What is Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi technology. What is this? What is it for and how to use it

14.10.2019

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Today, many families have several various types computer equipment: computer, laptop and others that are often used. All devices need the Internet, and they like it to be a wi-fi connection. And for this you need a Wi-Fi router to provide Internet via Wi-Fi for all equipment.

Let's start with what is a Wi-Fi router?

Wi-Fi router (router) – a device for wireless connection users to the Internet.

Router in English is router. And in Russian this word is translated as router. Therefore, a router and a router are one and the same.

It’s almost impossible to imagine any cafe or any office without wi-fi. In order to integrate all these devices, work is needed wi-fi router a or router. And without it, it will simply be unprofitable or impossible to provide all this equipment with Internet access.

Why do you need a wi-fi router?

A Wi-Fi router, or otherwise called a router, is a device that helps build a common network between certain types computer equipment (computer, smartphone, printer, etc.) and connect them to the Internet.

New router models are different in that they can restrict access to certain sites with a high probability of danger. They can also encrypt traffic, also to ensure information security.

Included home router Usually there is an antenna, a hardware unit, a cord and a power supply.

The router, by its principle, receives certain signals from the Internet and transmits them to computer equipment, printers, even refrigerators and other “smart” electronic devices.

If this is expressed in simple words, That wireless router(Wi-Fi router) connects a mini-server connected to the Internet with user devices.

All devices individually receive their own IP addresses. Moreover, thanks to the enhanced signal, several connected devices can use the Internet simultaneously. For example, some the latest models routers can connect up to 100 various devices.

By transmitting information to a computer, wi-fi routers also work in another direction, that is, they send certain information back to the Internet. For security, all signals are encrypted using WPA protection.

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What types of routers are there?

There are top, middle and bottom routers, if we consider the scope of their application. The first type includes high-performance models that connect networks of enterprises, firms and organizations.

Each device, designed to work in local (indoors, apartments, houses, offices) and global networks (connection to the “external” Internet, to an external network through one provider or several providers), can have about 50 ports.

The medium type is suitable for small networks. Such routers can have up to 8 ports for a local network and up to 3 for a global network.

And the lower type of routers is used for home use and the local network of a very small office, which can have up to 2 global network ports, and a local network - up to 4 ports.

As for the connection method, the router can be

like wireless,
and wired.

In our apartments they are still quite often used wired routers.

The wire from such a router is connected separately to each computer. The inconvenience is that the wires must somehow be routed from the router to the location of the computer or several computers. Each computer needs a separate wire from the router.

Wireless wi-fi router can be used

both wirelessly using radio signal transmission,
so with wires, as in a wired router.

Many consumer devices, with the exception of desktop computers, can support two types of connections:

wired via LAN connector and
wireless via wi-fi.

For example, some laptops may support both types of connections. Probably, the wired connection is already fading into oblivion and wireless is confidently coming to the fore.

About local network

At the wi-fi router great opportunities in connecting many devices into a large network with an Internet connection or even without an Internet connection. You can establish communication between devices or equipment inside an apartment, home or office using a router.

A wireless connection within a local network allows the exchange of information without laying wires, which is often very convenient.

About connecting a Wi-Fi router

As practice has shown, a modern router is a durable and very reliable device. If you buy it and make it correct connection, then after that it can work for a long time without failures. There will be no need to reconfigure it or perform any other actions. As they say, I turned it on once and forgot for a long time!

Setting up the router is not difficult, and this procedure takes about 15-20 minutes. This can be done either by a representative of the provider or by the user himself using a disk that contains detailed instructions, or using the usual paper instructions, which may come with the router.

Some useful instructions instructions for setting up the router and connecting to the router can also be placed directly on the router case in the form of stickers.

Sometimes I get asked something like this: send me step-by-step instructions on how to connect a Wi-Fi router on a laptop with an operating system Windows system 10. In this regard, I would like to draw your attention to a couple of points.

Rebooting the router is easy - you just need to disconnect it from the power supply, wait a few seconds (preferably a few minutes), and turn it on again.

