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The wireless devices that we describe on this page (and its child pages) are those that conform to the WiFi standard. These devices are most commonly used for providing wireless internet access and wireless communication between devices on local area networks. However, in some situations, WiFi devices can also be a very cost-effective way of creating long distance point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connections. | |
| One advantage of WiFi over other wireless technologies such as microwave, satellite or two-way radio is that there is no requirement for users of WiFi wireless devices to apply for a licence. Instead, WiFi devices must comply with a class licence which specifies parameters such as maximum power output and frequency. |
WiFi Standards
WiFi is a worldwide standard with only slight variations from country to country.
The latest standard for WiFi is known as 802.11n (often abbreviated to “n”). The first WiFi standard was 802.11b, and this was followed by 802.11g. Each successive standard offers better speed, data throughput and reliability than the previous standard.
Fortunately, each successive WiFi standard is backward compatible with its predecessor. This means that (for example) 802.11b laptops will work with 802.11n wireless routers and access points. Similarly an 802.11n laptop can connect to an 802.11b wireless router or access point.
Please note that backward compatibility described in the above example applies only to WiFi devices that operate on the 2.4Ghz frequency band. This is the most common frequency band used by WiFi devices.
The 802.11n standard also covers WiFi devices that operate on the 5Ghz. The predecessor to the 5Ghz 802.11n standard is 802.11a . Again backward compatibility exists between 802.11n and 802.11a wireless devices.
There can be some performance advantages in using the less common 5Ghz frequency band especially in areas where there is congestion on the 2.4Ghz frequency band. The transmission characteristics of the 5Ghz frequencies make it particularly suited to point-to-point (or multi-point) connections.
The 802.11n standard can support data transmission rates of up to 600Mbit/s. However, most “n” standard devices currently support only data rates of up to 300Mbit/s or 150Mbit/s. The actual data rate achieved automatically reduces as the signal quality deteriorates due to factors such as distance and obstructions such as walls.
Please note that although a faster maximum data transmission rate is in general better than a slower data rate, it is not usually a significant issue for internet browsing since there are very few internet connections with speeds in excess of 50Mbit/s. In fact most internet connections have speeds of less than 20Mbit/s.
In general the data transmission rate is only an issue for point-to-point (or multipoint) connections or for supporting high bandwidth network traffic such as streaming videos from a locally connected media server.
Local WiFi
Although WiFi enables the creation of wireless local area networks, WiFi is primarily used for enabling internet access in homes or offices for laptops, tablets and smart-phones. It is also used as an easy means of providing internet access to other devices such as games consoles, televisions and an increasing number of household appliances.
Public WiFi “hotspots” are also provided in pubs, restaurants, airport lounges and other public spaces to provide internet access to customers with laptops, tablet computers and smart-phones.
One WiFi device that does not require internet access, but benefits from being connected wirelessly to a local area network is a printer. WiFi capable printers can be located anywhere within range of a wireless access point enabling any PC, laptop or any other device that is connected to the local area network to access the printer.
Long Distance WiFi
WiFi can also be used as a low-cost means of creating point-to-point or point-to-multipoint long distance communications links that are significantly cheaper than alternatives such as cabling or other wireless technologies such as microwave.
An example of this would be using a WiFi connection to connect two buildings that are several kilometres apart. This special type of WiFi connection can be used to create a cost-effective high capacity communications link that supports both phone and data communications.
Security
When creating WiFi networks it is important to consider carefully the issue of security. WiFi networks are inherently insecure since any WiFi device can in theory connect to the network and “see” the traffic transmitted by all other devices on the same network. It is important therefore for users to be aware of the security risk and for WiFi network managers to implement effective security policies using access codes and encryption.
Devices
On this website we feature a range of WiFi devices including:
To find out more about these devices just click on the appropriate link above or in the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
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Contact Premitel for more information on wireless networks and devices or for advice and support on any wireless connectivity issues.
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