What is Wi-Fi?
There is a way to access the internet that doesn’t need cables and it works in a similar way to a wireless radio. In fact, this internet access is often referred to as a wireless network and you may already have heard of it – it’s called Wi-Fi.
The activities in this course will tell you how get Wi-Fi in your home, which devices can use it, and how to connect.
Watch this short video to get an overview of what Wi-Fi is.
Transcript
Wi-Fi is a convenient way to use the internet without having to plug devices into your home's internet connection with a cable. Instead, Wi-Fi transmits your home internet over the airwaves to your devices from a special box called a router.
Wi-Fi works with desktop and laptop computers, mobile phones, tablets, and many other devices like speakers, smart TVs, and even fridges. Without cables to tie you down, you're free to use many of your Wi-Fi devices in any room of the house. You can send emails from the couch or browse the web while in bed. Wi-Fi also shares your home's internet connection to many devices at once, so everyone at home can use the internet at the same time.
You can use the internet on your devices wherever you have Wi-Fi reception, even out in the garden. The Wi-Fi symbol on your device shows how strong the signal is. If you are not able to get the internet, you may be out of Wi-Fi range. Moving closer to the router may get the internet connection back and help you get online in next to no time.
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1
So, what is Wi-Fi?
6 min
2
What kinds of devices use Wi-Fi?
6 min
3
Connecting to Wi-Fi at home
8 min
4
Understanding Wi-Fi range
7 min
5
How is Wi-Fi different from 4G and 5G?
7 min