Turning off the Wi-Fi router

Sometimes they ask whether it is worth turning off the router, for example, at night, and in general, how often it should be turned off.

The router does not need to be turned off, it can work constantly, that is, be constantly connected to the 220V network. If you wish, you can turn off the router, for example, at night, if this makes you sleep better, say, if the cute winking lights on the router panel are disturbing you.

To turn off the Wi-Fi router, you just need to disconnect it from the 220V power supply.

Electronics are designed in such a way that they do not like frequent switching on and off, so turning the router off and on often (for example, several times a day) is not very healthy. The router should either not be turned off at all, or turned off rarely.

When leaving for a long time - on vacation, to the country, on a business trip, it is better to always turn off the router. Because a router connected to 220V is seen by your Internet provider as a working device, that is, from the provider’s point of view, you continue to use the Internet. And it follows from this that upon your return you will most likely have to pay for the service according to the provider’s tariffs, although in fact you did not use the Internet.

About choosing a Wi-Fi router

When choosing a router, you need to determine for yourself what purposes it will be intended for and take into account the capabilities of the device. You shouldn’t buy a complex, high-performance device for your home that, say, is designed to serve a large office.

For home use Simple and cheap models are quite suitable. You just need to carefully ensure that the router has both a wired connection (if needed) and a connection via wi-fi (again, if this is needed to connect computers and gadgets to the Internet via wi-fi).

Quite often, providers, when offering you Internet connection services, simultaneously offer certain models of routers, and this is a good offer, consistent with the capabilities of the provider. Providers don’t even always sell such routers, and sometimes they simply rent them out for money or even for free, just so that you become their clients.

You also need to take into account the features of various devices that you plan to connect to the Internet via a router. For example, old PCs or printers have connections only via single port LAN for a wired connection to the Internet, which means you need a router with wired connection capabilities.

And laptops and tablets can be connected wirelessly using Wi-Fi, which means in this case you can use a router that distributes the Internet via Wi-Fi.

Results

The router does not increase the Internet speed provided by the provider. At best, the router will maintain its previous speed. If a router divides the Internet between several devices, then for each device the speed may be even lower than the speed provided (declared) by the provider.

Modern router models support high Internet speeds, approximately 100 Mbit/s. For many, this speed is more than enough to surf the Internet comfortably and quickly.

There are routers that have enormous speed and functionality. Despite this, they operate more simply than other switches, such as telephone modems.

But if there are many devices (computers, laptops, gadgets) operating on the office network, then constant monitoring by specialists may be required to ensure that the operation of the routers is synchronized. Basically, users who install routers at home do not have such problems.

On this moment routers are quite common, and therefore a large number of manufacturers are starting to create devices entry level, which will subsequently replace complex routers of the upper classes. And life will become even simpler, the Internet will be more accessible.

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Comments: 15 to “What is a wi-fi router, what is it for and how to use it”

The provider said that the speed on my tariff plan is up to 100Mbit/s and they cannot provide more. This prefix “up to” 100Mbit/s is what 50, 60, 99...

Up to 100Mbit - this means from zero to... Much depends on the provider’s equipment, on the routing (signal passage) from the provider to your apartment, on who else is connected “on the route” and how these users use the Internet.
Still, before experimenting with an additional router or with the settings of an existing router, I would swap the TVs to make sure that the second (old) TV lacks the Wi-Fi signal strength. Otherwise, everything else may turn out to be meaningless.
And if the signal strength for the second TV is not enough, then I would first adjust the TV to receive a lower-quality signal. From experience working with video and TV, freezes are eliminated primarily by reducing the quality of the transmitted image.
Manipulating the router is unlikely to yield anything. Although you can try, why not?! The main thing is that if something happens, you can return to the previous settings of the router.
Also, if you go through the router settings, keenetic may suggest updating your software. You need to be mentally prepared for this. I agreed to install updates twice (in different time). And everything went well. Although the second time, at some point, at the very end of installing the updates, the router completely disconnected: both from the Internet and from the computer (from which I installed the updates). I had to turn off the router, and then turn it on again after a short pause. Everything worked out this time, and the router started working with the updated software.
Installed keenetic updates do not affect the Internet speed or Wi-Fi signal strength in any way...

