Free and ubiquitous, Wi-Fi has become an essential part of our lives. But how much do we really know about this invisible technology?
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The Origins of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi wasn't always called Wi-Fi. It was originally known as 802.11b, a dry and technical name that didn't exactly inspire excitement.
The Origins of Wi-Fi
The name "Wi-Fi" was actually a marketing creation, coined by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 1999. It's a play on the words "high-fidelity," which was used to describe high-quality audio equipment.
How Wi-Fi Works
Wi-Fi uses radio waves to transmit data between devices. These radio waves are in the same range as microwaves, but at a much lower power.
When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your device sends out a signal that is picked up by the router. The router then sends back a signal that your device can understand.
There are more Wi-Fi devices in the world than people.
The world's longest Wi-Fi connection spanned 382 km between towns in south Norway with special high-gain antennas and amplifiers.
There has been some concern about the health effects of Wi-Fi, but there is no scientific evidence to support these concerns.
The name "Wi-Fi" is actually a trademark. The Wi-Fi Alliance owns the trademark and only authorized products can use it.
Who knew Wi-Fi had such fascinating quirks? Which Wi-Fi fun fact surprised you the most?