What is WiFi?

WiFi, also referred to as “IEEE802.11,” is a wireless technology that enables devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets to connect to the internet. It should not be confused with WiFi network, which refers to the sharing of an internet connection with multiple devices using a wireless router [1].

How does it work?

The foundation of WiFi technology is based on radio waves, which transmit small packets of data from your router to connected devices. These data packets are fragmented, allowing multiple devices to transmit data efficiently across the radio waves [2]. WiFi operates on frequencies of either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, and the following steps illustrate how data is transmitted from the internet to your device [3]:

1. When you access content on the internet from your device, it converts the requested information into a binary format (comprised only of 1s and 0s)
2. If a WiFi connection is being used, the WiFi chip in your device will convert these 1s and 0s into specific radio wave frequencies.
3. These radio frequencies are then transmitted across the wireless channel and received by the WiFi router that your device is connected to.
4. The router converts the received frequencies back into the original binary data into the actual internet traffic you had requested.
5. The router retrieves the requested data from the hardwired internet cable.

*The same process is used to send the retrieved data from the internet on your router to the connected devices.

Building on radio wave transmission, bandwidth refers to the maximum data that can be transmitted over a connection at any moment [4]. As shown, higher bandwidth enables more data transmission, while lower bandwidth - with a narrower path - allows less. For example, a 5 GHz band with 500 MHz bandwidth will have less congestion and better performance than a 2.4 GHz band with 70 MHz bandwidth, due to the difference in available bandwidth [5].

It is also crucial to minimize any interference with the signal caused by factors such as bluetooth, separate wireless networks and your microwave oven [6]. To reduce the impact of these interferences, a technique called frequency hopping is employed. Frequency hopping rapidly changes the frequency of the signals within the bandwidth, following a predetermined order. With this approach, interference will only affect a signal for brief intervals, thereby helping to maintain network performance [7].

What Do You Need to Set Up a WiFi?

There are several components that are necessary for setting up a WiFi in various settings:

Internet Modem

The internet modem is a device that allows connection between your personal home, venue, etc. with the internet service provider (ISP) using a physical connection. More specifically, it assists to convert the data received from your ISP into a format that can be used by your home network [8].

Router

A router is a device that assists in connecting two or more computer networks together, enabling the exchange of data and communication. The primary functionality of a router includes (1) establishing a managed wireless local area network (WLAN, discussed below) by connecting multiple devices and (2) providing internet connection to all connected devices. For the router to perform these functions, it must be connected to a customer premises equipment (CPE) using an ethernet cable [9].

Access Point (AP)

An AP is a device that functions as a portal allowing devices to connect to an existing WLAN. In simple terms, the AP extends and expands the coverage of the existing network, enabling more devices to connect to the LAN [9].

*WLAN: a collection of connected devices that form a network using data transmission via radio waves. WiFi networks fall under WLAN [10].

So, Where Does FansWiFi Come in?

FansWiFi is an innovative social WiFi marketing platform that serves as a digital touchpoint for businesses to gain valuable insights into their customers and drive greater engagement, loyalty, and growth. But how is it related to WiFi? - Our solution leverages WiFi access to understand customer behavior such as their preferences, demographics, and dwell time, which are then comprehensively summarized and visualized using our data analytics tools. All you will need is an Access Point (AP) to seamlessly integrate our solution into your business. Learn more about FansWiFi here!