Get to Know How WiFi Works, Its Functions, And The Latest Generation

Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) is becoming quite popular in meeting the increasing internet needs. But do you already know how WiFi works and what its functions are in our lives?

The presence of WiFi is also undeniable because it is caused by the rapid development of digital technology in the past few decades. Knowing how WiFi works is important for you to know as additional information related to current technology.

This article will inform you how WiFi works and its functions in everyday life.

How Does WiFi Work?

WiFi works by emitting radio waves at various frequencies to provide a wireless internet connection. To capture the internet connection, you need a device that can manage the internet network, such as a router.

When a device wants to connect to a WiFi network, it will send a request message that can scan for the nearest available network.

Then the request will be responded to by the router by sending a message containing the network name (SSID), encryption type (if any), and signal strength (RSSI).

Upon receiving a signal from the router, the device will be prompted to send an authentication request (such as a WiFi password). Next, the router will verify and assign it an IP address so that it can connect to the internet network.

WiFi Generations Explained: From WiFi 4 to WiFi 7

WiFi technology has evolved significantly since it was first introduced, with each new generation bringing faster speeds, better efficiency, and support for more connected devices. Here’s how the generations compare:

It should be noted that these figures are indicative of results from ideal laboratory tests. In reality, real-world speeds are often lower and depend on the hardware, the distance from the router, and the number of devices connected simultaneously. 

WiFi Functions

WiFi has several functions that help us in our daily lives. Here are the functions of WiFi that we can enjoy:

1. Internet network connection: users can easily access the internet wirelessly, with speeds that continue to improve as newer WiFi generations become more widely available.
2. Making internet connections faster: modern WiFi standards like WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E can reach theoretical speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps, making internet connections significantly faster and more reliable than earlier generations.
3. Connecting PC and Smartphone: can connect a smartphone to a PC without an intermediary cable.
4. Turn Smartphone as Modem: we can use a Smartphone as a modem by using a hotspot.
5. As a medium for various files: allows two or more electronic devices to exchange data without having to use an intermediate cable.
6. Transferring photos and videos from digital cameras: can directly transfer photos and videos of your work to your Laptop or PC.
7. Printing on a printer: printing documents from a PC to a printer does not need to use a USB cable.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of WiFi

Among all the functions that we can get from using WiFi, we must also pay attention to its advantages and disadvantages as a consideration for installation. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of WiFi:

The advantages

Regarding its use, there are many advantages that you can get from wireless internet networks, including:

1. Easy installation process

Wireless network installation is relatively faster and easier than wired networks. The level of security during the network installation process is better. In addition, you can also configure settings easily.

2. Broad range

You will also get benefits regarding the range of internet access. Wireless networks can easily reach places that are difficult to access with wired internet.

3. Efficient

Wireless networks provide convenience in the data transfer process. Wireless data communication can take place more quickly and conveniently.

4. Accessibility

The first advantage of a wireless internet network is the ease of accessing the internet. You don’t need to use cables to communicate remotely via the Internet. Instead, simply activate the WiFi connection on the device and connect it to the network.

5. Flexibility

The use of internet networks can help users to work flexibly from anywhere. You can surf the internet anywhere, as long as it’s within WiFi range.

6. Affordable cost

The last advantage is related to cost. The wireless network installation process does not require a large fee, so it is relatively more affordable.

The Disadvantages

Even so, you also need to understand that there are some disadvantages related to the use of wireless internet networks. These disadvantages include:

1. Prone to interference

Finally, you need to be aware of various internet connection disruptions. There are many external factors that can affect the quality of the internet network, including rainstorms, fog, radiation, and the like.

2. Security level

The process of installing and maintaining a wireless network needs to be a serious concern. If not done properly, wireless internet networks have a very vulnerable level of security. Hackers can easily connect to the network and at the same time take various important data contained in it.

3. Speed

You will also be dealing with internet speeds that are relatively slower than wired internet. The speed of data transmission depends on the location. If you get a strong WiFi signal, you can enjoy internet access comfortably. The opposite situation will happen if you get a weak WiFi signal.

4. Limited bandwidth

Compared to wired internet, wireless networks have a relatively smaller bandwidth capacity. In addition, limited bandwidth is also potentially stolen by neighbors when the network is not protected by a strong password.

Due to limited bandwidth, the internet user capacity of wireless networks is not very high. If the number of users exceeds the capacity, you will experience difficulties in accessing the internet.

5. High initial cost

The cost of installing a wireless network is relatively affordable. However, the initial investment that needs to be spent to build the network is very high. The reason is that wireless networks require more specific devices than wired networks.

