Introduction

So, Wi-Fi is a wireless method of data transmission using radio signals. Literally wi-fi is translated - wireless quality.

Initially, the technology was based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, on the basis of which various other branches of digital signal transmission standards have appeared.

The date of birth of wi-fi is considered to be 1991, and the technology for cash registers was being developed. After some time, the developers saw that the potential of their project is much greater, which was confirmed later.

Now the wireless method of transmitting Wi-Fi data is extremely popular. Not a single large public place in big cities can do without it.

How to hack wifi in 1 minute? (how to hack wifi)

How wi-fi works or the answer to the question of how to connect to the Internet via wi-fi

It is important to understand that wi-fi is not access to the Internet at all, but simply a wireless method of transmitting information, like bluetooth. In order to access the Internet via Wi-Fi, there must be an exit point to it.

Usually this is a modem (router), which in turn connects to the Internet via a telephone cable, local area network, etc. (in public places they are pre-installed by the administration, but at home you will have to buy it, while concluding an agreement with the provider to provide you with the Internet through it).

So, such a modem (router) must contain a wi-fi module (if you need wi-fi), to which you can connect via wi-fi from your phone, laptop, tablet, etc.

Let's summarize what you need to access the Internet via Wi-Fi:

1. Modem (router) with Wi-Fi module (already present in public places)
2. Agreement with the provider on access to the Internet through this modem (this is, if for home)
3. Create a Wi-Fi network on this router (that is, configure it), its name and password are written there
4. Well, the unit by which you want to access this fi-fi network - it can be a smartphone, notebook, tablet, etc.

Only if all these steps are followed will it be possible to connect to the Internet via wi-fi. Because many users often ask the question - does my smartphone support Wi-Fi and how can I connect to the Internet? Usually, in most cases, only in the order described above.

WiFi pluses:

• Transfer of information wirelessly, that is, there is no need to lay wires, which sometimes makes it possible to save money, as well as give access to the worldwide network in places where any technical work is prohibited (pulling cables)
• The ability to access the network from mobile devices
• Freedom of movement, that is, you can go online from various places along your route
• Simultaneous access of several users from different devices
• According to some reports, wi-fi radiation is much safer (ten times) than that of mobile phones

Minuses:

• Within the most common Wi-Fi operating range (2.4 GHz), many other equipment also works - bluetooth-based devices, microwave ovens, etc., which worsens their stability
• There are various frequency restrictions in a number of countries, plus recently (Russia, Italy) there are legal restrictions, that is, in these states registration of Wi-Fi networks is required, and operators
• The first ways to protect wi-fi networks are relatively easy to hack, although they are still used to this day.

Development of the 802.11 standard

Let's take a look at some of the steps. The old 802.11g was replaced by 802.11n, which was approved on September 11, 2009. It gave an actual increase in the information transfer rate by 4 times, namely from 54 Mbps to 220 Mbps (theoretically up to 600 Mbps). Plus, an important condition for such an increase was the same use of this particular version on both devices.

Also, it is worth noting the release of IEEE 802.22 in the summer of 2011, devices based on this standard allow you to exchange data at a speed of 22 Mbps at a distance of up to 100 km, which is very impressive.

This is how you can briefly describe the well-known wireless Internet access wi-fi. This technology turned out to be very successful, practical and easy to use.

A wireless router is a device used to connect a computer to a network without running cables from the computer to the router. It allows you to use the same Internet connection on different devices without paying a subscription fee for the use of the Internet by each individual user. It may seem complicated at first, but it's actually not difficult to understand how a router works. So check out our clarification revealing all the technologies and terms you need to know about this vital home appliance!

Wi-Fi, or wireless networking, is a technology that is actually much older than many people think. The world's first wireless data transmission was first carried out using the HAM radio station in 1971, although the technology with which it worked is considered quite primitive today.

By 1997, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) agreed to the 802.11 standard, which at the time was used in relation to what we know today as 802.11b. Since then, there have been several more breakthroughs in increasing the speed and volume of transmission. Each leap generated new technologies. For example, the "b" standard was the first to provide a data transfer rate of about 11 Mbps. By comparison, the latest, modern 802.11ad standard is capable of transmitting a whopping 7 Gbps.

