What Is WiFi? Understanding Your Wireless Connection
Get a plain‑language explanation of how WiFi works, what affects speed and reliability, and how to choose the right standards.
WiFi Basics and Common Standards
WiFi is a family of wireless networking technologies based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. It allows devices to communicate over radio waves instead of ethernet cables, typically using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with newer standards also using 6 GHz.
Generations such as Wi‑Fi 4, 5, 6, and 7 describe improvements in speed, efficiency, and how many devices can share the airwaves at once. The actual performance you see depends on both your router and your client devices.
Factors That Affect WiFi Performance
Signal strength, channel congestion, interference from other electronics, and router placement all influence WiFi quality. A high‑speed internet plan cannot overcome a poorly placed router or an overcrowded 2.4 GHz channel shared with every neighbor on your floor.
Using wired connections where possible, upgrading aging routers, and placing access points in central, elevated locations can dramatically improve real‑world speeds and stability.