ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

Wi-Fi is Short for "wireless fidelity". Wi-Fi is one of the most popular
wireless communications standards on the market.  Wi-Fi technology was almost solely used
to wirelessly connect laptop computers to the internet via local area networks (LANs) Wi-Fi
technology is now found in a host of non-computer electronic devices as well, such as home
theatre receivers, portable gaming devices, DVD players, digital cameras, and even GPS
devices.

WIRELESS STANDARDS:

The official name for the specification is IEEE 802.11, and it is comprised
of more than 20 different standards, each of which is denoted by a letter appended to the end
of the name. The most familiar standards are 802.11b and 802.11g (Wireless B and G) which
are used in the majority of commercial Wi-Fi devices. Both of these standards operate in
the 2.4 GHz band

COMPARISON OF STANDARDS:

The table below provides a brief overview of the three most popular
current 802.11 standards, as well as information about the next version of Wi-Fi — 802.11n

Standar
Frequency Data Transfer Rate Typical (Max) Range (indoor)
d

802.11a 5 GHz 25 (50) Mb/sec about 10 m (30 ft)

802.11b 2.4GHz 6.5 (11) Mb/sec 30 m (90 ft)

802.11g 2.4 GHz 25 (54) Mb/sec 30+ m (90+ ft)

802.11n * 2.4 GHz 200 (540) Mb/sec 50m (150ft)

ADVANTAGES:

 Internet access:
A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a personal computer, video game console,
smartphone or digital audio player can connect to the Internet when within range of
a wireless network connected to the Internet. The coverage of one or more
(interconnected) access points — called hotspots.

 Direct computer-to-computer communications:

Wi-Fi also allows communications directly from one computer to another
without the involvement of an access point. This is called the ad-hoc mode of Wi-Fi
transmission.
  Quick, easy setup:
Setting up a wireless network may sound like a daunting task, but it's
actually a pretty straightforward process. Wi-Fi networks don't require professional
installation.
LIMITATIONS OF WI-FI:
 Security concerns: 
Though typically very easy to set up, securing your Wi-Fi network
requires more effort. Wi-Fi access points do not come with encryption straight out of
the box; you have to do it from your computer once the network is up and running. An
unsecured wireless network is susceptible to attacks from hackers.

 Mobility:
The very limited practical range of Wi-Fi essentially confines mobile use
to such applications as inventory-taking machines in warehouses or in retail spaces.
Mobile use of Wi-Fi over wider ranges is limited, for instance, to uses such as in an
automobile moving from one hotspot to another.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS:
As of 2010 Wi-Fi technology has spread widely within business and
industrial sites. In business environments, just like other environments, increasing the number
of Wi-Fi access points provides network redundancy.