WiFi has become an integral part of our lives. We use it at home, at work, in public places, and even choose a cafe based on the availability of wireless Internet. However, many aspects of this technology remain little known. Let's look at five interesting facts about WiFi.
WiFi is not an abbreviation
Contrary to popular belief, WiFi is not an abbreviation. Initially, wireless Internet worked on the IEEE 802.11 protocol, but this name was inconvenient for everyday use. Marketers decided to create a more attractive name, taking the term Hi-Fi (High Fidelity) as a basis. Although for some time WiFi was tried to be deciphered as Wireless Fidelity, this name did not catch on.
The Originator of WiFi Was a Hollywood Actress
Hedy Lamarr, a famous Hollywood actress of the 1940s, made a significant contribution to the development of WiFi technology. She invented a data transmission method known as “frequency hopping”. This technology allowed for secure transmission of information over radio waves by changing data transmission channels. Initially, the invention was intended for military purposes, but later formed the basis of modern WiFi.
Modern WiFi was developed in Australia
John O'Sullivan, trying to detect radio signals from black holes, developed complex mathematical equations. Although his initial goal was not achieved, these developments helped a group of scientists from the CSIRO laboratory create a technology for transmitting information over radio waves 20 years later, which became the basis for the 802.11 protocol - the first version of WiFi.
WiFi works on two frequencies
Initially, WiFi only operated on the 2.4 GHz frequency. However, this frequency is often overloaded due to the operation of many household appliances and other routers. To solve this problem, the 5 GHz frequency was introduced, which permits for better connection quality in overloaded networks.
WiFi transmission range record - 382 kilometers
Venezuelan researcher Ermanno Pietrosemoli has set a record for the longest WiFi transmission range. Using two Intel antennas pointing at each other, he achieved a connection at a distance of 382 kilometers at a speed of 3 Mbps.Venezuelan researcher Ermanno Pietrosemoli has set a record for the longest WiFi transmission range. Using two Intel antennas pointing at each other, he achieved a connection at a distance of 382 kilometers at a speed of 3 Mbps.
These facts show how amazing and multifaceted the WiFi technology we use every day is. From Hollywood stars to Australian scientists, the history of WiFi is full of unexpected twists and discoveries.
Resource: vc.ru
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