Thank you Nadezhda for your answer. Maybe dig into the router settings. For example, raise its signal transmission power to 100% or try to send the signal only through the 5GHz channel. It’s interesting how the long-distance TV receives the signal through this channel.

Good afternoon. That's the problem. I live in a panel building apartment building. Purchased WiFi router zylex keenetic air. Internet provider Wifire. Under New Year bought a new one Samsung TV and placed it in the room where the router is located. And the LG TV, which previously stood in this place, was moved to another room. The router was left in place, the Internet was connected to it, and the provider’s box was taken to LG. Both TVs are smart and have the Wifire tv app installed on both TVs. Question: On the second LG TV, the picture periodically freezes. What to do. The distance from the router is about 6m through three walls. Speed on LG 26-32 Mb/s.

Hello. 6 meters from the router to the TV is not much. A keenetic router usually “breaks through” a solid wall normally. If there are 2 main walls on the way, I don’t know, I haven’t tried it, there may be a problem with signal transmission.
The problem with the picture freezing most likely does not arise due to the distance from the router to the TV. It’s just that before you bought a new TV, the signal from your router only went to 1 TV, but now it goes to 2 TVs. The signal and its speed are now divided in half. If both TVs are working at the same time, then the Internet speed from the provider may not be enough. More often than not, it will be the TV that is located far away that will react to the lack of speed.
Try not using the new TV and see how it behaves old TV. If the freezing on the old TV stops, then the problem is that there is not enough power of the router or Internet speed from the provider to service 2 TVs at the same time. TV is a serious load on the Internet. And 2 TVs are even more serious. Most likely, it’s still not enough speed from the provider, and not the power of the router; keenetic can’t handle anything like that.
For 2 TVs, it is better if an optical fiber goes from the provider to the apartment, rather than a wire. I don't know how it is with you. If a wire comes from the provider, then, I repeat, there may not be enough speed (power) for 2 TVs. Bandwidth The wires are much smaller than those of optical fiber.
If the problem is the Internet speed from the provider, then you can try changing the tariff to one with higher speed, even on a wire (but it will be more expensive).
Or you can try to adjust the quality on a second TV remote from the router - reduce the picture quality if the TV settings allow this. Then the amount of Internet traffic consumed by the second TV may decrease, and freezes may stop (there will be no need to change the tariff and no need to pay more). At least on a computer, if you watch TV on it, reducing the picture quality helps eliminate freezing of TV programs.
Wired connections are always faster than radio communications. Fiber optic connections are even faster. This has to do with the way signals are transmitted. By radio is one way, by wire is another way, and by fiber optic is a third way. Every time the connection gets faster and faster.
Signal strength at wireless connection, of course, matters. But not everything depends on signal strength. There may be a strong signal, but at the same time a poor connection, for example, if a lot of users are simultaneously connected to the radio channel and are actively “downloading” information, for example, watching videos. Or the signal is strong, but at the other end the provider, say, has problems with the server for connecting to the Internet, and here again a strong signal will not help much.

In the early days after the advent of the Internet, everyone tried to hide a huge number of wires. PC users built them into baseboards, packaged them in special bags, fixed them to the walls, etc. Special holes were even made in the tables for network cables. However, after the advent of Wi-Fi wireless technology, everything has changed dramatically, and you no longer need to think about how to disguise the cords in the room.

general description

Conversations about what Wi-Fi means began at the end of the last century, when this technology was going through the testing stage. It began to become widespread around 2010.

When thinking about what the word Wi-Fi means, you should remember English phrase“Wireless Fidelity?”, which translates as “wireless accuracy.” It is from this phrase that the abbreviation “Wi-Fi” itself comes from.

