Beginning of WiFi Technology
The development of this technology began in 1997, when the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) introduced the standard 802.11 technology that carried higher capacities of data across the network. it greatly interested some of the major brands across the globe such as the world famous networking giant ‘Cisco Systems’ or ‘3COM’. Initially, the price of implementing Wi-Fi technology was very high but around in 2002, the IT market witnessed the arrival of a breakthrough product that worked under the new 802.11 g standards. In the year 2003, IEEE sanctioned the standard and the world saw the creation of affordable Wi-Fi-enabled device in masses.
Wi-Fi technology provides its users with the liberty of connecting to the Internet from any place such as their home, office or a public place without the hassles of plugging in the wires, by now you should be quite aware of that at least. It is quicker than the conventional modem for accessing information over a large network. With the help of different amplifiers, the users can easily change their location without a disruption in their network access. Wi-Fi enabled devices are compliant with each other to grant efficient access of information to the user. Wi-Fi location where the users can connect to the wireless network is called a Wi-Fi hotspot. Through the Wi-Fi hotspot, the users can even enhance their home business, as accessing information through Wi-Fi is simple. Accessing a wireless network(wifi) through a hotspot in some cases is cost-free while in some it may carry additional charges. Many standard Wi-Fi chips such as PCI, mini-PCI, USB, Card-bus and PC card, ExpressCard make the Wi-Fi experience convenient and pleasurable for the users. These small devices are normal plug and play and can be easily used if your device does not provide in build Wifi. But now every single thing comes with Wifi including lowest end mobile phones, tablets.
Even watches comes with wifi technology known as smart watches. These watches come in handy when you are too busy to look at your phone. wifi tv or smart tv enables you to connect to the internet using wifi technology and enables users to browse the internet and watch Netflix and browse online streaming channels.
Smart home are something new these days, wifi thermostats manage to keep your home temperature in your control using your mobile devices. This is all because of WiFi technology.
Distance from a wireless network can lessen the signal strength to quite an extent; some devices such as Ermanno Pietrosemoli and EsLaRed of Venezuela Distance are used for amplifying the signal strength of the network. These devices create an embedded system that corresponds to any other node on the Internet.
Software tools available for WiFi Monitoring
The market is flooded with various Wi-Fi software tools. Each of these tools is specifically designed for different types of networks, operating systems and usage type. For accessing multiple network platforms, Aircrack-ng is by far the best amongst its counterparts. The preferred Wi-Fi software tools list for Windows users is KNSGEM II, NetStumbler, OmniPeek, Stumbverter, WiFi Hopper, APTools. Unix users should pick any of the following: Aircrack, Aircrack-ptw, AirSnort, CoWPAtty,Karma . Whereas, Mac users are presented with these options: MacStumble, KisMAC, Kismet. It is important for users to pick out a Wi-Fi software tool that is compatible with their computer and its dynamics.
How WiFi Technology works
Wi-Fi uses radio networks to transmit data between its nodes (Sender & Receiver). Such networks are made up of cells that provide coverage across the network. The more the number of cells, the greater and stronger is the coverage on the radio network. The radio technology is a complete package deal as it offers a safe and consistent connectivity. Radio bands such as 2.4GHz and 5GHz depend on wireless hardware such as Ethernet protocol and CSMA. Initially, Phase Shift Keying (PSK), a modulation method for conveying data was used, however now it has been replaced with CCK.
Wi-Fi uses many spectrums such as FHSS and DSSS. The most popular Wi-Fi technology such as 802.11 b operates in the range of 2.40 GHz up to 2.4835 GHz band. This provides a comprehensive platform for operating Bluetooth strategy, cellular phones, and other scientific equipment. While 802.11a technology has the range of 5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz and provides up to 54 Mbps in speed. 802.11g technology is even better as it covers three non-overlapping channels and allows PBCC. 802.11e technology takes a fair lead by providing excellent streaming quality of videos, audio, voice channels etc.
Note: 802.11ac is the upcoming latest standards which is already available since 2015.
To connect to a Wi-Fi network a wireless adapter card is essential. Additional knowledge about the SSID, infrastructure, and data encryption is also required. The Wi-Fi users don’t have to be concerned with the security issues. The security methods such as MAC ID filtering, Static IP addressing and WEP encryption ensure the user privacy to the maximum.
Following are the videos which will give you complete information that you may require to understand WiFi technology comprehensively.
Note: Video demonstration of wifi technology
Note: Video demonstration on how wifi technology works