Uses Of Wi-Fi

A person with a Wi-Fi enabled device such as a computer, cell phone or PDA can connect to the Internet when in proximity of an access point. The region covered by one or several access points is called a hotspot. Hotspots can range from a single room to many square miles of overlapping hotspots. Wi-Fi can also be used to create a mesh network. Both architectures are used in community networks.[citation needed]

Wi-Fi also allows connectivity in peer-to-peer (wireless ad-hoc network) mode, which enables devices to connect directly with each other. This connectivity mode is useful in consumer electronics and gaming applications.

When the technology was first commercialized there were many problems because consumers could not be sure that products from different vendors would work together. The Wi-Fi Alliance began as a community to solve this issue so as to address the needs of the end user and allow the technology to mature. The Alliance created the branding Wi-Fi CERTIFIED to show consumers that products are interoperable with other products displaying the same branding.

A term for certain types of wireless local area networks (WLAN) that use specifications conforming to IEEE

Wi-Fi At Home

Home Wi-Fi infrastructure devices typically fall into the category of a multifunction piece of networking equipment, with wireless being only one of many features proved more information. Home Wi-Fi clients come in many shapes and sizes, from stationary PCs to digital cameras. The trend today and into the future will be to enable wireless into every device where mobility is prudent.

Wi-Fi devices are often used in home or consumer-type environments in the following manner:

* Termination of a broadband connection into a single router which services both wired and wireless clients
* Ad-hoc mode for client to client connections
* Built into non-computer devices to enable simple wireless connectivity to other devices or the Internet

Wi-Fi in gaming

The gaming consoles and handhelds make use of Wi-Fi technology to enhance the gaming experience:

* The Nintendo DS handheld is Wi-Fi compatible. The majority of its Wi-Fi compatible games use only WEP encryption.
* The PlayStation Portable is Wi-Fi compatible, and uses this for local multiplayer as well as connecting to wireless networks for online gameplay.
* The Xbox 360 can be made Wi-Fi compatible if the user purchases a separate wireless adapter.
* The PlayStation 3 Premium model features built-in Wi-Fi, while the Basic model can be upgraded with a separate wireless adapter.
* The Wii is Wi-Fi compatible.