What is a Wi-Fi?

The term Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for Wireless Fidility, which has almost the same meaning in case with Hi-Fi, which means High Fidility ( a term used in the context of audio recording). It was first used by a consulting firm called Interbrand Corporation.
Enabling Wi-Fi in a device such as a PC, a laptop or a PDA helps in connecting the device to the internet,when it is within the range of the wireless network connected to the net. The basic idea is of having an access point called a hot spot which can be a single one or a series of overlapping access points that extends to a long distance. Wi-Fi also enables connectivity in another fashion in which the devices are able to connec with each other. Such a facility is known as peer to peer mode of connectivity.
The wireless transfer of data from various accessories is the prime advantage of Wi-Fi. Even routers with a modem and a hotspot can give internet access to any device tat is logically connected( which means connected through cable or wirelessly connected) access to the net. Unlike LAN, it can provide secure transfers and a better firewall and so many other functions.
As the price of Wi-Fi chipsets are decreasing day-by-day, it will be a clever move to use Wi-Fi connections instead of LAN since the latter needs cable. So, cost of setting up the system is considerably reduced.
But problems with Wi-Fi connections cannot be ruled out at the same time. Some of them are as follows:
*limited range of service.
*mobility is reduced while used in wider range
* WEP, which is used for encryption is easily breakable. AS a result of the so called security problems, it is easy for another person to monitor the channel data transfers and virtually "hack" the device connected through Wi-Fi.
* Changing channels according to convenience of use require the users to configure the device each time the need arises.
* Due to the use of Wi-Fi by different devices within the range of the same access point, there will be development of noise in the system