List of Wi-Fi Internet Terminology: All Terms & Glossary

To comprehend Wi-Fi more accurately, we all should be aware of important Wi-Fi terms and terminology.

In this Wi-Fi tutorial for beginners, here is a basic glossary of terms associated with Wi-Fi:

• Antenna

An antenna is the most element that supports the functioning of Wi-Fi. It is an element of a device whose duty is to be the sender or the receiver of wireless signals. It is a piece of prerequisite equipment for any device which is responsible for sending or receiving wireless signals. There should be one or more antennas which can be either external or internal.

• Router

An essential tool for a Wi-Fi connection is a router. It is a networking device that enables the connection between devices. It initially connects to the modem and then to the digital devices via Wi-Fi signals.

• Frequency Bands

A frequency band is a portion of a larger frequency area. Wi-Fi uses two different frequency bands— 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 

2.4 GHz is the frequency band that provides slow connections as it is related to older wireless technologies. 5 GHz is the frequency band that caters to provide faster connectivity as it is used by newer wireless standards.                                                       

• Radio

Radio waves facilitate the most common form of wireless communication. All Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices function as they contain in themselves radio transmitters and are connected to internal or external antennas.                                                                        

• IoT

IoT or the Internet of Things is the technology that connects common devices and things to the internet over a wireless connection.                       

• Wi-Fi Repeater

A Wi-Fi repeater consists of two embedded routers in it. The first router picks up the network connection and transmits the signal to the other one, which further transfers the fully boosted signal.                                           

• Hotspot

The hotspot is quite a common term used every day and is another important part of the Wi-Fi terminology. It serves as the location where people receive internet access using Wi-Fi technology.                                                                              

• Channel

A channel is the basic network path for wireless transfers. Each Wi-Fi framework has multiple channels, each of which has a central frequency. Channels have an inherent bandwidth. The greater the bandwidth, the greater the potential.                          

• Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a medium for small-range wireless connectivity between devices. It can be used with keyboards, mobile phones, and speakers. Bluetooth uses frequencies similar to the ISM band as 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi networks.

• Access Points

The initial point or device that allows wireless digital devices to connect and communicate with the wired network.

• Authentication

It is the initial process that requires a username and a password to allow sharing of data between different sources. 

• Bandwidth

It is defined to be the highest amount of data that can be shared through internet connectivity in a pre-defined duration of time. 

• Backscatter Networking

It is the process that utilizes current radio frequency signals to share data without the use of any power source.  

• Captive Portal

It is a type of webpage that is the initial display for interaction before the actual access is granted. It is generally used by airports, hotels, business organizations, and other areas that offer public Wi-Fi facilities. 

• Domain Name Service

It functions to translate general URLs into numerical IP Addresses for the server that supports a particular website. 

• Enhanced Wireless Location Tracking

It is a well-developed algorithm to support the implementation of proper movement of radio signals and serve to provide location tracking as well. 

• Extended Server Set (ESS)

It is a kind of wireless network formulated by several access points that often appear as a single framework to its users and help to boost network signals in the entire wireless network. 

• Ethernet

Ethernet cables are used to provide internet connectivity by plugging into ethernet ports. It is used to support local area networks. 

• Firewall

An essential Wi-Fi safety device that shields the computer networks to protect it from malicious attacks or outside invasions. It carefully monitors the network activities and accordingly protects from malware and attacks.

• Guest Wi-Fi

As the name suggests, it is a form of separate or guest connection from the router. It provides internet access from a different point. 

• Local Area Network (LAN)

It connects devices and provides connectivity among small areas such as residences, schools, buildings, etc. 

• Open Network

Open Network is the kind of network that permits network access openly without any credential verification. These are often termed hotspots and provide internet connectivity in different ranges. 

• Wi-Fi Analytics

Wi-Fi analytics is the process of collecting user data with the help of guest Wi-Fi. The collected data can include name, personal details, gender, date of birth, hometown, and other details.

• Wi-Fi Marketing

Wi-Fi marketing is the process of using data collected through Wi-Fi analytics for marketing to customers and highlighting the potential benefits of Wi-Fi use for long-term internet access.

• Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS)

Wi-Fi positioning system or WiPS/WFPS is a location system that uses the features of nearby located Wi-Fi, hotspots, and other wireless access points to find out the location of a device.

• Wide Area Network (WAN)

As the name says, a Wide area network provides internet access among wider distances. Formally, a WAN includes two or more local-area networks within itself to provide a wider range.

• Wireless Sensing

The formulation and functioning of wireless signals can be used for sensing activities. It works via the combination of communication and sensory modules within the same system.