Definition: Wi-Fi

The standard wireless local area network (WLAN) technology for connecting computers and myriad electronic devices to each other and to the Internet. Wi-Fi is the wireless version of a wired Ethernet network, and it is commonly deployed alongside it (see Ethernet). However, the term is not always used correctly (see Wi-Fi terminology).

Every laptop, tablet and smartphone comes with Wi-Fi, as well as most security cameras and home theater devices. Printers and scanners may also support Wi-Fi, and home appliances increasingly use it for control and notifications. Although the Wi-Fi moniker was inspired by "hi-fi" (high fidelity), the name does not mean "wireless fidelity." To learn how Wi-Fi fits into the home and office, see wireless LAN, wireless router and Wi-Fi hotspot.

Wi-Fi Is an IEEE Standard
Wi-Fi is officially the IEEE 802.11 standard. For details and history, see 802.11 and 802.11 versions. The Wi-Fi Alliance certifies that network devices comply with the IEEE 802.11 standards. See Wi-Fi hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Passive Wi-Fi, Muni Wi-Fi, wireless mesh network, Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet, Wi-Fi vs. cellular and Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth.

Wi-Fi-Enabled Washing Machine

This Miele washing machine sends alerts to the user and to Miele via Wi-Fi. If it reports a problem, the company may notify the dealer.

Wireless and Wired Together

With a wireless router, Wi-Fi and Ethernet co-exist in the home. See wireless router.

Ceiling-Mounted and Desktop Access Points

Access points (APs) are the Wi-Fi base stations, and the circuitry in these stand-alone units is also built into a wireless router.

Wi-Fi Adapters

The adapter (top) adds Wi-Fi to any computer via USB, while the card on the bottom plugs into a PCI slot inside a desktop computer. (Images courtesy of D-Link Corporation and TP-LINK Technologies Co., Ltd.)