Uploaded March 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
3/3/21 @ 3PM EST Join the discussion with Brent and Adam on the fifth episode of our new series on the basics of networking: WiFi
• What are the Pros and Cons of WiFi?
• How does WiFi work?
• How do we WiFi Problems?
What is Wi-Fi
What does Wi-Fi Mean?
1. Nothing…
Phil Belanger, a founding member of the Wi-Fi Alliance who presided over the selection of the name "Wi-Fi" writes:
“Wi-Fi doesn't stand for anything.”
a. The Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance hired Interbrand to come up with the name
i. Interbrand came up with "Prozac", "Compaq" "oneworld", "Imation" among other known brands
b. Chosen from a list of 10 other names the the alliance which then muddied the waters with “Wireless Fidelity”
boingboing.net/2005/11/08/wifi-isnt-short-for.html
leverege.com/blogpost/how-does-wifi-work#:~:text=4)%20WiFi%20Uses%20Radio%20Waves&text=uses%20a%20wireless%20adapter%20to,that%20signal%20using%20an%20antenna.&text=That%20wireless%20router%20then%20converts,Internet%20using%20a%20physical%20connection.
What is the History of Wi-Fi?
1. 1971 – ALOHAnet was the first public demonstration of a wireless packet data network.
a. This was later developed into ALOHAnet random access and was used in the creation of Ethernet AND Wi-Fi
2. 1991 – Technically created in the Netherlands in 1991
a. NCR Corporation and AT&T Corp.
b. For cashier systems under the name WaveLAN
3. 1997 – 802.11 provided 2Mbps
4. 1999 – 802.11b provided 11Mbps on 2.4GHz
a. 802.11a provided 27Mbps on 5GHz (first!)
i. Used OFDM which splits data to multiple carrier frequencies
5. 2003 – 802.11g provided 20Mbps on 2.4GHz
6. 2009 – 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) provided 40Mbps on 2.4/5GHz
a. MIMO
7. 2013 – 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) provided 3466.8Mbps on 5GHz
8. 2014 – 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) provides 9608Mbps on 2.4/5/6GHz
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11#Protocol
How does Wi-Fi Work?
1. Uses Radio Waves on the 2.4, 5, and now 6GHz radio frequencies
a. 2.4GHz = 12.49 CM / 4.9 IN
b. 5GHz = 5.99 CM / 2.36 IN
c. 6GHz = 4.99CM / 1.96 IN
web.archive.org/web/20170723145452/http://www.verizoninternet.com/bookmark/how-wifi-works
What about Security?
1. WEP
a. Oldest, DON’T USE!
2. WPA
a. Old, supports many devices
3. WPA2 Current, and should be used if all devices support it.
a. WPA2-TKIP vs WPA2-AES
i. Same situation as WPA1 vs WPA2, Use AES if all devices support it.
b. WPA2-PSK (TKIPS/AES) gives both options and broader support, but limits security for devices using TKIP)
What about large areas?
1. Wi-Fi roaming!
a. Passive Roaming
i. Devices handle swapping themselves
b. Active Roaming
i. Central Controller that handles the handoff procedures and looks like a single AP to the device.
How do we troubleshoot Wi-Fi problems?
1. Reboot
a. Scheduled rebooting of WAPs and other networking equipment
2. Check for changes in the environment
a. When setting up a wi-fi network for a client take pictures/videos/notes of the environment.
i. What is the structure made of
ii. Other devices in the house
1. Cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc.
iii. Proximity to neighbors and their wi-fi
1. Wi-fi analyzer app
3. Firmware update!
a. If it’s not broke, don’t fix… UNLESS it’s networking!
i. Security updates
ii. Other devices may have auto updates that change wireless profiles
4. Check the infrastructure
a. Damage to Ethernet cables
b. Damage to PoE switches/inserters
5. Call Tech Support!
a. If it’s still not working, last resort!
