What is Wi Fi?
A way to get
Internet access, the term Wi Fi is a play upon the decades-old
term HiFi that describes the type of output generated by quality
musical hardware, Wi Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity and is used
to define any of the wireless technology in the IEEE 802.11
specification - including (but not necessarily limited to) the
wireless protocols 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. The Wi-Fi
Alliance is the body responsible for promoting the term and its
association with various wireless technology standards.
What is a Wi Fi
Hotspot?
A Wi Fi hotspot
is defined as any location in which 802.11 (wireless) technology
both exists and is available for use to consumers. In some cases
the wireless access is free, and in others, wireless carriers
charge for Wi Fi usage. Generally, the most common usage of Wi Fi
technology is for laptop users to gain Internet access in
locations such as airports, coffee shops, and so on, where Wi Fi
technology can be used to help consumers in their pursuit of
work-based or recreational Internet usage.
How Can I Use Wi
Fi?
You must be using
a computer or PDA that has Wi Fi connectivity already working.
Most portable computers can add Wi Fi using an adapter that plugs
into a PC card slot or USB port.
Will I need to
have an account with a Wi Fi service provider?
Generally, no.
You should be able to sign up with the provider at the location.
Many providers will display instructions when browser software
opens on a WiFi-enabled computer. If you don't have an account,
simply start your computer and make sure your Wi Fi card is
plugged on. Then, open a browser.
Is Wi Fi the
same as Bluetooth?
No. While both
are wireless technology terms, Bluetooth technology lives under
the IEEE protocol 802.15.1, while Wi Fi falls under the 802.11
specification. What this means for consumers is that appliances
using Wi Fi technology and those using Bluetooth technology are
not interoperable. Bluetooth and Wi Fi are different in several
ways, and are not necessarily in competition. Wi Fi technology
boasts faster data transfer speeds and range, making it a good
replacement for Ethernet (802.3) systems, while Bluetooth requires
less power and is therefore more prominent in small appliances,
such as PDAs.
Please refer to
http://www.cisco.com |
