Wifi who invented

802.11a was hardly ever used for cell phones and smartphones. A year later there was a more convenient adaptation for a variety of gadgets.

The name of the engineer who invented Wi-Fi: scientists or porn star?

The history of the origin of wireless networks "Wi-Fi" is based on the assumptions of several sources. It is difficult to definitively answer the question concerning the name of the engineer who invented Wi-Fi. The fact that the technological developments are constantly improving gives reason to believe that the same ideas from the field of wireless technology – could visit the minds of scientists from different countries and in different periods of their activity.

The origin of the acronym "Wi-Fi"

"Wi-Fi" is a name coined by the inventors of the Alliance Corporation. It was formed from the advertising position "The Standard for Wireless Fidelity". In the process of technology development, the original slogan was reduced to "Wireless Fidelity". Later the name took an even shorter form and stuck in the minds of users as "Wi-Fi".

Historical background

The first wireless transmission technologies originated in the prehistoric era. Smoke, light and fire signals, mirrors, signal shots and flags all appeared long before the invention of the telegraph and the telephone.

Invisible light

In the 1880s, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz experimentally proved the existence of electromagnetic oscillations in free space, and made the first well-documented transmissions of waves. Hertz's investigations into radio waves were continued by Oliver Lodge, Nikola Tesla, and Jagadish Chandra Bos.

In 1884, in a public demonstration at Calcutta City Hall, Bos spectacularly demonstrated the workings of microwave radiation. Using millimeter range waves, he was able to ignite gunpowder and ring a bell at a distance. Later in the essay "Invisible Light" Bos would write: "Invisible light can easily pass through brick walls, buildings, etc. Therefore messages can be transmitted by it without wires.

Jagadish Chandra Bos at the Royal Institution, London

Alexander Popov and Guglielmo Marconi conducted similar experiments. The latter was able to provide the first commercially viable apparatus for wireless long-distance telegraphy.

The method of changing frequencies

In 1903, Nikola Tesla patented a system in which the transmitter and receiver switched between the two channels synchronously. Tesla thus authored the first known method of changing frequencies to combat interference. The innovation found practical application in 1915 – the German military began to use a radio receiver with changing frequencies to avoid wiretapping by the British.

It is noteworthy that as early as the beginning of the 20th century, Tesla was able to describe the development of the technology that would lead to the wireless Internet. He proposed the concept of the so-called «the World Wireless System.» – a system of telecommunications and power transmission on a global scale. Tesla wrote: "We shall be able to communicate instantly with each other … to see and hear each other as well as if we were face to face … And the instruments by which we will communicate … man will be able to carry in his vest pocket."

The development of wireless communication between computers

In 1968, scientists at the University of Hawaii began work on THE ALOHA SYSTEM project. The main purpose of the project was to test the possibility of using radio communications instead of wired connections to link computers together.

A little about the context. The project itself was implemented in Hawaii, an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean. The original plan was to integrate educational institutions from the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (yes, the Hawaiian archipelago includes the island of Hawaii) into one network. The computing center was located in the main building of the University of Hawaii near Honolulu. The distance to it from the other hubs was up to 300 km. The idea of running a cable was not even considered.

The realization of the scientists' idea was based on short-range radio communication. The resulting wireless communication system was called AlohaNet. There were two versions of this network: pure and discrete.

Pure Aloha

With a pure system, each of the terminals would send data as soon as it appeared. Of course, this approach caused collisions and frame losses. To detect collisions, the central computer, after receiving a frame, would send it back to the senders. If the sender detected a collision, it would wait for a random interval of time and send the frame again. The central computer used a broadcast antenna and the terminals used a directional antenna. This way they did not receive transmissions from other senders.

Pure Aloha went live in 1971, becoming the first wireless network between computers. A year later the system was upgraded to double its performance.

Discrete Aloha

The method of data transfer in a discrete system was based around slots (or clock cycles). Each terminal was allocated a time slot (corresponding to the time of one frame) to send data. A special synchronizing signal was used at the beginning of each interval to synchronize it.

Ten years later

Yes, during ten years the technology was evolving, but not very fast – the bandwidth was quite sufficient for the needs of the users of that time. But then it became clear that it could not go on like that – we needed a new standard that would allow us to transmit more data per unit of time.

The main reason is that the quality of photos and videos has increased, and very significantly, compared to the end of the 20th century. One only has to look at photos from the early 2000s, comparing them with digital content from earlier times, and everything becomes clear.

In general, technology has been around for a long time, in 2003 for instance there was the 802.11g specification. But it was not something fundamentally new – the developers took advantage of the 5 GHz band technology, adapting it for the 2.4 GHz band. By the way, the number of WiFi Alliance members also began to grow by leaps and bounds. By 2003, there were more than 100 of them. Correspondingly, more and more companies were developing equipment compatible with the WiFI wireless standard.

