You may rely on Wi-Fi every day, but do you know how it actually works? If you don’t, you’re certainly not alone. To begin, most people don’t know that “Wi-Fi” stands for “Wireless Fidelity”. While it’s easy to take this incredible piece of technology for granted, there’s a lot going on beneath the surface worth learning about. Next time you send an email or stream a video, you’ll understand how the signal is translating into these messages. 

Wireless Technology

Like other wireless technology, Wi-Fi works by transmitting radio frequencies between devices. However, while car radios and walkie-talkies receive Kilohertz and Megahertz frequencies, WiFi relies on Gigahertz (GHz). Hertz refers to the number of cycles per second that the frequency undergoes. For instance, 1 MHz is equal to one million cycles per second, while 1 GHz is equal to one billion cycles per second. 

By using wireless adapters to create hotspots, WiFi sends frequencies of between 2.4GHz and 5Hz to your laptop, cell phone, or other digital device. Interestingly, these waves cycle at a rate similar to those in your microwave.

Two-Way Traffic

WiFi operates in both directions, or as two-way traffic. The data that your device receives from the internet via radio frequencies moves through the router, which converts it into a radio signal and sends it to the device’s wireless adapter. The areas of connectivity surrounding wireless adapters are called hotspots, which allow devices to use the internet. Thus, through radio frequencies, digital devices, adapters, and hotspots, your computer can communicate with other computers across the globe.

Understanding how this invaluable resource functions is interesting and useful. However, sometimes, all you want is for your Wi-Fi connection to work—and fast. To learn about high-speed internet solutions, consult the knowledgeable experts from Clear Creek Communications in Oregon City, OR. Speak with a friendly representative when you call (503) 631-2101 today. For more information about the internet and cable TV company, visit the website.