TECH 101: Wireless Fidelity (802.11x standard)
A Wi-Fi network uses radio waves to wirelessly transmit information across a LAN, the reach of which can be extended by a Wi-Fi range extender. A computer utilizes a wireless adapter to translate data transmitted by radio waves. Wi-Fi is widely used in businesses, agencies, schools and homes as an alternative to a wired LAN. Many airports, hotels and fast-food facilities offer public access to Wi-Fi networks. These locations are known as hotspots. Many charge a daily or hourly rate for access, but some are free. An interconnected area of hotspots and network access points is known as a hot zone.
