Wireless networks

• Wireless local area networks (WLANs) use radio waves to connect devices. There is a range of wireless technologies but the most common is Wi-Fi.
• Security is an important consideration for wireless networks. Wireless signals can be intercepted more easily than wired signals as you don't have to be physically connected to the network, an interceptor just needs to be in range.
• A typical wireless local area network (WLAN) is based around a central communications device called a wireless access point (WAP). In your home, the wireless access point will probably be part of the network access device (commonly referred to as "the router") provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In larger buildings, there will probably be several discrete wireless access points that allow a wider area to be covered.
• Each wireless network is configured with a Service Set Identifier (SSID), which is commonly referred to as the "network name". 
• To connect to the network, you need to use your device to scan for networks within range. A list of the SSIDs for those networks will be shown. The range of a typical wireless network operating on the 2.4GHz band is around 50m indoors, but this will depend on the properties of the building such as wall thickness.
• An open network is one that has been configured so that a password (key) is not required. Open networks are not secure because your data will not be encrypted.
• Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, uses radio waves to transmit data wirelessly between devices. When a device like a computer or smartphone connects to a Wi-Fi network, it sends signals to a wireless router, which acts as a central hub for the network. The router then communicates with the device by sending and receiving data through radio frequencies.
• Wi-Fi networks operate on different channels within the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands, allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously without interference. Data is transmitted in packets, which are broken down into smaller chunks for efficient transmission over the airwaves.
• Encryption protocols like WPA2 are used to secure Wi-Fi networks and protect data from unauthorized access. Devices authenticate themselves with the network using passwords or security keys before establishing a secure connection for data exchange.
• Overall, Wi-Fi technology enables convenient and flexible wireless communication between devices, providing internet access and network connectivity without the need for physical cables.