Yay, new technologies

In 2009, the WiFi Alliance Development Team adopted a new standard, 802.11n. This was already a new generation of WiFi, without cloning the data transfer mechanism from one band to another. At the same time, the data transfer rate increased many times over – up to 600 Mbit/s.

This dramatic increase in throughput was achieved by using MIMO multithreading instead of SISO. Multistreaming made it possible to use multiple data streams directed by different antennas. In the beginning, the standard allowed for 4 streams, each providing 150 Mbps of throughput.

At the same time the technology was "smart" – the signals were processed and then combined into one, which made it possible to achieve a throughput of 600 Mbit / s, at least in theory. In general, MIMO and marked the beginning of the development of modern WiFi – high-speed, reliable and long range.

What mode to choose on the router for home use

The principle of Wi-Fi operation is based on routers' support for different protocols: b/g/n. If the router functions in two bands, then it supports the standardization of a / c. Any modern device works at 2.4-5 GHz: phone, tablet, laptop, printer, MFP.

Outdated devices do not function under the latest conditions, so they are not able to connect to modern routers. For home use, mixed Wi-Fi b/g/n modes are considered optimal. When applied, there will be no problems with connectivity for new and old units. The specified scheme is preinstalled on most adapters.

If there is no such ancient equipment in the house, preference is given to "n" with a range of 2.4 GHz. This approach allows you to increase the speed capabilities of the local line.

Additional Wi-Fi standards

Secondary versions are used to provide service functionality. Their brief characteristics include the following information:

Name	Main tasks
11 d	Response to synchronize gadgets with wi-fi, ensure speed of information transfer within the country.
11 e	Direct impact on the quality of media files.
11 f	Management of access point parameters for different manufacturers.
11 h	Protection against military radio interference, weather radar.
11 i	Protection of user information that is transmitted.
11 k	Load distribution over different access points in a uniform spectrum.
11 m	Consolidation of all updates for an 802.11 group.
11 p	Controls navigation, traffic safety.
11 r	Automatically detects a wireless line when moving to another access point and then reconnects to it.
11 s	Helps any equipment become a TD.
11 t	Stabilizes the 802.11 testing system.
11 u	Synchronizes external lines with wi-fi.
11 v	Working on improvements to the 802.11 protocol.
11 y	Designed for 3.65-3.7 GHz, but refers to unfinished versions.
11 w	Is searching for ways to improve protection against unauthorized access to the transmission of information.

Popularity among users in relation to wi-fi connections is increasing daily. Almost all modern equipment supports wireless connection to the World Wide Web: tablet, smartphone, laptop, monoblock, TV, MFP, etc. To choose a suitable line, it is enough to study all the varieties and features of wi-fi networks that exist today. There is a significant difference between them, which allows you to find the best option for the normal functionality of all devices in the local home network.

How does it work and how to use it?

In general outline, I will outline how the Internet via Wi-Fi is delivered to your end user – laptop, smartphone, tablet. Yes, you can connect it through adapters and to a desktop computer, but usually the latter is still connected by wire.

To connect a PC to Wi-Fi you can always buy an adapter – a good device can be found no more than $10.

But for mobile equipment at home this is already a standard. So, let's see.

1. You connect the Internet service from your Internet provider (Rostelekom, or whatever).
2. The provider usually already has a cable installed in your house and even at the entrance. When you connect it up, the cable guy just takes it from the switchboard to your apartment.
3. Your apartment now has a cable that connects to the device (the same router).
4. The router activates the function of creating a Wi-Fi network. Through which it distributes the Internet to all.
5. All devices connect to it and use the Internet.

Another possible scheme is based on the use of networks of mobile operators and their modems:

1. You buy a SIM-card of a mobile operator with a special Internet tariff.
2. The "SIM card" is inserted into the modem.
3. The modem creates an Internet connection via the SIM card and distributes the WIFI.

In summary: WIFI creates a special device that works as an "Access Point":

In public places, cafes, hotels, usually everything is already done for you – there are usually good powerful routers. All you have to do is find the right network on your device, enter your password and enjoy free Internet (sometimes you have to pay – it depends on your luck). Another name for public hotspots is hotspots.

The basic functions, or what is the purpose of Wi-Fi?

To summarize, there are two basic functions of Wi-Fi devices:

• Connect to the Internet – and visit your favorite sites and services from there.
• Creation of local network – all devices connected to one access point can see each other and transfer the same files directly.
• An extension of the previous point – connecting wireless devices. Printer, joysticks, TV remote control, refrigerator-it's impossible to imagine everything.

Historical note. The technology was invented in 1991 and was used just for cash register equipment.

Operating range

When a wi-fi network is comfortable, the receiver and transmitter are at a certain distance, predetermined by the power and other characteristics of the devices. This can be:

When covering a space with Wi-Fi frequencies, the range is affected by the adapter model, the number of interference in the path.

In open terrain, signal propagation reaches 200 or 300 meters. In room conditions, this figure is only 40 meters, no more.

The range is affected not only by obstacles in the form of objects, but also by hardware that can create interference. The range is increased by routers with the appropriate settings and antennas.

