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Otherwise known as Wireless Fidelity, WiFi is a system of wirelessly connecting devices that use radio waves, allowing for connection between devices without needing them to be facing one another. (Laing 2004). WiFi setups require a radio transmitter called a router, and receivers called access points and a high speed Internet connection in order for multiple devices to do tasks without significant loss of speed (Reed 2004). WiFi is 10-50 times faster than Bluetooth, handles linking more than two devices together better and communicates over longer distances (Laing 2004).
There are three official variations of WiFi that offer differing levels of compatibility known as 802.11 “a�, “b� and “g�. The original WiFi version is 802.11 b, it is most effective in the home network environment, and “g� is the newer and slightly improved version of “b�. It is not compatible with “b� or “g�, though “a� has a higher frequency and is there is no interference with microwaves and cordless phones (Wildstrom 2004).
The initial purpose for a WiFi connection is to network more than one computer in order to share a broadband internet connection in a home or office. WiFi is a more convenient method of networking devices together, avoiding the various cables otherwise needed for the network (Wildstrom 2004). This wireless technology is found in computers and PDA’s allowing users to gain internet use from access points. Known as hotspots, public access points are quickly appearing in restaurants, hotel lobbies, bars, airports and now on commuter trains and airlines (Cringely 2003). These areas are now an environment of network access.
WiFi is primarily used for data applications though it is quickly being used for less work related situations, and is becoming popular with home entertainment. Electronic appliances such as televisions and Hi-Fis are now being produced with WiFi receivers (Reed 2004). This will mean various media that is stored on the computer can be experienced from any room in the house.
WiFi is already well established within the wireless technology market and the devices associated with it are constantly improving, although with this advancement, society may experience negative implications. Society has quickly adapted to the use of WiFi and will continue as this technology continues to improve. It has been suggested that this give users new forms of social power, and that social dilemmas and inappropriate power relations will prevail from the continuing advancement of these technologies (Smith 2000). Social infrastructures may also suffer from a communication gap between users and non users of WiFi technology (McKenzie 2002). For the moment, homes and businesses benefit from improved wireless networks without the assortment of cables required in a wired network environment. WiFi is a valuable innovation allowing users mobility and convenient data transmission in the home, office and public access points.
Sites devoted to WiFi such as WiFi Planet (http://www.wi-fiplanet.com) are bridging the communication gap, informing willing users of all levels with consistently updated information. The site boasts product updates, hotspot locations and relevant event announcements.
connections. Though security measures have improved since the release of the first system called Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) that experienced various technical failures in the protocol. The majority of new WiFi products use a system called WiFi Protected Access, created by The WiFi Alliance (http://www.wi-fi.org). It provides a strong encryption of data that is being transmitted (Wildstrom 2004). It is more complicated than WEP, though it is more secure with improved authentication, authorisation and encryption capabilities (Mead & McGraw 2003).
Wireless networks are generally attacked by someone because there is a valuable asset to obtain. Most home and small office networks would not be attractive to this form of violation, however if the organisation or home contains information of value such as financial or personal information, then security systems are a necessity. While some attackers are trying to gain internal information, the majority of attacks are an attempt to gain internet access (Mead & McGraw 2003). With correct use of implemented security systems, it can prevent other users from gaining use of your internet connection and viewing all your traffic (Wildstrom 2004).
WiFi is primarily used for data applications, but it is moving in the direction of entertainment use. Electronics manufactures have started selling products such as televisions, hi-fis, consoles and cameras with WiFi capabilities. The market is expected to boom as the technology improves and consumers become more WiFi savvy. Users are already streaming music and pictures around the house, though the technology is not handling streaming video well. The speed of the connection is still too slow to be a better alternative then the current viewing methods (Laing 2004).
With the continuing development of wireless technologies, and the wider and cheaper use of the Internet, it is predicted it will be common for people to carry a device that allows them to link objects, places and people to online content and processes (Smith 2000). Not only will the home and office environment subject to change, but also the way shopping is done. Shopping could be done more efficiently by scanning items for purchase and paying, the items are then delivered, reducing the hassle of standing in a checkout line. Product labels will also supply consumers with information allowing them to know where the item was manufactured or grown (Smith 2000).
Cringely, R 2003, ‘What’s Next’, Inc, vol. 25, issue. 3, March, p. 55.
Laing, G 2004, ‘Why, Oh Wi-Fi?’, T3 magazine, March, pp. 48-53.
Mead, N & McGraw, G 2003, Wireless Security’s Future, IEEE Security and Privacy, July/August, pp. 68-72.
McKenzie, A 2002, Untangling the unwired: the cultural implication of wireless (WiFi) infrastructures, Unpublished, Lancaster University, UK.
Reed, K 2004, ‘Home WiFi setups handle music and movies, tooindustry see a new market beyond data’, Boston Globe, July 5, p. 5.
Smith, M 2000, Some social implications of ubiquitous mobile networks, ACM SIGMOBILE Mobile Computing and Communications Review 4.2, pp 25 - 36.
Wildstrom, S 2004, ‘How-To’s of WiFi’, Business Week Online, February 2, pN.PAG, 00p.
Jillian Hodgson 00:14, 10 Sep 2004 (EST)
