Wi-Fi technology, or 802.11a/b/g, works much like that digital cordless phone sitting on your desk. The microphone in the handset picks up the sound of your voice, and processors in the phone convert the sound into a digital signal, which is then transmitted to the base unit. The base unit in return takes the data coming in from the phone line, performs a similar conversion, and transmits the signal back to the handset. This constant, two-way communication somewhat mirrors the functionality of the wireless network. Think of a WAP (wireless access point) or wireless router as the base unit of a cordless phone and think of the wireless NICs (network interface cards) as the handsets. The WAP or router is your hardwired interface to an existing wired network or to a broadband modem. It communicates using radio signals with the wireless network adapters installed in your computers. The wireless link between the adapters installed in your computers and the router/WAP eliminate the need for Ethernet cables.


This was provided by Smart Computing Magazine