WiFi 7 as The Latest Generation

WiFi 7 is a technology that uses the 802.11be standard, the latest evolution of wireless networking.

With much higher speeds, low latency, and large capacity, WiFi 7 is poised to become a key foundation for future digital devices and services.

WiFi 7 comes with various feature enhancements designed to improve the speed, efficiency, and overall experience of wireless connections.

This technology is designed to support modern connectivity needs, such as 8K streaming, gaming, virtual reality (VR), and the integration of IoT devices in smart homes.

WiFi 7 Features

WiFi 7 comes with various feature enhancements designed to improve the speed, efficiency, and overall experience of wireless connections.

Here are the key features that make WiFi 7 a breakthrough in the world of wireless technology.

1. Multi-Resource Unit (Multi-RU)

This feature allows more flexible allocation of network resources, thus supporting more devices simultaneously.

• Benefits: Avoids network congestion, ensuring a stable connection even when multiple devices are used.
• Usability: Smart homes with many IoT devices.

2. 4K-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)

WiFi 7 uses 4K-QAM, which is capable of sending more data per signal than WiFi 6 (1024-QAM).

• Benefits: Provides higher speeds over longer distances.
• Usability: Supports IoT devices spread across various locations in the home or office.

3. Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

MLO allows devices to connect to multiple bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously.

• Benefits: Reduces latency and increases connection stability.
• Usability: Great for online gaming, video conferencing, or activities that require an uninterrupted connection.

4. Higher Speed ​​with 320 MHz Channel Bandwidth

WiFi 7 introduces channel bandwidth of up to 320 MHz, or twice that of WiFi 6.

• Benefits: Increases network capacity, enabling data transfers of up to 46 Gbps in optimal conditions.
• Usability: Ideal for demanding applications such as 8K video streaming, real-time data processing, and cloud-based applications.

5. Enhanced Latency Control

WiFi 7 is designed with deterministic communications that reduce jitter and latency.

• Benefits: Nearly zero latency for a seamless connection experience.
• Usability: Ideal for VR, AR, and robotics applications that require real-time response.

Benefits of WiFi 7

Supporting digital transformation in the industry

For business and industry, WiFi 7 plays an important role in supporting digital transformation by providing stable connections for modern activities such as remote work and cloud-based collaboration.

With a large network capacity, this technology is able to support operations with large numbers of connected devices, such as in offices and factories.

Industrial use also involves IoT for process automation and remote monitoring, ensuring operations remain efficient without network disruption.

Optimal performance for home occupants

WiFi 7 provides optimal performance for home residents by providing a faster, more stable, and reliable connection experience.

This technology allows householders to enjoy video streaming up to 8K resolution without buffering interruptions. Additionally, its ultra-low latency makes it ideal for online gaming, providing a more responsive and lag-free gaming experience.

Solutions for the future of IoT

As a future solution for IoT, WiFi 7 is designed to meet large-scale connectivity needs. This technology is very power-efficient, making it suitable for small IoT devices that require energy efficiency.

With a large network capacity, WiFi 7 can handle thousands of devices at once, making it ideal for supporting smart city ecosystems.

The Advantages of WiFi6E and WiFi 7

WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 each have their own distinct advantages. Here are their main advantages.

1. Maximum data rate

The maximum data rate is the most important factor to consider when using WiFi. WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 each have different speeds.

WiFi 6E has a maximum data rate of up to 9.6 Gbps, while WiFi 7 has a maximum data rate of up to 46 Gbps.

2. Channel width

Channel width is essential for transmitting large amounts of data in a single transmission. WiFi 6E relies on a channel bandwidth of up to 160 MHz.

WiFi 7 allows more data to be transmitted simultaneously because it has a channel width of up to 320 MHz. This also allows it to manage interference more efficiently.

3. 6 GHz band

Both types of WiFi use the 6 GHz band, which provides better reliability. This results in significantly less congestion compared to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

4. Multi-link operation (MLO)

Although both use the 6 GHz band, they differ in terms of multi-link operation (MLO). WiFi 6E does not yet support MLO.

WiFi 7, on the other hand, enables MLO by using multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously. This results in better speed and stability.

5. Modulation

Modulation in WiFi improves the efficiency and speed of data transfer. Modulation allows information to be packed more densely into radio waves.

WiFi 6E uses 1024-QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM). This combination with the 6 GHz frequency band makes transmission more stable.

WiFi 7, on the other hand, uses 4K-QAM modulation, which results in 20% higher speeds. This allows for the transmission of more data in a single pass. It is suitable for 4K/8K streaming and VR.