802.11 networking standards will vary slightly based on user needs.

Standard	Peculiarities
802.11a	Transmits data at the 5 GHz frequency level. You can transfer a maximum of 54 megabits of data per second
802.11b	Transmits data at the 2.4 GHz frequency level, which is a relatively low speed. You can transfer no more than 11 megabits of data per second
802.11g	The frequency is 2.4 GHz but can transmit a maximum of 54 megabits of data per second as it also uses OFDM encoding
802.11n	Can transfer a maximum of 140 megabits of data per second and uses the 5 GHz frequency layer

Wireless routers. What it is?

Simply put, a wireless router is a piece of network equipment that receives a terrestrial Internet signal from your ISP and "broadcasts" through waves that propagate through the air using a number of different antennas. This signal is then recognized by Wi-Fi-enabled devices—smartphones, laptops, and so on—that translate the code they receive into visible text, images, and multimedia content.

The difference between a wireless router or router and a modem is that the former is only meant to broadcast the signal it receives from the modem, which is actually responsible for decoding that signal. A modem is a piece of equipment that you get from your ISP. Many ISPs now offer leases on modems that come with their own wireless routers inside.

How does a router work?

Using radio waves transmitted over the 802.11 spectrum, wireless routers receive a binary signal provided by your ISP and send it over the air to a compatible receiving device. The router creates individual IP addresses for each new device that is added to the network.

Theoretically, most home routers can support up to 250 connections at a time. But no one can guarantee that the connection bandwidth will not suffer. This is very debatable, the fact is that the router today is much more advanced than their predecessors. The new routers take a single Internet signal and split it in dozens of directions or more, and protect users with a few additional extensions such as parental controls and firewalls.

Finally, speaking of security, wireless routers use what is known as WPA, or "Wi-Fi Protected Access", to protect your connection from external threats that might try to infiltrate your network to hack you. The principle of its operation is not so simple, although the average user does not need to go into these details. However, always choose WPA2-PSK security, which is the strongest on the consumer market today.

Video - What is a Wi-Fi router and how it works

How to set up a router

Step 1. Choose a suitable location. Find a good place to start installing the router, such as on a table.

Step 2 Turn it on. Connect the router to a power source and turn it on.

Step 3 Connect one computer. Connect this first computer to the router via a special cable.

Note! Using a wireless router for initial setup is not recommended because its Wi-Fi settings have not yet been set.

Step 4 Open the router's management console. First of all, open a web browser and enter the address of the router to access the settings. Many routers are available at web addresses:

• http://192.168.1.1;
• http://192.168.0.1.

Note! You don't need a working internet connection for this step.

On the router's home page, you will be prompted for . You can find them in your router documentation or on the back of your router.

In the Internet section, enter the ones you should have received from your provider.

Step 6 Check your local network connection. Open a web browser and try to open different websites. The Internet must work. Now it's up to the small - it remains only to connect the remaining devices to the wireless connection.

Step 7 Set up your wireless connection by creating a password. It will be used when connecting other devices.

Video - How to connect and configure a TP LINK router

Today, perhaps, you will no longer meet a person who does not use a computer or does not have a PC at home. In addition, more and more services, programs necessary for work and leisure work when connected to the Internet.

Also, recently, the situation has become more and more popular when in an apartment, house or office there is not one device, but several (PCs, tablets, communicators, smartphones, etc.), each of which requires its own separate connection to the network.

The ability to connect multiple devices to the internet, while having one point of input signal from the provider, is currently carried out using a router or router.

Photo - Networking with multiple paired devices

The router itself is a network device, the purpose of which is to transfer packet data between devices paired with it and an access point - a service provider. In addition, more expensive routers are equipped with a number of additional features, including:

• the ability to set restrictions on access to sites potentially dangerous for the software;
• the ability to connect a firewall;
• the ability to encrypt network access and traffic distribution;
• orderly distribution of traffic across access points, etc.