A Wi-Fi network is not the Internet. This is a special principle of information exchange between devices that have built-in radio modules. Today these devices are found in almost all modern models technology and electronic equipment. T So, at first, modules were built into only a few devices:

smartphones;
portable PCs;
handhelds.

However, now printers, photo and video cameras, and even kitchen multicookers have wireless connectivity. And there are more and more tasks for which Wi-Fi is needed.

A mandatory component of Internet access via a Wi-Fi system is the so-called access point. A router is used for this purpose. This is a compact device with standard connectors and amplifier antennas. The device is connected to the network using a twisted pair cable, and antennas are designed to transmit information to devices connected “over the air”.

In addition to the router, access points can create:

These gadgets must have an Internet connection using a mobile network (sim card with 4 G, 3 G or the outdated GPRS). In this case, the principle of transmitting/receiving information will be similar to that of a wired router.

Technology functions

The main task of Wi-Fi technology is to visit resources on the Internet, download files and communicate online without being tied to wires. Today everything appears in cities large quantity access points that anyone can use. Experts have no doubt that soon the Internet will be available in any locality.

Radio modules are also often used for the device internal network, for example, in some company. Lenovo Corporation specialists, who know what Wi-Fi means, have long developed a special program for mobile devices, which makes it possible to very quickly exchange various files between devices using a Wi-Fi network without an Internet connection.

The application creates a special virtual tunnel that is responsible for data transfer. The advantage of this technology is that with its help information is transmitted several tens of times faster than using outdated Bluetooth. Thus, a mobile phone can be used as a gaming joystick for a laptop or console. You can also change channels on your Wi-Fi enabled TV.

Features of application

To get rid of an array of cables once and for all in your home or office, you need to get a router in advance. The device has a special socket, which is usually highlighted in white or yellow. You need to connect a network cable to it. Then you have to configure the equipment in accordance with the instructions. After this, on all devices that have a Wi-Fi module, you need to activate it, find the created network and connect to it.

It should be noted that the speed of Internet access depends on the number of devices connected to one access point. This is due to the fact that the speed will be proportionally divided between them.

If your PC does not have a Wi-Fi module, you can purchase it separately. By appearance This device resembles an ordinary USB flash drive. average price devices - about 10−15 dollars.

From a smartphone, you can access the network using the “Access Point” function. For this purpose, you need to configure the option in the settings of your tablet or mobile phone.

Wi-Fi makes it possible to access the Internet without any cables or wires. The signal source can be any device that has a radio module. The range of action depends on external obstacles in the form of walls, ceilings and other structures, as well as the power of the transmitting antenna. With this modern technology you can not only use the Internet, but also exchange files on different devices, as well as unite all gadgets into a single internal network.

Articles

“Wi-Fi”: what is it and what is it used with?

