What Does WiFi Stand for and the Dangers of Its Radiation in 2020

What Is WI-Fi? The Whole Concept

There is more than one WiFi definition on the internet. What is WiFi? It is a wireless local area technology that supports the sharing of data between devices or from a router to a device. It uses radio waves to deliver high-speed web connections to users.

The organization that has the registered WiFi trademark is Wi-Fi Alliance. The Alliance company is an NGO with the sole aim of promoting WLAN.

WiFi stands for wireless local area network that operates on the IEEE 802.11 protocol. This is an acceptable WiFi meaning.

The first step is to create an unwired network. It requires a password or no password to access the broadband.

Tech changed everyone’s usage of the net. Access to the web became faster and cheaper with improved privacy.

How WiFi Work

WiFi stands for WLAN (wireless local area network). Finding out how wifi works are easy. It works as a transmitter radio, transmitting information over the air through radio waves. These waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation, longer than the infrared light.

It works without any form of a wired connection between the sender and receiver.

Wireless Fidelity has two main types of radio wave frequency: 2.4 gigahertz and 5.8 gigahertz. These two frequencies also have other subdivisions called channels under it, through which different systems can connect.

When downloading a file from a site like Facebook over WLAN, here is a breakdown of how it works.

1. The router device collects the data first from the broadband net connection.
2. It converts the data to radio waves, invisible to the eyes.
3. It then emits the radio waves to its bandwidth range (area of coverage).
4. The device that is requested for download receives the radiowaves and decodes it.

WLAN is reliant on radio waves. Any obstruction in the form of disruption by other systems can affect it. Some causes include Bluetooth devices, transistor radios, refrigerators, television, cordless telephones, and microwave ovens.

The Access Point (AP) is vital to the workings of the technology. It is the job of the Access Point to emit signals that other computers can join to enjoy the web. The computer must have an unwired adapter to connect to the WLAN.

3 Essential Wi-Fi Terminologies in 2020

After solving the riddle of what WiFi stands for and how it works, there is still more to learn. It is time to familiarize the brain with three essential terminologies.

One point that makes these terms attractive to learn is that they speak to the commercial side of purchasing decisions. Even if it is just for home-usage, when searching for a new WLAN device, they can come in handy.

What Is Wi-Fi Radio Spectrum?

It refers to the radio frequency available for unwired communication. The Radio

Spectrum is an essential part of a functional wireless communication system. Without it, the system is not at its best.  

WLAN makes use of two main frequencies: 2.4 gigahertz and 5.8 gigahertz. They have other channels under it. For example, in North America, the 5.8 gigahertz has more channels than the 2.4 gigahertz.

For the latter, it has 11 channel divisions, while the former has many channel divisions. The radio spectrum is under the regulation of appropriate bodies, with every country having its rules.

Other radio spectrum ranges include 900 MHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, and 60 GHz. All the ranges have numerous channels under it.

The Essential 802.11 Networking Standards

The 802.11 networking standards is the first Wi-Fi specification developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1997. Since then, there are many other specifications available, including extensions of the 802.11.

The extensions are the 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n. 802.11 technology is the most popular unwired computer networking standard in the world. They are common in homes and offices to connect computers, smartphones, and other devices to the net. Wires are irrelevant and non-existent with it. 802.11 standards developed as an alternative to the ethernet.

WiFi Security Protocols in 2020

Its policy needs to be secure to prevent unauthorized people from gaining entry. This is why its Security Protocols keep changing and experiencing key privacy upgrades. The end goal is to make it safer, secure, and more efficient.

There are different types of WLAN Security Protocols: WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Although they are similar in terms of serving the same purpose, they also have their differences.

8 Amazing Facts About Wi-Fi You Need to Know

It is a popular and useful technology. There are so many advantages of WLAN that boost the quality of human life. One good example is that it allows for convenient web access and search results. Despite its popularity, there are so many facts about it that go unknown.

Hawaii Is a Pioneer Location

The precursor of the modern WLAN started in Hawaii in 1971. In the University of Hawaii, a groundbreaking computer networking system called ALOHAnet came to fruition. ALOHAnet marked the first time it came to the public domain.

Wireless Fidelity Is Not Short for ‘WiFi’

There is a common misconception that WiFi means Wireless Fidelity. This is not true. It is a term given by a branding company to describe the technology. The error happened because of the advertising slogan “The Standard for Wireless Fidelity.”

WiFi is what the name was given to it by the WiFi alliance; it isn’t an abbreviation. The official term is Wi-Fi, according to the WiFi alliance that holds the trademark rights.

IEEE 802.11 Is Wi-Fi Standard Protocol

IEEE 802.11 is simply the standard policy on which it works. For any two computers to communicate effectively, there is a need for standards to enable communication.

 

WLAN Relies on Radio Waves

WLAN uses radio waves to function. It is a form of electromagnetic radiation. This is how it relies on radio waves. The receiving device needs an adapter it uses to turn data into radio waves. The adapter now transmits it as a signal using an antenna. It is the function of a router to receive the radio waves and convert it into data.

WLAN Uses 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Frequencies for Transmission 

The two frequencies used for transmission are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. They are higher than the ones needed for cellular transmission, which means they can carry more data.

