WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) is a transmission technology that serves to connect devices wirelessly to a home network as well as the Internet.
The term WiFi stands for Wireless Fidelity and refers to a wireless network that allows devices to connect to the Internet without cables. Additionally, they communicate with the WiFi router, home servers, or even with each other, creating a home network with many functions and possibilities.
The abbreviations WLAN and WiFi are often used interchangeably, although this is not entirely correct. While WLAN is a general term that refers to the wireless network, WiFi (or Wi-Fi) is the designation for the wireless standard certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance, IEEE-802.11 from which WiFi generations such as 802.11ac (WiFi 5) and 802.11ax (WiFi 6) have emerged.
However, this distinction between WLAN and WiFi is often overlooked in everyday language, and the terms are frequently used synonymously. The distinction is more regional: when it comes to wireless internet access, people in Germany usually refer to it as WLAN, while internationally it is referred to as WiFi.
The core of a WiFi home network is the WiFi router: it receives the internet signal via cable through a broadband internet connection and transmits these network packets wirelessly to connected devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets (Download). Conversely, these devices send network packets to the WiFi router, which feeds the information back into the internet (Upload).
WiFi typically operates on a frequency between 2400 and 5725 MHz. As a user, you can often choose between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands : the former has a long WiFi range but is slower and more prone to interference, while the latter is faster but has a more limited WiFi range. WiFi access points with Band Steering can automatically switch between frequencies to ensure the optimal WiFi connection for each device.
The speed of the WiFi network depends on several factors, including the WiFi standard used, the number of users and connected devices, as well as potential sources of interference. In case of issues, WiFi extenders can help.
The router should initially be placed as centrally, freely, and as high as possible to achieve optimal WiFi coverage. The device is connected using the included cables, and access to the virtual user interface can be obtained through a compatible device. To do this, the list of available WiFi connections is opened to identify the new router. The exact instructions for the router model and the necessary login data can be found in the provider's documentation.
Once this is completed, all devices such as printers, smartphones, etc. can be integrated into the home network. It is recommended to conduct a network test afterward to check if the WiFi meets your expectations and needs.
If this is not the case, it makes sense to extend the network with Powerline adapters or repeaters to enable optimal use of the WiFi connection.
WiFi has various advantages and disadvantages. Firstly, the use of WiFi is very convenient and flexible. Almost an unlimited number of users can easily connect to the internet, with the WiFi password (WiFi network key) being the only hurdle. At least, that's the theory.
In practice – and this brings us to the disadvantages – all connected users share the available bandwidth. This means that the more devices connected to the same WiFi, the slower the connection becomes. Additionally, radio waves can be weakened by various factors such as electronic devices, thick walls and ceilings, as well as large distances from the WiFi router.
The network connection via Ethernet is therefore generally faster and more reliable, but also more complex and – at least in private households – only profitable for a few applications like gaming and streaming. With network products from devolo, both can be easily implemented.
For home users, WiFi security is relatively straightforward. It is advisable to replace the default network key found on the back of the router with a custom password that is as secure and hard to guess as possible. If you frequently have guests, it may also be worthwhile to set up a separate guest network. Meanwhile, your WiFi router takes care of encrypting your data using WPA standards such as the current WPA3 . If the encryption technology is outdated, it is advisable to purchase a new device.
WiFi transmits electronic data using high-frequency electromagnetic radiation between connected devices. All devices within the home network communicate with the router, which connects the devices to each other and to the internet.
The radiation from WiFi devices is primarily influenced by the amount of data being transmitted over the WiFi network. Nevertheless, the radiation from a WiFi device is low even at high transmission power and decreases further with increasing distance from the WiFi devices.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of WiFi radiation on health, and the studies from recent years show no clear evidence of negative health aspects. However, WiFi devices with current WiFi technologies (Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 5, or Wi-Fi 4) transmit data very efficiently and thus emit lower radiation than WiFi devices with older technologies.
If you want to strengthen your WiFi at home to enjoy fast internet even at a greater distance from the WiFi router and through ceilings and walls, you can use WiFi repeater and powerline products . devolo Magic even allows for the simultaneous use of WiFi and LAN through the power outlet – without the need to lay cables.