The basics of Wi-Fi 

Wi-Fi allows devices like computers, laptops and phones to connect to the internet and communicate. It uses radio waves – like how your phone or car radio receives signals – to send data over short distances.  

Here’s a breakdown of how it actually works:  

Wi-Fi transmitter (router)

• A Wi-Fi router is the device that broadcasts the wireless signal. It’s usually connected to the internet through a cable (like a fibre cable from your internet provider).  

• The router takes the data from this cable and converts it into radio waves that it sends out in your home through its antennas.  

• These radio waves can carry different types of data (i.e., emails, web pages, videos) back and forth between the router and your devices.  

Radio waves & frequency bands  

• Wi-Fi operates using specific radio frequencies. Most common are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.  

• The 2.4 GHz band is longer-range and can penetrate walls better. However, it is slower and may be subject to interference from microwaves and Bluetooth.  

• The 5 GHz band is faster and has less interference, but it doesn’t travel as far or penetrate walls easily.  

• Frequencies are broken into channels to accommodate multiple devices in the same area. Splitting into channels enables communication by reducing interference.  

Data transmission  

• When you load a website, data is broken down into small packets (tiny pieces of information). 

• The router transmits these packets to your device.  

• Your laptop or phone receives these signals from the router, and it translates them back into the information you see on screen. 

Security (encryption)  

• Wi-Fi networks are often encrypted for security, using methods like WPA2 and WPA3 encryption. This is why you have a “key”. 

• Encryption scrambles data into an unreadable code. Only devices with the same “key” can decode and read the information.  

• This helps prevent unauthorised users from accessing your network or intercepting your data.  

Two-way communication  

• Wi-Fi is a two-way communication channel. Your device can send information back to the router (like when you click a link, upload a photo, or send a message).  

• The router receives this information, sends it to the internet, and waits for a response to return to your device.  

• This constant back-and-forth happens incredibly fast, so it feels instantaneous.  

Signal strength and range  

• The range and quality of Wi-Fi can be affected by physical obstructions. This can include walls and furniture, interference from other devices etc. 

• The signal weakens as you move farther from the router. Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks can help expand the coverage area if needed.  

In essence, Wi-Fi works by converting internet data into radio waves, which are then transmitted between devices. A device receives these signals and converts them back into digital information to display on-screen. Wi-Fi allows multiple devices to connect and communicate simultaneously, creating a wireless network. 

Need more information on Wi-Fi?  

Some recently asked questions from Google might help: 

Do you have Wi-Fi if you have internet? 

No, having an internet connection doesn’t necessarily mean you have Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a wireless network connecting local devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones together.  

What is the difference between Wi-Fi and regular internet? 

They are not the same. Wi-Fi is a technology to connect devices together on a local network (as in inside your home or office) without cables. The Internet is a service that provides access to the world outside of your local network. 

Do I really need Wi-Fi? 

It depends on your needs. If you want to connect devices like Smart TVs, laptops, mobile phones, etc. around your home (without wires) then you will need Wi-Fi. Lots of people use cables to connect devices together, however devices like smartphones don’t have the connectors to use wires, hence the need for Wi-Fi. 

Does Wi-Fi count as internet? 

Again, no. Wi-Fi is a local network that operates without wires. It isn’t the Internet. If you want to surf the World Wide Web, or answer emails, you will need an internet connection alongside your local Wi-Fi network. 

Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting? 

This can be for many reasons, but primarily it will be because of interference in your local environment. Interference from objects, electronic devices or even from your neighbours can cause Wi-Fi to have issues.  

More questions about Wi-Fi?
Check out this Wikipedia article.