It is no longer a debatable topic that with the revolutionization of technology, society and our everyday lives have changed. Revolutionization has produced tools and devices to make everything accessible through your fingertips. Wi-fi and the internet are two such culminations of revolutionisation. However, many of you presume that the terms i.e., WI-FI and internet are the same. They are connected; however, they aren’t interchangeable. Read on to understand what WI-FI is.
What’s WI-FI?
WI-FI is the short form for wireless fidelity. WI-FI is the wireless networking technology that permits personal computers, iPads, smartphones, game consoles etc., to interact over a wireless signal. In the same manner, a radio can tune into a radio signal over airwaves, and your electronic device can pick a signal that connects it to the internet via air. Indeed, WI-FI is nothing but a high-frequency radio signal.
The frequency of radio stations and WI-FI standards get regulated too. All electronic constituents that make up a wireless network i.e., your router or device, for instance, are dependent on 802.11 standards that were fixed by the institute of electronic engineers and the WI-FI alliance. WI-FI alliance trademarked the name WI-FI and promoted this technology. This technology is known as WLAN or wireless local area network. However, WI-FI has become the most popular expression that is used by many.
How do WI-FI functions?
Router basically is the key equipment piece in a wireless system. Just the router is connected physically to the internet by ethernet cable. Then, the router broadcasts high-frequency radio signals. Such signals carry data to and from the internet. An adapter in whatever device you are using ensures it pick and read signals from the router and even sends back the data to your router. Such transmissions are known as downstream and upstream activity. So, next time whenever you opt for a WI-FI connection in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or any other location, ensure you now know how it works.
Who is the inventor of WI-FI?
To know this, firstly you must assess the history of 802.11 standards used for WI-FI signal broadcasting. Secondly, you need to look for electronic equipment involved in receiving as well as sending the WI-FI signal. Not surprisingly, there are various patents connected with WI-FI technology. However, one essential patent stands out.
Vic Hayes is known as the father of WI-FI as he chaired the committee of IEEE that formed the 802.11 standards in the year 1997. Before the public came to know about WI-FI, Hayes established this standard that makes WI-FI feasible. The standard of 802.11 was introduced in the year 1997. Subsequently, amelioration to network bandwidth too was added to 802.11 standards. These involve 802.11a, 802.11 g and others. That is what the appended letters display. Being a consumer, the most crucial thing you must know is that the latest version is prudent when performance is concerned. Thus, this is the version you might want all your new equipment to become compatible with.
Discussed here is all about public WI-FI
Public WI-FI is one of the necessities in shopping malls, coffee shops and sports stadiums but how secure is it? Well, public WI-FI is not very secure. Anyone can capture data from the public WI-FI network without you knowing about the same.
Why you must be careful when connecting to a public WI-FI?
All traffic that traverses from your electronic device through the WI-FI is unencrypted, permitting users to view all activity occurring on the network. There are 3 major public WI-FI dangers. These are –
∙ Data is public as well as open for all to read.
∙ Hackers can build rogue hotspots set up with the intent to steal your information or data.
∙ Public WI-FI hotspots may be manipulated to start a man-in-middle attack redirecting your traffic to an incorrect place permitting hackers to capture your passcode data.
How to remain safe when using public WI-FI?
When using a public WI-FI hotspot, you are always at risk, but dangers linked with public WI-FI can be avoided if you follow a few safety tips –
Only browse websites with SSL
Thankfully, while it is possible for you to intercept network activity using a public hotspot, you must make sure that the website you are browsing is protected by SSL. Your login information will stay safe, and many public WI-FI dangers shall get avoided. This is because SSL data is tough.
Do not approach websites that need login credentials without SSL
Avoid visiting any website through login credential that is not protected by SSL. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook are protected by SSLs. So you are free to use those channels when on a public network. Always view the left of the URL in your browser window to decide whether a website is protected by SSL.
Enable authentication as well as SSL in outlook
In case you are using your laptop, go to the Outlook advanced email settings and choose the option for using SSL. In case you are using a distinct webmail service, check with your internet provider on how to include encryption.
Turn off file sharing through the advanced network settings
In the office, it is normal when sharing a file, you keep your network settings on, but when working on a public WI-FI, it is important to turn off such settings, as they act as an open invitation for the sniffers.
Ensure the name of the network is correct
Sniffers will set up their hotspots to hope you log on to them instead of the right network. Triple and double-check the network name with the venue to make sure you are logging in to the right location.
Keep WI-FI off when you do not need it
Even if you have not actively connected to the network, WI-FI hardware in your personal computer is still transmitting the data between networks within range. There are specific security measures to prevent minor communication from getting compromised but not all wireless routers are the same, and hackers can be a smart bunch. If you are just using your personal computer to work on the excel or word document, make sure to keep your WI-FI off.
Conclusion
WI-FI is undoubtedly one of the most important technologies that have transformed the world for good. It has made communication easier, faster and smoother. However, with the good, there is a downside too. Using public WI-FI can put your security at risk. So, the best option is when you are in a city simply search for the best broadband in Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, or any other location.