A standard router, which can often be found both in a private house and in a company office, public places, is a small piece of equipment, consisting of a hardware unit, an antenna for transmitting a Wi-Fi signal, a power supply for connecting to the mains, patch cords (patch cords).

Photo - Complete set and connection of the router

A standard router is able to organize a network by connecting 4 PCs to it via a wired connection, as well as 5-10 devices for which Wi-Fi signal channels will be allocated. However, experts do not recommend fully loading the router, especially if it is not an expensive model of this device. Otherwise, the router may freeze, unable to withstand heavy loads.

Some router models may be equipped with USB ports for connecting a flash drive or hard drive to them. This feature will allow you to use the equipment as a file server, print server, etc. In addition, some models can also boast support for 3G modems.

What you should pay attention to

When choosing a router, you should consider the following features, operating parameters of this equipment:

• to organize a home connection or a network for a small office, an ordinary (non-professional) router from the average price range will be enough;
• device must support IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n will provide data transfer speed via Wi-Fi up to 600 Mbps;
• installation must support PPTP or L2TP, which will provide access to Internet communications from almost any provider.

The principle of operation of a wireless wi-fi router

The principle of operation of the equipment is based on receiving and converting the recipient's address, which is "registered" in the header of the information packet for its transmission, then the path to which the information is addressed is determined by means of the routing table. In the event that the routing table does not provide any address, the information is not accepted, it is discarded.

Photo - An example of the operation of a network of users with a router

In practice, there are some other systems for transmitting data to devices paired with a router. For example, the use of the sender's address or the protocols of the upper levels of the headers. It is also not uncommon that the basis of the router's operation is the transfer of addresses of both the sender and the recipient, as well as filtering the transit flow of transmitted data.

How to install a Wi-Fi router: step by step instructions

In order to independently connect and configure the router, you must do the following:

1. The first thing they do to install the equipment is to connect all communications from the router to the PC and to the Internet signal transmission unit from the provider. To do this, insert an Internet cable into the connector called WAN, and insert the cable that comes with the router into one of the remaining ports, its other end is intended for the Ethernet connector on the back of the PC. After that, turn on the power of the device.
2. Next, go to setting up the router software. Hardware setup is not typical and may differ depending on the router model and connection settings from the provider. Configuration can be carried out through any browser installed on the computer (Google Chrome, Opera, Internet Explorer, etc.). To do this, you need to go to the administrative interface of the device by entering a combination of numbers in the address bar of the browser: 192.168.1.1. After pressing the "Enter" key, the equipment administration window should pop up. If this does not happen, then you should check the cable connection, make sure that the connection is running, then try again.
3. The next step is to directly set up a Wi-Fi connection. If the router is equipped with a quick setup function, then you need to start the "Quick Setup" service and follow the prompts of the installation wizard. Among the configuration steps there will be a choice of the following parameters: — type of preferred connection;

   — type of Internet connection;

4. Next, you need to connect the Wi-Fi module itself directly. To do this, the installation wizard offers the following menu.

Photo - Wi-Fi signal connection module

After the steps have been taken, the Internet connection should already work. However, if the Internet speed is too low or there are constant signal losses, experts recommend choosing a specific channel (from 1 to 13), saving the settings. You should also take care of the password for accessing the signal of the connected router. Otherwise, unauthorized connections are possible, which will also underestimate traffic and make the router work slower.

After the router is connected and configured, all that remains is to connect the network card to a PC or laptop and use the device to work with the internet. On a laptop, you need to make sure that a special key is pressed that turns on Wi-Fi mode. If this operation is completed, then you need to connect the device to the network.

Photo - Network operation indicator

To do this, right-click on the network icon on the desktop toolbar, select the name of the installed network from the menu that opens, and click the "Connect" button.

Photo - Context menu with installed Internet networks on the device

The connection is made in a similar way for Windows 8; for other systems, the device is turned on in a similar way.

