Wi-Fi, meaning wireless fidelity, is a term used to describe the wireless technology brand owned by the Wi-Fi Alliance. It is also known as 802.11 networking. They can connect many devices including computers, Internet, televisions, DVD players and digital cameras.

Wireless networks work using radio waves. They are similar to a two-way radio. Firstly the wireless adaptor connected to the computer turns the data into a radio signal and transmits it through the antenna. The wireless router then decodes the signal then picks up the signal. The router can also send information so it works both ways.

The main advantage of Wi-Fi is that it is so accessible because there are no wires. Many people don’t realise how many wireless networks there are. In some cities there can be many wireless networks interconnected, these are called hotspots. This mesh of networks can cover many square miles or a few metres and example of this would be in London.

Before you can start using Wi-Fi hotspots with your computer you must make sure it has a wireless transmitter and adaptor. Most new laptops and PCs come with wireless transmitters. However there are wireless adaptors available to buy that are easy to install. Once you have the wireless technology installed it will inform you when your in an area of an existing network and if you can connect to it.

Wireless networks at home work the same way. They can allow you to connect two or more computers together enabling you to share an internet connection or even files. Another advantage is that you can move computers without having to disconnect or reconnecting wires.

In the not so distant future we should see more and more wireless networks in towns and cities. This means that you can connect to the Internet from almost anywhere. This will be a free service available to everyone. In San Francisco a California startup is taking on volunteers to set up a wireless network for everyone.

All people have to do to use the service is install a simple repeater that sends out Wi-Fi signals to near by people with the same device. As more people use it the network expands covering several square miles. This service is free and dependable; many like it have been set up all over the world.

Some people aren’t so certain that this networking of thousands of people is such a good idea. There is the worry that people will be able to access private data on your computer. Viruses may also be spread a lot easier. Being in the first stages there are some minor problems with getting the thing to work as well.

Soon paying for your Internet connection could be a thing of the past thanks to Wi-Fi. The whole world could eventually become one big Wi-Fi hotspot where anyone with a laptop can access from anywhere. There is so much potential for this to help communities and improve communications between people. Wi-Fi could bring people together in ways they wouldn’t have been before.