it's fast. In fact, it's several times faster than the fastest cable modem connection.

However, you only have true freedom to be connected anywhere if your computer is configured with a Wi-Fi CERTIFIED radio (a PC Card or similar device). Wi-Fi certification means that you will be able to connect anywhere there are other compatible Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products — whether you are at home, the office or corporate campus, or in airports, hotels, coffee shops and other public areas equipped with Wi-Fi access.

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Wi-Fi Connects You Anywhere

Imagine working on your laptop or checking e-mail from anywhere in your home. Imagine being able to connect to your office network from an airport or coffee shop. Imagine retrieving files or presentations from the corporate network, cruising the Internet or sending instant messages to co-workers—and doing it all from a conference room or the company cafeteria.
Now, imagine doing all these things easily and quickly - without worrying about finding a wired network connection. That is Wi-Fi.

Imagine being able to move your entire office without losing your investment in networking installs, or to add new staff, all without moving cables or installing complicated hubs and routers. That is Wi-Fi.

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The Wi-Fi Technology

It's powerful. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a) data rate or with products that contain both bands (dual band). They can provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks.

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What are the obvious benefits of going wireless?

Wi-Fi provides freedom: freedom to physically move around your home or business and still stay connected to the Internet or local network; freedom to grow and move an office or business without having to install new cables and wires; freedom to be connected while traveling and on the road. Wireless "HotSpots" (airports, hotels, coffee shops, convention centers and any other place where someone can connect to a wireless network) are being installed worldwide. All this means Wi-Fi truly does provide unprecedented freedom. Plus, it is cool, and it is fun — as those in the know say, "Once you go wireless, you will never want to use a cable again."
 

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Why would you want to use a wireless (vs. a wired) network?

There are real and measurable benefits to using a wireless network versus a standard wired network. For a home installation customer, the greatest benefit is that there are no wires needed: you don't need to drill holes in walls and floors; you don't need to drag cables across the room or hide them under rugs. One Wi-Fi access point can provide network access for any typically sized home. And if you live in a rental or a historical building, you may not be allowed to drill holes - that makes wireless your only solution.

For the manager of a small business or office, wireless makes it easy to add new workstations without having to run additional cables or expand the size of the router. In addition, if someone wants to change his or her office around, you don't need to be concerned about rerouting data cables — just move the furniture and cables, power up the computer, and the employee is back on the network.

For owners of a rapidly growing or seasonal business, using a wireless network provides for quick set up and easy expansion — whenever it is needed. And moves to a different or larger location are fast and simple — just unplug your wireless network and computers and plug them in at the new location. Wireless network users never have to leave their networking investment behind.

Finally, for business owners and managers, extending the network to temporary contractors and guests is easy. Increasingly, mobile users bring their own Wi-Fi computers with them and can easily access email and the Internet via a Wi-Fi network.
 

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Using Enterprise-Level Wi-Fi Technology

Large corporations and campuses can use enterprise-level technology and Wi-Fi wireless products to extend standard wired Ethernet networks to public areas like meeting rooms, training classrooms and large auditoriums. Many corporations can also provide wireless networks to their off-site and telecommuting workers to use at home or in remote offices. Large companies and campuses often use Wi-Fi to connect buildings.

Service providers and wireless ISPs can also use Wi-Fi technology to distribute Internet connectivity within individual homes and businesses as well as apartments and commercial complexes.
 

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Wi-Fi Connects Travelers

Wi-Fi networks can also be used in busy public places like coffee shops, hotels, airport lounges and other locations where large crowds gather. This may be the fastest-growing segment of Wi-Fi service, as more and more travelers and mobile professionals clamor for fast and secure Internet access wherever they are.
 

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Extending Your Current Network with a Wi-Fi LAN

It's easy to add another wireless computer to a Wi-Fi network. There's no need to purchase or lay more cable or find an available Ethernet port on your hub or router. Just plug in your wireless card or USB connection, turn on your computer and you're surfing the Net.

If your business grows and you need to move, you don't have to abandon your network infrastructure investment or hire a networking company to rewire the new location. And there's no network downtime—you can be up and running even before the furniture arrives. Simply plug the system into a power outlet and you'll be operational in minutes.

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