What Is WiFi and How Does It Work?
WiFi is the invisible backbone of the modern smart home. Here is how it functions.
Radio Waves as Data Carriers
WiFi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to communicate via radio waves. Your router acts as a translator, receiving internet signals from your service provider via a cable and converting that digital data into radio signals. These signals are then picked up by your devices—like your phone or tablet—which translate them back into the data you use.
The Importance of Protocols
You might have heard of 802.11ax or WiFi 6. These are the protocols, or 'languages,' that determine how efficiently your devices communicate with the router. Newer versions of these protocols allow for more devices to be connected at once without clogging the network. Understanding that your WiFi speed is a combination of the source signal quality and your devices' ability to translate radio waves is key to maintaining a healthy network.
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