WiFi Networking Terms You Should Know About
Understanding technology is not a cakewalk. With thousands of concepts, becoming tech-savvy is not that easy. With time internet technology has also crossed the threshold of Ethernet-based connection and entered the realm of WiFi connectivity. To help you understand the different terms utilized in the world of WiFi networking, tech experts have come up with a small guide.
Guide to Different WiFi Networking Terms
Do you know what the term “access point” or “ad hoc network” means? How does a “WiFi extender” improve your WiFi network connectivity? You will find the answers to all these questions below.
1. Access Point
Before WiFi, internet networks comprised of long and unending lines of interconnected cables. To tap into one such network, you had to physically connect the device to the said network. Access point lets you connect to a network by allowing the target device to tap into the network wirelessly.
Keep in mind, access points can be public or private. For example, the majority of home WiFi networks come under the ambit of private access points. On the other hand, the internet you access in public places falls under the ambit of a public access point.
2. Ad Hoc Network
An Ad Hoc network is typically a WiFi network that does not depend on a preexisting network. The word “ad hoc” here refers to something created for a specific purpose. The WiFi ad hoc network is created between different computers for a temporary purpose.
A major feature of ad hoc networks is that it is decentralized. This means there is not a central device that acts as a hub for all the wireless activity. It is an important WiFi networking term you should know about.
3. Wireless Extender
A wireless extender, as the name suggests, helps expand the reach of the WiFi network. It acquires the signal from an existing access point and rebroadcasts it as a second network. The wireless extender lets you access internet by using it as a gateway.
Wireless extenders come in handy when you want to stay connected even if the network is out of the range of the device.
These are beneficial for connecting computers which have a weak signal to a network. The extender boosts WiFi signal strength to help the connected device form a stronger connection with the network. These help you access the WiFi network even if there is interference from walls and metal objects. The trick here is to set up the extender without skipping a single step during the process.
For example, for a Linksys WiFi extender, visit extender.linksys.com, complete the setup and you are good to go.
4. Wireless Network Adapter
Wireless network adapter lets non-WiFi devices access the internet.
Network adapters are designed with the ability to send and receive wireless signals. The majority of portable devices like your laptop and tablets come with a wireless network adapter in place.
Network adapters are available in two forms – a Network card and USB dongle. With a network card, you install them directly onto the computer motherboard. It provides you wireless connectivity with ease.
On the other hand, the USB dongle requires a little more than just being plugged into a free USB port. This makes it a far more convenient option. These are two of the most important WiFi networking terms to know especially if you plan to buy a network adapter.
5. WiFi Bridge
A WiFi bridge functions similarly to an access point but in the opposite way. The bridge connects wirelessly to a network. You can connect more devices using connection cables.
In simple terms, a WiFi Bridge let’s wired devices join a wireless network.
The majority of internet routers today come with a “bridge mode”. You can use this feature to extend the WiFi network in your home or office with ease.
Conclusion
Understanding WiFi technology is not that easy. The WiFi networking terms described above will help you understand the different parts of wireless internet technology.