3/3/21 @ 3PM EST Join the discussion with Brent and Adam on the fifth episode of our new series on the basics of networking: WiFi
• What are the Pros and Cons of WiFi?
• How does WiFi work?
• How do we WiFi Problems?
What is Wi-Fi
What does Wi-Fi Mean?
1. Nothing…
Phil Belanger, a founding member of the Wi-Fi Alliance who presided over the selection of the name "Wi-Fi" writes:
“Wi-Fi doesn't stand for anything.”
a. The Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance hired Interbrand to come up with the name
i. Interbrand came up with "Prozac", "Compaq" "oneworld", "Imation" among other known brands
b. Chosen from a list of 10 other names the the alliance which then muddied the waters with “Wireless Fidelity”
boingboing.net/2005/11/08/wifi-isnt-short-for.html
leverege.com/blogpost/how-does-wifi-work#:~:text=4)%20WiFi%20Uses%20Radio%20Waves&text=uses%20a%20wireless%20adapter%20to,that%20signal%20using%20an%20antenna.&text=That%20wireless%20router%20then%20converts,Internet%20using%20a%20physical%20connection.
What is the History of Wi-Fi?
1. 1971 – ALOHAnet was the first public demonstration of a wireless packet data network.
a. This was later developed into ALOHAnet random access and was used in the creation of Ethernet AND Wi-Fi
2. 1991 – Technically created in the Netherlands in 1991
a. NCR Corporation and AT&T Corp.
b. For cashier systems under the name WaveLAN
3. 1997 – 802.11 provided 2Mbps
4. 1999 – 802.11b provided 11Mbps on 2.4GHz
a. 802.11a provided 27Mbps on 5GHz (first!)
i. Used OFDM which splits data to multiple carrier frequencies
5. 2003 – 802.11g provided 20Mbps on 2.4GHz
6. 2009 – 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) provided 40Mbps on 2.4/5GHz
a. MIMO
7. 2013 – 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) provided 3466.8Mbps on 5GHz
8. 2014 – 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) provides 9608Mbps on 2.4/5/6GHz
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11#Protocol
How does Wi-Fi Work?
1. Uses Radio Waves on the 2.4, 5, and now 6GHz radio frequencies
a. 2.4GHz = 12.49 CM / 4.9 IN
b. 5GHz = 5.99 CM / 2.36 IN
c. 6GHz = 4.99CM / 1.96 IN
web.archive.org/web/20170723145452/http://www.verizoninternet.com/bookmark/how-wifi-works
What about Security?
1. WEP
a. Oldest, DON’T USE!
2. WPA
a. Old, supports many devices
3. WPA2 Current, and should be used if all devices support it.
a. WPA2-TKIP vs WPA2-AES
i. Same situation as WPA1 vs WPA2, Use AES if all devices support it.
b. WPA2-PSK (TKIPS/AES) gives both options and broader support, but limits security for devices using TKIP)
What about large areas?
1. Wi-Fi roaming!
a. Passive Roaming
i. Devices handle swapping themselves
b. Active Roaming
i. Central Controller that handles the handoff procedures and looks like a single AP to the device.
How do we troubleshoot Wi-Fi problems?
1. Reboot
a. Scheduled rebooting of WAPs and other networking equipment
2. Check for changes in the environment
a. When setting up a wi-fi network for a client take pictures/videos/notes of the environment.
i. What is the structure made of
ii. Other devices in the house
1. Cordless phones, microwave ovens, etc.
iii. Proximity to neighbors and their wi-fi
1. Wi-fi analyzer app
3. Firmware update!
a. If it’s not broke, don’t fix… UNLESS it’s networking!
i. Security updates
ii. Other devices may have auto updates that change wireless profiles
4. Check the infrastructure
a. Damage to Ethernet cables
b. Damage to PoE switches/inserters
5. Call Tech Support!
a. If it’s still not working, last resort!
