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• Wi-Fi Portal Home

• How it works
• Terms of Use
• Our Wi-Fi Security Statement
• Security-specific FAQ
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Hot Spot Locations
• Trouble Report Form
• News and Updates

• Configuration Screenshots
• Logging In

• Connect Using Microsoft WindowsXP
• Advanced WindowsXP Wi-Fi Configurations
• Netgear WG511 802.11g Client Software
• Netgear WG511 802.11g Advanced Settings

• Proxim (or Agere or Lucent) Orinoco Client Software
• Link Testing with the Orinoco Client Software
• Netgear WG511 802.11g Client Software
• Netgear WG511 802.11g Advanced Settings

WhidbeyNET Wi-Fi - How It Works

Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is a radio technology that lets users get high speed internet access without being tied by cord or cable to their internet connection. How? Service providers create what is called an access point by connecting specialized Wi-Fi radio equipment to a broadband modem, which in turn is linked to a high-speed internet connection such as DSL. This radio signaling equipment transmits data at very high speed using a special protocol (802.11b, for example), typically over a range of 100 to several hundred feet. This range varies depending upon the antennae used, the terrain, building construction, etc. The area covered by an access point is known in Wi-Fi jargon as a "Hot Spot". A computer (or other device such as a Pocket PC/PDA) equipped with a wireless network receiver can pick up the radio signal and enable the user to connect, wirelessly and at high speed, to the internet. Brand-name laptop computers with optional built-in wireless receivers were introduced in 2002. Wireless network cards (used in the PCMCIA slot) are widely and economically available for many of the computers without built-in wireless networking capability.

You can find more information about Wi-Fi, as well as important material about Wi-Fi security, on our Wi-Fi Portal Security FAQ and Standard FAQ.