Introduction to WiFi Created by Bianca Alexander

What is WiFi?

WiFi is: Wireless Fidelity - Otherwise known as Wireless Networking, commonly using the b protocol. a way of transmitting information in wave form that is reasonably fast and is often used for notebooks. a local area network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet; uses ethernet protocol

How fast is “fast”? WiFi is 100 times faster than a 56K dialup or 3G connection. And you can have access to this high speed wireless connection in locations such as airports (like LAX, DFW, and San Jose, hotels (like Marriott, Hilton, and Wyndham), cafes, convention centers, and more.

Who benefits from WiFi? Everyone with access to technology benefits from WiFi: Cell Phone Users Consumers Companies Educators And the list goes on and on …

How is WiFi being used?

Cell Phone Users Verizon Wi-Fi receives a signal from Wi-Fi enabled devices and connects wirelessly to high-speed phone lines using base stations called, access points. Using wireless signals, Wi-Fi connects to these access points, which connect to high- speed phone lines. The high-speed lines connect back into our data network and the Internet.

Consumers In a supermarket, shoppers could use network-connected baskets which notify them of aisles with special offers, or shop assistants and warehouse staff could be shown the nearest person able to carry out a task.

How can I get Wireless Internet access?

Requirements for A Wireless Internet Connection: A laptop computer (running Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP) or a Pocket PC (2002 operating system with ARM processor and portrait screen). A Wi-Fi compatible b card (external or internal) for your laptop or Pocket PC. Make sure the Wi-Fi card is compatible with the wireless Internet service you use. A high speed, wireless Internet access plan Free software for locating access at hundreds of Hot Spot locations (this software is typically supplied to your by your wireless Internet service provider).

How reliable is WiFi?

Problems Most wireless local area networks (LANs) fall short in that they do not provide the high speed, reliable service that is needed. Minimal radio coverage

What is being done to fix WiFi problems? Carnegie Mellon researchers have developed a set of design methods and tools that allow builders of wireless, local area networks to ensure high speed, reliable service.

Challenges in building Large wireless Networks Designing the network so that coverage blankets the target area and that adequate capacity is provided to handle the traffic load generated by the user community. Access points (base stations) must be placed correctly, and radio frequencies must be correctly assigned to these base stations.

The Skinny on Carnegie Mellon and Wireless Networks The university built the first such network, in 1994, long before the Wi-Fi standard was adopted. Carnegie Mellon's network : "Wireless Andrew" is named after university benefactors Andrew Carnegie and Andrew Mellon. The National Science Foundation was created in It is a funded research network to support Carnegie Mellon's wireless research initiative. Wireless Andrew originally provided coverage in seven campus buildings. In 1999, Wireless Andrew expanded to serve all 65 residential, academic and administrative buildings on the campus, with a total floor area of approximately three million square feet, as well as outside areas.

Visit the following sites to learn more about WiFi: WiFi Definitions highered.mcgraw- hill.com/sites/ /student_view0/chapter6/glossary.htmlhighered.mcgraw- hill.com/sites/ /student_view0/chapter6/glossary.html Verison WiFi How is WiFi used? High Speed Internet Access Carnegie Mellon News Periodical