WiFi(WLAN) (Wireless Fidelity) is a protocol and standard for equipment for broadband radio communications intended for organizing local wireless networks. Or, to put it simply, Wi-Fi is wireless Internet, although WLAN was originally created for other purposes. In 1991, NCFt Corporation/AT&T introduced WaveLAN point-of-sale systems to the market in the Netherlands, providing data transfer rates of 1 Mbit/s (optional 2 Mbit/s). Nowadays, the IEEE 802.11p protocol standard declares data transmission at speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s. This speed is theoretical, in practice it is less. Wi-Fi is a brand that combines several different standards wireless communication. IEEE 802.11a, for example, provides speeds of up to 54 Mbps using operating frequencies around 5 GHz. IEEE 802.11b -11 Mbps at 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.1 1 g -54 Mbps at 2.4 GHz.
It all works as follows. Client devices are connected to the access point: computers, laptops, netbooks, PDAs, smartphones and others mobile devices having W-Fi adapters (receivers). And literally in a few seconds a connection is established with World Wide Web or local network. The method of connecting the Internet to the access point is unimportant.
Access points are divided into public and private. The first provide Internet access for free or for money unlimited number users. The latter are, in principle, used only for the needs of the owners. However, you can also connect to them if the network is not password protected. Public hot spots are often found in public places: airports, train stations, hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, libraries. You can connect to such networks freely on the territory of the establishment or close to it. In some, authorization is required, and you will be given a login and password after you pay for the services of this establishment. In Prague, for example, we constantly used a hot spot at a KFC restaurant (similar to McDonald's). They simply turned on the laptop and the connection was automatically established. Well, for the sake of decency, we bought a bottle of water.
In the West, Wi-Fi is quite common. Some cities in the world are almost completely covered by the Wi-Fi network: to access it, you just need to pay for an inexpensive subscription. Not only commercial services are available to consumers. Individuals, communities, and municipalities are actively building free Wi-Fi networks. Small networks providing wireless internet residential buildings, public institutions (libraries, educational establishments), gradually becoming larger, using a common peering agreement to freely interact with each other and existing on the basis of donations, voluntary assistance and other sources. City authorities often support such projects. In Paris, for example, OzoneParis gives free and unlimited Internet access to everyone who provides the roof of their house for installing a Wi-Fi network. In Jerusalem, the Unwire Jerusalem project operates, within the framework of which free access points are installed in large shopping centers in the cities. Many Western universities provide Internet access to their students, employees and visitors. There are many examples.
In Russia the situation is worse, however, the number of hot spots is rapidly increasing. By the end of 2008, their number exceeded 18.6 thousand. Of these, only 21% are public. In 2007, the number of public access points was 1291 hot spots, a year later it almost doubled and reached 3981. At the same time, two thirds of public hot spots are in Moscow and St. Petersburg (2629). Of the regions (excluding Moscow and St. Petersburg), Wi-Fi is most actively represented in the Volga Federal District (33%), Far Eastern (22%), Siberian (17%) and Southern (13%).

Benefits of Wi-Fi:
* Down with the wires. Due to the absence of wires, it saves time and money on their installation and wiring. The network can be expanded almost endlessly, increasing the number of consumers and network geometry by installing additional access points. Unlike laying wired networks, there is no need to damage walls, ceilings and floors with cables, trench walls and drill through holes. Sometimes a wired network cannot be built purely physically.
* Global Compatibility. Wi-Fi is a family of global standards (despite some restrictions that exist in different countries), therefore, in theory, a device made in the USA should work perfectly in Russia. And vice versa.

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi:
* Legal aspect . Different countries have different approaches to the use of the frequency range and the parameters of wireless signal transmitters/receivers of IEEE 802.11 standards. Some countries, for example, require registration of all Wi-Fi networks working outdoors. Others impose restrictions on the frequencies used or transmitter power. In Russia, using Wi-Fi without permission to use frequencies from State Commission over radio frequencies (GKRF) is possible for organizing a network inside buildings, closed storage facilities and production areas. If you want to connect two neighboring houses with a radio channel, it is recommended to contact the above-mentioned supervisory authority. For violation of the rules - Articles 13.3 and 13.4 of the Code Russian Federation on administrative offenses (Administrative Code of the Russian Federation).

* Communication stability. Standard home Wi-Fi routers Common standards 802.11 b or 802.11 g have a range of about 40-50 meters indoors and up to 90 meters outdoors. Some electronic devices(microwave), weather conditions(rain) weaken the signal level. Also, the distance depends on the operating frequency and other factors.
* Crosstalk. With a high density of access points, access problems may arise. open point access if there is a nearby hotsport operating on the same or adjacent channel and using encryption.
* Factors of production. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not always strictly adhere to standards, so some devices may operate unstable or at lower speeds. * Energy consumption. Quite high energy consumption, which reduces battery life and increases the temperature of the device.
* Safety. WEP encryption standard. still the most popular, relatively easy to hack. Unfortunately, many older access points do not support the more advanced WPA protocol.
* Limited functionality. When transmitting small data packets, a large amount of service information is added to them, which degrades the quality of communication. Therefore, Wi-Fi is not recommended for use in IP telephony using the RTP protocol: communication quality is not guaranteed.
Which Wi-Fi module choose for a laptop?
If for some reason your laptop does not have a wireless module, there are three options:

1.Mini-PCI.
This adapter is installed inside the laptop into the Minipci port, which is present in all laptops released after 2004. There is no need to connect or disconnect it during operation. But it is recommended to install this adapter only in service centers.

