Wifi, Wifi Hot Spots and Wifi Networking Information

Most people have heard of it, but the obvious question often seems to come to mind: what exactly is WiFi technology?

Wifi Phone The answer is that it's a way to transfer data wirelessly, using the IEEE 802.11 networking standard. It allows users to access the internet at high-speeds, without the inconvenience of being plugged into a cable or DSL connection.

Wifi Wireless The one limitation of WiFi is that it's primarily a short-range technology, so you do need to be close to a wireless access point or "hotspot" to use it. Because of its immense popularity, however, WiFi locations are relatively easy to find.

Fi ( fi, WiFi, Wifi, wifi), short for "Wireless Fidelity", is a set of product compatibility standards for wireless local area networks (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802.11 specifications. New standards beyond the 802.11 specifications, such as 802.16(WiMAX), are currently in the works and offer many enhancements, anywhere from longer range to greater transfer speeds. Fi was intended to be used for mobile devices and LANs, but is now often used for Internet access. enabled computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) to connect to the Internet when in proximity of an access point.

Wifi Service A good WiFi directory will show you that there are hotspots located in most high traffic areas, including airports, hotels, malls, libraries, and coffee shops. With the proper hardware, you can generally get internet access at little or no cost, if you know the right places to look.

Let's face it, your mobile operator doesn't provide service everywhere. They may claim nationwide coverage, and for the most part, they may be right. However, there are always going to be dead spots. The thought of WiFi on your mobile handset might sound like a good thing. WiFi can often fill in some of those dead spots, for instance, inside your house. But it won't help you unless you use your mobile phone's data services extensively.

Wifi Services About the Author: Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of TeleClick.ca, a trusted source of telecommunications news.

logo_touchscreen.gif Wide Touch screen The ARCHOS 704 WiFi features a wide, high resolution (800 x 480) inch color touch screen that allows you to navigate through menus easily with a stylus or even a fingertip. The size of screen enables a great visual comfort. logo_wifi.gif WiFi The integrated 802.11g wireless interface is perfect for those who want to access their media wherever they go, including surfing the Web2, based mail applications, and connecting the device to a home network to transfer files or play content directly from the network.

Wifi Networks

There is one exception to this rule. Mobile in the US offers their Mobile HotSpot @Home service which permits your mobile phone to use WiFi for making and receiving calls to your normal Mobile handset. Mobile uses a technology called UMA, short for unlicensed mobile access. This technology allows a mobile handset to seamlessly roam between a WiFi network and the standard mobile phone network.

Jeremy Maddock is a freelance writer, webmaster, and internet entrepreneur from Victoria, BC.