What is WiFi and How Does it Help Us?
What does the term 'WiFi' mean and how can it benefit you? This article dives into WiFi technology, exploring its many applications from home networks to coffee shop hotspots and more. So, connect to a secure device and get ready as we uncover this incredible utility that we likely use every day!
What is it?
WiFi is a revolutionary technology that enables devices including laptops, smartphones, and tablets to access the web without using any wires. WiFi networks send out radio waves that securely communicate with these devices for swift connection to the internet.
Often thought to be only suitable for getting online, WiFi can do so much more. You can use it to share files between devices or even stream music and videos! In addition, you may also create a "Personal Area Network" (PAN), coupled with Bluetooth technology which allows your phones and laptops to communicate without relying on any internet connection.
Where you can find it
Nowadays, WiFi is everywhere! It's used for a plethora of applications from connecting devices to the web and helping gadgets engage with each other. Not only that, it also has immense business potential since it can be utilized to link computers, printers, and many other devices together seamlessly. Most schools and universities have it and students are able to access the internet easily via their laptops or tablets just by joining the network.
Furthermore, WiFi is often seen in public areas such as airports and train stations due to its ability to keep travelers connected. It has also become a regular presence within households because of the numerous internet-enabled devices like smart TVs or home security systems that are popping up everywhere.
Types of WiFi Networks
WiFi networks come in a variety of shapes and forms, but they all leverage radio signals to provide wireless connectivity between devices. The popularity of WiFi stems from its convenience and ease of use when setting up because it only takes moments for any device within range to be connected!
There are two primary types of WiFi networks: hotspots and access points. Hotspots are public and open to anyone with the correct password, whereas access points consist only of private devices that have been granted authorization for connection.
An increasingly popular WiFi configuration is the mesh network, which utilizes multiple access points that join together to create a larger and more powerful network than single-point ones. With this setup, you can enjoy broader coverage along with superior internet connection speeds.
What are the benefits to WiFi
WiFi networks provide numerous advantages for both private and commercial users. They are simple to set up, delivering reliable access to the web and other devices at rapid speeds. Moreover, they allow customers to move around in a wide range of wireless connections; this is especially beneficial when working or just enjoying time in an office or home atmosphere.
Furthermore, by utilizing a WiFi network, you can interconnect multiple items at the same time. This makes it simple to exchange photos, videos, and files between devices with ease. Moreover, businesses may benefit from savings on expenses when their employees are permitted to work remotely via WiFi networks.
Why Security is important
Firmly securing your network is essential to ensure the safe use of technology. Without proper security measures, any person within range can access your devices and violate both privacy and safety concerns. To protect yourself from such risks, there are various methods available for WiFi protection; learning all of them before setting up a connection is incredibly important!
1. Securing your network starts with picking a secure password. To keep hackers at bay, choose something that's hard to guess and switch it up on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, using a trusted password manager can help you manage all of your passwords and passphrases in one place for easy access.
2. To ensure your online safety, it's imperative to secure your wireless router. Fortunately, many high-speed routers come with firewalls and encryptions preinstalled. Nevertheless, if yours doesn't have the protective features included, you can easily buy a software or firmware update that offers them.
3. To make sure your network is secure, you could consider using a VPN. This creates an encrypted pathway between your device and the VPN server, safeguarding it from prying eyes or masked IP addresses. It's especially great for people who often find themselves utilizing public WiFi networks. It is important to note that a VPN should be used in conjunction with other cybersecurity measures since it cannot protect from all attacks on its own.
Nevertheless, it's best to avoid public WiFi as the danger of a cyber attack is considerably higher in comparison with secure networks. To learn more about how to use the open internet safely, read our article on using public WiFi.
At the end of the day, security should be taken seriously for both personal and professional use. By making sure that your network is protected adequately against digital threats, you can stay safe from online dangers.
WiFi is an essential part of modern-day life, permitting devices to link up with networks wirelessly through radio waves. It's incredibly beneficial and has become increasingly widespread in the past few years. However, it also carries some serious cyber security concerns alongside its advantages, so being aware of them and how to be safe is key to staying protected online.
If you need help with securing the WiFi network for your business or any other IT security needs, contact Ozark Technology today.
Ozark Technology is a Business Technology Provider that helps organizations across the country rethink the value technology brings to their business. Want to partner with us? Let’s chat.