Wi-Fi 101
- What can I use it with?
- What does Wi-Fi stand for?
- How do I protect my personal Wi-Fi network from others?
- Where can I access Wi-Fi publicly?
- Should I use 3G or Wi-Fi on my phone?
This article will answer all of those questions.
Wi-Fi is a type of portable internet [http://simpleinfoonline.com/brief-introduction-to-portable-internet/] that can be used by many electronic devices. These include laptops, phones, PDA's, game consoles such as the PSP and Nintendo DSi, portable media players such as the iPod touch and the iPad. These devices and many more can all connect to Wi-Fi.
I'm going to put this very straight. WI-FI DOES NOT STAND FOR "WIRELESS FIDELITY" In fact Wi-Fi does not stand for anything. The name Wi-Fi was thought up by a branding company named Interbrand. It was among thirteen other names such as Skybridge, Elevate, Transpeed, Trapeze, Torchlight, Flyover, Dragonfly, Hornet and obviously Wi-Fi. (more detail at 'Wireless Fidelity' Debunked)And in the end Wi-Fi was chosen.
Now i'm sure a lot of people (like you) don't want their personal Wi-Fi network to be unprotected because this means that anyone could use it. And you, the owner, would be paying for it! So the Wi-Fi Alliance thought up WPA. WPA is short for Wi-Fi Protected Access. To make this less complicated, WPA is just a password that you have to enter in to access the network.
Wi-Fi that can be accessed publicly are called Wi-Fi hotspots. Wi-Fi hotspots include libraries, airports, internet cafes and some restaurants. Many Wi-Fi hotspots are free, but some you need to pay to access.
Most new phones are connected to a 3G network. 3G is available in more places because it is the same network that many mobile phones use. This means that it is available nearly everywhere. Although 3G is more accessible it is also very expensive, especially when downloading large files or watching videos on youtube. Therefore, using Wi-Fi instead of 3G when possible is highly recommended.
As you can see Wi-Fi is very complicated. This simple overview just covered the basics such as what devices can use it, what it stands for, WPA's, Wi-Fi hotspots, and the pros and cons of 3G.