Wi-Fi
Cordless internet access
Wi-Fi is wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or each other without cables.
The term comes from a trademark that was meant to echo "hi-fi" (high fidelity), though it doesn't actually stand for "wireless fidelity" despite popular belief.
Wi-Fi has become so ubiquitous that access is expected in homes, offices, cafes, and public spaces: Is there Wi-Fi here?
The signal strength and password have become minor social currencies: What's the Wi-Fi password?
Packet-forwarding network device
- hotspotArea of notable activity
- networkInterconnected system
- signalMessage-conveying cue
- passwordAuthentication string
connected · disconnected · login · access point · SSID · connect · pairing · authentication
Packet-forwarding network device
- modemDigital-to-analog signal converter
- antennaBroadcast signal receiver
- access pointNetwork entry node
- repeaterSignal-extending transmitter
extender · booster · adapter · dongle · gateway · card · chip · module
Data transmission capacity
- latencyDelay in system response
- pingBrief metallic tone
- downloadRemote-to-local data transfer
- uploadTransfer data outward
buffering · throttling · lag · fast · slow · Mbps · throughput · streaming
Rate of recurrence
- WPA2Wireless security protocol
- WPA3Wireless security protocol
- encryptionConverting data into code
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
WLAN · wireless · radio · spectrum · channel · dual-band · tri-band
router
Packet-forwarding network device
password · connected · disconnected · login · access point · SSID · connect · pairing · authentication · captive portal
router
Packet-forwarding network device
- modemDigital-to-analog signal converter
- antennaBroadcast signal receiver
- access pointNetwork entry node
repeater · extender · booster · adapter · dongle · gateway · card · chip · module · receiver
bandwidth
Data transmission capacity
upload · buffering · throttling · lag · fast · slow · Mbps · throughput · streaming · loading
frequency
Rate of recurrence
- WPA2Wireless security protocol
- WPA3Wireless security protocol
- encryptionConverting data into code
protocol · WLAN · wireless · radio · spectrum · channel · dual-band · tri-band
strength
Power to exert force
dead zone · interference · dropout · weak · strong · boosting · extending · reception · reach · penetration
café
Casual eatery serving drinks
- airportAviation passenger facility
- hotelCommercial lodging establishment
- libraryBook collection or building
Starbucks · public · free · guest · campus · office · home · restaurant · lounge · coworking
- internetinternet, websites, web, browsers, web browsers
- modern technologysmartphone, smartphones, internet, computers, laptops
- computingcomputer, computers, software, hardware, code
- Digital Ageapp, blog, emoji, hashtag, meme
- digital technologyinternet, software, streaming, computers, CGI
- internet termsinternet, email, URL, router, download
Wi-Fiethernet
Wired networking standard
wired connection · hardwired · cable internet · LAN cable · DSL
Wi-Fioffline
Not internet-connected
no signal · disconnected · dead zone · airplane mode · out of range