Standards

• Wi-Fi was initially intended to replace the 2.4GHz 802.11b standard, but the WFA has since expanded the use of its technology to include all 802.11 standards. As of the date of publication, the 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g standards are widely used. The 802.11a and 802.11g standards provide data transfer rates of up to 54 megabits per second, while the 802.11b standard produces rates of up to 11 Mbps. The 802.11a and 802.11g standards are backward-compatible with the 802.11b standard.
  
  

Wi-Fi Vs. Wireless Networks

• Wi-Fi produces faster data transfer rates than the technologies used by the wireless phone networks, such as the 2G and 3G networks. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology, for example, is designed for text and voice transfer on the 2G network and produces rates of up to 30 to 40 kilobits per second. Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) technology is an improved version of GPRS and offers data transfer rates of up to 236 Kbps. Evolution Data-Optimized (EVDO) is designed for the 3G network and offers speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps. High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) is another 3G technology that transfers data at up to 21 Mbps.
  
  

Range

• In spite of its faster transfer rates than the 2G and 3G networks, Wi-Fi offers much smaller coverage than the wireless networks. Currently, Wi-Fi connectivity can be made at up to 300 feet indoors and up to 2,000 feet outdoors. Wireless networks provide widespread coverage, up to national coverage in some instances. Colleges and universities are known to provide students and faculty with campus-wide coverage, while some commercial establishments, such as restaurants, offer local Wi-Fi coverage. Presently, the 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi standards broadcast on the 2.4GHz frequency, while the 802.11a standard uses the 5GHz frequency. Bluetooth technology is designed to operate on the 2.4GHz frequency, but does not interfere with the Wi-Fi standards that use this frequency.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• WiMAX technology, which is built on the IEEE 802.16 standard, operates the same as Wi-Fi technology does, but expands connectivity to up to 30 miles. Currently, WiMAX is beginning to become more widely used, but is only available on a limited amount of devices, such as the HTC EVO 4G smartphone. Wi-Fi, contrary to popular belief, is not an abbreviation or acronym.