WiFi

WiFi is a widely used wireless network connection protocol that uses radio waves. WiFi works on the same principle as other wireless devices utilizing radio frequencies to send signals between devices. RF signals are in the frequency range of approximately 20 kHz to 300 GHz (Hertz or Hz is the unit of frequency). All wireless devices use RF signals at different frequency ranges. For example, a radio receives frequencies in Kilohertz and Megahertz range, while WiFi transmits and receives data in the Gigahertz range.

The cornerstone of any WiFi network is an access point (AP). The primary job of an access point is to broadcast a WiFi signal that nodes (computing devices) wanting to join the network can detect and tune in to. An access point device also acts as the interface to connect a wireless network with the router or switch on a wired network.

To connect to an access point of a wireless network, computing devices must be equipped with wireless network adapters. The wireless network adapters are also responsible for converting digital data to radio signals on the sending side and back to data on the receiving side.

Wireless connections also use TCP/IP as the underlying protocol and have rules similar to those of Ethernet for transmission and collision detection.