2. USB adapters.
The size is a regular flash drive. They differ, like all adapters, in the following parameters: reception range, transmission speed, supported standard. The downside is that the adapter protrudes beyond the dimensions of the laptop, so you can inadvertently touch it when carrying it and damage the USB port. Not suitable for those who have few free USB ports. But this adapter can be installed in any device that has a USB port. For example, on a desktop computer.

3. PCMCIA. Installed in the widely used PCMCIA slot of a laptop. This operation can be performed by any user. In this case, the adapter only protrudes slightly beyond the dimensions of the laptop. We have a free USB port and a busy one - PCMCIA.
The conclusion is this: in terms of cost, all types Wi-Fi adapters not much different. For example, the cheapest USB adapter can be bought for 400-500 rubles. What to choose is up to you.
In order to operating system has recognized your device, you need to either install the driver from the disk supplied with the adapter, or hope that your OS will find the driver in its depths. The newer the OS, the greater the chances of this.

The essence and principle of operation of Wi-Fi

Literally, this letter combination means “wireless precision Internet network.” On initial stage At its development, this communication mechanism was available only for local wireless networks (the so-called wireless LAN). A few years later, Wi-Fi became available not only for local networks.

The main feature of this technology is that it is convenient to use for large networks, within which it is impractical to deploy a huge amount of cable. There is no loss in the quality and speed of information transfer due to the presence of wireless communication support. In modern wireless networks, the speed of information transfer via Wi-Fi is even several times higher than the speed of systems with the same amount of data that do not use Wi-Fi.

Thanks competently organized system operation of data, a user who switches between different access points of the same system is able to remain connected to the network.

With the advent of wireless Internet networks, our lives have changed. Almost every home, store, transport or shopping center has at least one or more Wi-Fi access points. By the end of 2015, many transport companies throughout the CIS promise to equip every subway and tram car with an Internet router. Rapidly growing in geometric progression The Wi-Fi coverage network can support a large number of users. Handling hundreds of terabytes of data per day, Wi-Fi technology makes our lives easier by giving us access to a continuous flow of information on the global Internet.

In 2014 international organization on the development of world information technologies developed and approved the latest standard for using Wi-Fi. Its code is IEEE 8o2.11ac. At the moment, routers that operate according to the latest standard are not widespread in mass production, however, the continuous process of their introduction into our lives is just beginning. The standard is capable of operating at frequencies above 5 Gigahertz; this frequency ensures that signal interference becomes almost imperceptible.

The following illustration will help explain in more detail what Wi-Fi is. It shows that any Wi-Fi router has its own coverage area, within which users can access the WWW using their Wi-Fi-enabled devices

The main advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi technology

Among the advantages of Wi-Fi, the following points can be highlighted:

The ability to organize a network without using an Internet cable, thus reducing the cost of this network several times.
Mobile use. The technology allows users to connect to existing access points as quickly as possible and ensures fast data transfer between client and server.
All devices ( personal computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other devices) that are connected to the same network can interact with each other, exchanging content and information.

The maximum territorial coverage of one Wi-Fi access point is one hundred kilometers. This characteristic depends on technical capabilities wireless network.
Wi Fi routers are very easy to install. They do not require dismantling if you suddenly need to change the location of the network or change your place of residence.
Wi-Fi is very convenient for use in places where it is unacceptable to lay a large amount of Internet cable. For example, these could be various kinds of museums, exhibition centers or exhibitions. All organizations of this type require competent organization of their work, and it is Wi-Fi technology that can provide them with this opportunity.