A router or repeater can also expand it by playing the role of a signal repeater. But as you move further away from the point, the reception quality will deteriorate.

How it works and how to use it

To put it simply, wi-fi in the principle of its operation gives the possibility to receive data by means of a radio signal. Before the advent of the router, access to the Internet was through wires. Radio, bluetooth, and cellular technology are considered related techniques.

How a router works

When connecting a PC to a wireless network, you need to make sure that there is a network card that works in this mode.

You need a router, which creates a signal on the desired frequency or another device that includes it in the design. It is necessary to conclude a contract with a service provider.

Desktop computers may not support wi-fi. Then you need to buy a special adapter connected via USB, or a network card.

The existing router is connected to the World Wide Web via a cable attached to the WAN connector. Then all that remains is to activate the operation of the device with the settings via the menu. The adequacy of operation may depend on the location of the equipment, the number of obstacles to the radio signal.

How to set up a wi-fi network in the house

How Wi-Fi works and that it is easy to try at home. And also the technology is very popular in offices, businesses and on the street.

You need to contact one of the providers, which provide Internet access at a particular address, to make an application. The cable will be laid to the apartment or office. Usually, this option is provided free of charge. You will only need to pay a certain amount according to the tariff, which is between 300 and 1000 rubles per month.

Such an important characteristic as data transfer rate depends on the chosen cost. That's why it's recommended to clarify it beforehand, when choosing a tariff plan.

Convenient access is guaranteed at a speed of 30 Mbps or more. The wired cable can be connected to the laptop, resulting in the appearance of the Internet. But the creation of a Wi-Fi network is carried out through a router. This equipment is purchased or rented from the provider, and when it works, it creates an active network.

History of wi-fi

So who invented wi-fi? The original prototype of modern wi-fi was a wireless network created in Holland under the leadership of Vic Hayes to optimize the operation of cash registers in supermarkets. The speed of the protocol was about 2 Mbit per second.

And engineer John O'Sullivan is considered to be the author of the wireless data protocol. In 1991 the first network, which can already be called an analogue of modern wi-fi, was created in the laboratory of radio communication under his command.

In 1997 a unified standard for data transfer was adopted, and by 1999 the data transfer rate through the protocol was already about 11 Mbit per second.

So why is there a rumor that wi-fi was invented by a woman. Who is really behind it?

Hedy Lamarr and her contribution to the development of wireless networks

It turns out that the Hollywood movie star did play an important role in the emergence of modern wireless networks.

Hedy Lamarr invented the principle of wireless data transfer itself, and Hayes and O'Sullivan used her discovery in their work on protocols.

In doing so, Lamarr created the wireless network principle and suggested it be used to remotely control torpedoes and improve the guidance system.

Hedy Lamarr's invention formed the basis of "hopping frequencies" – a technology resistant to interference targeted radio transmission of only the necessary signal.

Advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi

Having understood who invented Wi-Fi and having studied the long history of technology development, it is worth evaluating its characteristics now.

Advantages	Disadvantages
No wires – which is immediately appreciated by users	The environment affects network performance
Mobility, excellent speed for data transfer	Limited radius of coverage, each router has its own radius
No interference	Thick walls and other obstacles reduce network quality
Safe for human health	Weakly vulnerable to hacking
Easy to set up	Number of connection points reduces transmission quality
Module can connect all the home electronics together	High power consumption, which is a disadvantage for battery-powered devices

The setup procedure is not complicated, anyone can do it, as long as they have a contract with a communication service provider.

Interfaces and features

Meeting the needs of the audience, manufacturers equip routers with different interfaces. The incoming traffic is delivered via Ethernet or fiber optic channel. There are hybrid models for large enterprises.

Thanks to the internal tables, many subnets can be created, although the average user rarely sees all the possibilities that open up. Output interfaces are Ethernet cables with a wireless wi-fi link.

• personal (WPAN – Wireless Personal Area Networks) like Bluetooth;
• Local (WLAN – Wireless Local Area Networks) as Wi-Fi;
• Urban (WMAN – Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks) as WiMAX;
• Global (WWAN – Wireless Wide Area Network), examples are CSD, EDGE or EV-DO.

Topology is used to distinguish between point-to-point and point-to-multipoint models.

It uses the principle of data transmission invented by those who created wi-fi in the first place – a large coverage area, high speed and no interference.

RFID is a method of automatically identifying objects using radio signals. Information is received and recorded, then stored on transponders – RFID tags. Any system consists of:

Consumers without readers may not be able to detect all of the tags attached by the manufacturer to the product.

RFID applications for contactless card and long-range identification are very popular.

NFC is a technology for short-range, high-frequency wireless communication. It establishes information exchange between two devices that are close to each other (10 cm distance). It connects the card interface with the reader.

NFC device is capable of communicating with existing smart cards, ISO 14443 readers and other NFC technologies. Focuses primarily on cell phones.

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