If you have high-speed internet, you're likely connected to it through Wi-Fi. Most newer computers, tablets, and cell phones have this wireless capability integrated within the hardware. However, this hasn't always been the case. If you're curious about the history of Wi-Fi, here's what you need to know.

The Early Years

It took the internet until the 1990s to become commonly used by people outside of some government and business institutions. But Wi-Fi has its roots in a 1985 ruling by the United States Federal Communications Commission. It allowed the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) and 5GHz radio wave frequencies to be used by anyone without a license. Wi-Fi makes it possible to use these radio waves to transmit digital data.

Before Wi-Fi, computers relied on cabled connections to modems to access the internet. Depending on a physical link limited where and when people could get online. Wi-Fi was created and made available in 1997 when a committee from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers established the "802.11" set of standards for wireless devices. It defined the technology as a speed of 2 megabits per second (Mbps). Before this, people used various devices and networks for wireless connections, but without a standard, compatibility was a problem. Routers were engineered to accommodate this, and in 1999, they were made public for residential use. 

While many assume it stands for "wireless fidelity," that doesn't describe the technology. "Wi-Fi" was simply chosen for memorable marketing purposes. 

Expanding Capabilities

For years, most routers would operate at a 2.4 GHz frequency, although some used 5GHz. Between 1999 and 2009, as high-speed internet usage expanded, so did the number of connected devices within a household. 

Router design accommodated that demand, and by the end of that decade, dual-band technology arose that allowed both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz frequencies. By 2012, routers had a broader reach than before, with more antennas to help target devices.

Modern Wi-FI

Widely available high-speed internet and improved router technology have increased Wi-Fi speeds exponentially over the past two decades. The initial 2 Mbps standard has given way to modern capabilities of up to 9.6 gigabytes per second (Gbps). One gigabyte is the equivalent of 1,000 MB, and the faster speed allows both businesses and homes to reap the benefits of the "Internet of Things." This phenomenon refers to the way devices like phones, gaming consoles, security devices, and HVAC units can be accessed online and linked to other gadgets. It makes interacting with technology more effortless and accessible.

If you want fast, reliable Wi-Fi, contact Volcano Communications Group. Located in Pine Grove, CA, they've provided telecommunications services to the region for more than a century. If you need high-speed internet, they offer a variety of options for every home and budget. For more information on their internet services, visit their website or call 1-(209) 296-7502 with questions.