Among the main disadvantages are the following:

At the initial stage of organizing a Wi-Fi system, you should pay attention to everything architectural features selected building or specific premises. Wi-Fi coverage must be available in all parts of the building. who need it. Incorrect placement of routers may result in some areas of the room not being equipped with Wi-Fi.
All encryption algorithms available today for data transmitted via Wi-Fi are susceptible to hacking. Passwords can be easily hacked by a hacker by simply brute-forcing passwords (the so-called brute force). To find even the most complex password, a powerful hacking system will take time from several days to a month maximum.
The use of wireless access and Internet technology significantly reduces the life of one gadget charge. When transferring or downloading large amounts of data, the device may become very hot, which can damage the battery, processor, and power supply.

The spread of Wi-Fi in everyday life

Over the past twenty years, the Internet has become an integral part of people around the world. We spend most of our time on the Internet, communicating, having fun and working. It is thanks to the use of Wi-Fi coverage that the mobility of Internet use has increased significantly: it has become possible to access the global network from absolutely anywhere.

By installing Wi-Fi in your home, you save a lot because previously, in order to connect all your gadgets to the Internet, you had to run several Internet cables into the house. Now, for example, you can purchase one Wi-Fi router and connect an Internet cable to it. Thus, all gadgets that support connection to a Wi-Fi network have access to the Internet.

Small companies and large corporations use Wi-Fi coverage in their work. This technology is becoming available in almost every place: in cafes and restaurants, clinics, public transport, shopping centers, personal apartments and houses. With the help of technology Wi-Fi network games from all over the world can instantly connect to the same server and play as quickly as possible, with virtually no data loss on both sides.

The influence of Wi-Fi networks on the human body

There is a theory that the waves emitted by Wi-Fi coverage have a detrimental effect on nervous system and the human body as a whole. Experts are divided on this theory: some argue that radiation can cause changes in the body at the cellular level, others believe that Wi-Fi is not harmful.

The most accurate study on the effects of Wi-Fi on our body showed that the radiation affects us 10,000 times less than the radiation emitted by a regular microwave oven itself. Exposure from 25 routers at the same time is equivalent to exposure from one smartphone.

A person can receive stronger radiation from a computer monitor. Specified examples evidence that Wi-Fi carries a certain amount of radiation, but it is much less than other devices that we use every day. However, you should not neglect the basic safety rules: do not place the Wi-Fi router close to where you sleep and, if possible, turn it off at night.

The router is a small adapter that consists of a housing, a network adapter and an antenna. Some modern devices have a built-in antenna. The device consists of a housing and a board, which is responsible for converting a wired signal into a wireless one. The router can also act as a splitter for a wired connection (router). Thus, several computers can be connected to the router (up to 4 on average) and they can all use one wired Internet connection. The most expensive and advanced models of routers also support USB technologies for the ability to work with data storage devices and convert signals from USB 3G modems, which can be useful in an office environment. Some routers can be used as file servers to store and share files over an Internet connection.

Router standards

Routers differ in the number of supported standards and the functions they implement. Today the majority modern devices support operation in the 802.11n standard, which is the most advanced and fastest today. However, there are still models that work in the already outdated 802.11b and 802.11g networks, which, unlike 802.11n, have a lower data transfer rate and radio signal coverage area.

Price

You can purchase a router at any computer store or electronics supermarket. Try to buy devices from well-known network equipment manufacturers (for example, D-Link, TP Link, ASUS, Zyxel, etc.). The starting price for an ordinary router can start from $15 for the most simple models, which are quite suitable for home use or use in a small office. Depending on the requirements for the device, its cost will also increase. Usually key characteristic When purchasing a router, the coverage area is determined by the presence of amplifiers in the antenna and the number of additional antennas that will allow for wider signal broadcasting. Some devices have the ability to work in VPN client mode.

The speed of modern routers when providing ideal conditions cannot exceed 600 Mbit/s, however, in the operating conditions of modern wired networks, the use of routers that provide speeds above 150 Mbit/s is justified, because most often speeds of 600 Mbit/s cannot be achieved due to limitations of both the radio signal and wired networks of modern Russian providers.