Although these frequencies carry a large amount of data, they also make some concessions to make it possible. For example, the range is shorter, and it consumes a large amount of power.

WiFi Can Cover up to 260 Miles

The Swedish Space Agency recorded successful data transfer over a distance of 260 miles. It is an exciting feat, but some factors played in this success.

One, it was to an overhead stratospheric balloon, so there was no form of physical barriers to disturb the signal. Two, it used non-standard WLAN equipment such as 6 watts amplifiers.

Different Varieties of Wi-Fi Are Available

There are various kinds of WiFi available. The first was the 802.11. Since its establishment in 1997, there are several others available in the market.

•         802.11a
•         802.11b
•         802.11g
•         802.11n
•         802.11ac

All comes with its benefits and cons. They all have different costs and transmission speeds.

WLAN Isn’t A Nice Fit for Most IoT Applications

Many IoT devices require long battery power to operate. They usually need to send a few amounts of data but over miles. This is why WiFi is not a good fit for these applications/devices.

 

Is WiFi Radiation Harmful to Human Health?

Is WiFi Dangerous to the body? Scientific research on this topic varies in their conclusion, even in 2020. Some reports show the dangers of WiFi on human health while others downplay any potential WiFi health risks.

According to the latter group, WiFi radiation is too low to cause any alarming damage to the human body. Other scientific experiments show that WLAN has detrimental effects on the human body. They include oxidative stress, low sperm count, and DNA integrity.

• In particular, the effects of 2.45 GHz signals are potentially harmful to both humans and animals.
• The increased oxidative stress caused by harmful radiation can damage cellular molecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids.

Studies further claim that it can change causes in the male reproductive system like lower testosterone levels and DNA damage. These damages are a result of increased temperature and oxidative stress levels in the male reproductive organ.

•  The female reproductive organ is not left out. Exposure to WLAN can also lower the production and secretion of progesterone and estrogen. This will inevitably lead to impaired fertility and weaker reproduction capacity.
• It also causes chromosomal mutations, a leading reason for spontaneous abortion. 

In studies conducted on animals, exposure to these electromagnetic radiation harms the brain. It causes animals to develop anxiety-like behaviors. Fortunately, memory and spatial learning abilities remain intact.

Interestingly, some newer studies show that it can have a beneficial impact on both humans and animals.

• Studies conducted on mice show that prolonged exposure to WLAN radiation improves their cognitive functions suffering from Alzheimer’s.
• Another study conducted on young children discovered that radio waves emitted from mobile and cordless phones are harmless. The study ruled out emotional and behavioral problems as an effect of the electromagnetic wave.
• However, staying exposed to mobile phone base stations radiation causes behavioral and emotional problems for children. 

Despite a large number of well-documented studies, it is too early to conclude. Most of the studies agree that it has potentially harmful results, while some claim that the consequences are not that severe.

Does WiFi cause cancer? The reality is that there is still a need for more conclusive evidence to establish a definite conclusion.

FAQ Section

• Is Wifi and the Internet the Same Thing?

  It is not the same as the net. Wi-Fi is an unwired communication technology that serves as a medium through which computers, mobile devices, and others access the web.
  The internet is a world wide web that supports the interaction of computers and devices globally.

• Does Wi-Fi Hurt Your Brain?

  Some studies point out the harmful effect of radiation on the brain – disrupted memory and learning. Other studies agree with this assertion, but argue that the amount of radiation in the field is not in harmful quantity. They claim that the radiation used in test labs to conduct tests is more than what is obtainable in the field.

• What Is the Maximum Range of WI-Fi?

  The maximum range a WLAN device can reach is 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors. Its coverage is for the 2.4 GHz band. Some routers can operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It is worth noting that this range is only possible in an open field environment.

• What Is the Difference Between Bluetooth and WI-Fi?

  Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are similar. Both allow for unwired communication using radiowaves as an instrument. The main difference is that Bluetooth is for short-range information sharing while it is for providing net access at high speed.
  Another difference is that it consumes higher power than Bluetooth.

• How Far Is 5g WI-Fi?

  5G provides faster internet speeds, but as a tradeoff, it can only cover a shorter distance than the 2.4GHz. It can cover a theoretical distance of 390 ft and a real-world distance of 195 ft.

• What Blocks WI-Fi?

  Several items and factors can block its efficiency. Signal disturbances and interference, multiple connections within the same bandwidth area, and transmissions are some causes.
  Bluetooth devices such as headsets and walkie talkies, radios, and microwave ovens can disrupt the free flow of WLAN.
  Physical obstacles that block it include concrete and timber walls, metal and floor heating, the TV, and water.

Understanding Wi-Fi

It is a wireless communication system that allows different computers and devices to connect to the internet. Wi-Fi Alliance is the company that owns the Wi-Fi trademark. Understanding it is key to essential to making the best purchasing decision for unique needs (home or work).
With knowledge of how it works, it is possible to optimize it for maximum performance and speed. Physical obstacles and other signals disturbances that affect its performance will quickly get resolved.
Radiation from it is not a potent threat to human health.