How much does a computer router cost

Today, the electronics and computer equipment market offers its customers a wide selection of routers that differ from each other both by the manufacturer and by some functional features of the device. These can be routers for a home network with a few paired devices or industrial equipment to provide Internet access for public places, large offices. Accordingly, taking into account the functionality of the device, the cost of devices will vary significantly. By visiting a store or an online store of electrical goods, the client can choose the appropriate equipment for himself, which will meet the requirements for him. At the same time, he will need to deposit an amount of money ranging from 1 thousand rubles. for a standard model up to more than 25 thousand rubles. for professional multifunction devices.

Good day.

Today, any modern user has an idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwhat Wi-Fi is. But do you know everything about him? In this article you will find an explanation of this term, information about its appearance, standards, advantages and disadvantages.

WiFi: what is it?

Wi-Fi is a way to transfer data over the Internet over short distances without the use of wires. More precisely, Wi-Fi is a broadband communication equipment standard on the basis of which Wireless LANs are organized.

If you look deeply, this term is not the Internet, which many people think of it. It displays the trademark of the company that came up with this technology, the Wi-Fi Alliance. It is developed based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, and any device that complies with it can be tested in this company, as a result - to receive a certificate and the right to apply the Wi-Fi logo.

Definition of the term

The abbreviation Wi-Fi is derived from Hi-Fi, which stands for High Fidelity in English - high fidelity. Abbreviations are similar in sound and essence, so, according to the developers, users should have a positive association when they get acquainted with a new term.

The first two letters in it hid the already mentioned word Wireless, which means wireless. However, now the concept of Wi-Fi has taken root in our society so much that it is no longer considered an abbreviation, but is an independent term.

Scope of use

The technology was invented to carry the Internet where it is not possible to pull wires: for example, houses remote from the city, buildings of historical value, etc. However, now Wi-Fi is used everywhere. With its help, various companies and institutions offer free Internet access to attract customers and show their modernity.

Most people put such an access point at home. Since it allows you to connect to the network from different gadgets while in the coverage area. Thus, thanks to Wi-Fi, there is no binding to one place, as is the case with a desktop computer to which an Internet cable is connected.

When answering the question, what is Wi-Fi, it is important to understand. Wi-Fi is not the Internet as a type, but only a way to connect to a device that already has Internet access. Wi-Fi technology is similar to (communication using radio waves). It works in much the same way, but is applied in a different direction.

Organization of a wireless network

In order for you to use wireless Internet, you will need a device with an appropriate receiver (smartphone, tablet, laptop, modem for a regular computer), a router, and an established connection with a service provider.

They are provided by individual organizations or mobile operators. By signing an agreement with them, you install a router at home or elsewhere, which has a built-in radio module that receives and transmits a signal. A similar device should be in the gadget from which you will access the Internet.

As a rule, a cable is connected to the provider. But in places where this is not possible, service providers transmit the Internet to the client's access point also via Wi-Fi. But for this, their router must be located in the nearby area. Which is much more powerful than those installed by ordinary users.

By the way, instead of a router, you can use your smartphone, which will act as a modem if you use the Internet of a mobile operator. This connection is called tethering or teasing.

Network without a router

Separately, it is worth highlighting the Wi-Fi Direct connection standard. Which allows two or more devices to interact without the mediation of a router. At the first connection, the gadgets themselves determine which one will be the access point.

This technology is relevant in cases where, for example, you need to transfer a document from a computer to a printer for printing. Or you want to view photos from your phone on a large monitor without the help of a wire. Thus, with the help of Wi-Fi Direct, you can organize a wireless home network.

Wi-Fi pros and cons

The advantages are:

• The absence of wires allows you to expand the scope of the Internet and reduce the cost of connection.
• Not tied to one place.

• You can access the Internet not only from a desktop computer, but also from a mobile device.
• Several users can connect to the Internet at once.
• Wide distribution and a wide range of devices certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
• Requires a password when connecting a new device, which ensures the security of the connection.

Now for the disadvantages:

• There is no binding to the place - yes. But there is a binding to the signal source.
• Due to the fact that Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and other equipment also operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency of the IEEE 802.11 standard, communication quality may be degraded.
• Although the signal penetrates through furniture and walls, obstacles somewhat reduce its power.
• Bad weather also degrades network performance.

As you already know, the basic Wi-Fi connection standard is IEEE 802.11, which defines a set of protocols for the lowest data transfer rate. It has many subspecies, so it's too long to list everything.

I will name the main ones:

• 11b. Appeared in 1999. Describes a higher speed than the base, but still insufficient by today's standards - 11 Mbps. The security standard is also low. Protected by WEP encryption protocol, which does not have good functionality. Operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Now it is practically not used, except for equipment that does not support other standards.
• 11a. Released in the same year as "b", but differs in frequency (5 GHz) and speed (maximum 55 Mbps).
• 11g. It replaced the two previous versions in 2003. Is more perfect. Its average speed is 55 Mbps, and when using devices that support SuperG technology or True MIMO technology, it can reach 125 Mbps. The level of security is also improved thanks to the WPA and WPA2 protocols.
• 11n. The most modern standard, which appeared in 2009. Operates on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, so is compatible with all of the options above. It has a high level of security, as it is encrypted with the same protocols as "g".

That's all for what Wi-Fi is.

Happy internet surfing.

The presence of Wi-Fi in various devices is no longer a surprise. Manufacturers try to meet the needs of potential buyers as much as possible. However, not everyone uses the full technological potential of modern devices. Some don't need it, some just don't know how. Today we will look at where it came from, why it is needed and how to use Wi-Fi networks. The more we know, the better our life. Recommendations on how to use Wi-Fi can be useful to anyone who is taking their first steps in this direction.

Start over. Wi-Fi (pronounced wi-fi) is a way to transfer data without using a wired connection. Its second name is the IEEE 802.11 standard. The letters b / g / n mean Originally created to serve cash systems. Now it is widely distributed and massively used in offices, public places (cafes, train stations, libraries, airports), in private homes for wireless Internet access. This is very briefly.

Why is it needed. Most modern devices: computers, laptops, tablets, communicators, smartphones - have a Wi-Fi module "on board". Moreover, Wi-Fi is now being actively used in printers, cameras, video surveillance systems and other devices that need a reliable channel for transmitting data without the help of wires. It's comfortable.

You can receive / transmit any information. The range of local networks depends on the power of the transmitter and the presence of interference on the signal path (walls, buildings, trees, terrain). Home hotspot provides excellent signal strength within any apartment. This makes it possible to get rid of wires and establish full-fledged work for several users at once.

How to use WiFi?

This method of data transfer is now mainly used for Internet access. A special device (router / router) creates a local network and "distributes" the Internet via a wireless protocol. Access to the local network can be free for everyone (insecure network), and protected with a password (secure network). You can connect to this network using the Wi-Fi module on your device. After connecting, you get full access to the Internet. The speed of your access will depend on the speed of the incoming connection and the total number of connected devices.

Wi-Fi networks: how to use mobile device owners

Despite the "many bukAff" in the previous paragraphs, everything looks simple and convenient for the user. Turn on Wi-Fi on your device (laptop, tablet, smartphone) and your gadget automatically detects all networks that are within reach. To connect, select a network from the list. A password is required to connect to a secure network (ask the network owner/administrator), an unsecured network does not require a password.

How to use Wi-Fi in public places

It is not for nothing that a network open to the public is called an insecure network. This means that other users can see the data you submit. This point must be kept in focus if you enter passwords to access your accounts, payment documents, or simply do not want to let anyone into your personal life. This does not mean that everything that you wrote, said or viewed will immediately become the property of intruders. But there is such a possibility.

How to use Wi-Fi at home

If you want to enjoy the benefits of progress at home, make sure that “freebie” lovers do not use these benefits together with you / instead of you. Be sure to password protect your network. Otherwise, anyone can easily connect to your home network, and you will have to pay for all the “intruder” traffic out of your own pocket. Even if you have unlimited Internet access, you risk speed loss and give access to your confidential information.

There is a saying: forewarned is forearmed. This, of course, is not a reason to become paranoid and see spies in the company of pests everywhere. One thing is clear: understanding the potential risks and taking minimal precautions will save you nerves and money, as well as make you feel safe.