Lifehack Literacy: History of WiFi

You’re probably already familiar with Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) technology. This technology allows you to access the internet without relying on a cell phone signal.

Despite its familiar name, many people may still be unaware of how WiFi became as popular as it is today. This is undoubtedly related to its long history.

Since its emergence in the late 90s, WiFi has become a vital part of modern technological development. Let’s delve deeper into the history of WiFi to increase our technological literacy and understand the story behind the technology we use.

History of WiFi

The history of WiFi is inseparable from the extensive research conducted in various countries related to the development of this technology. Although it began in the United States, other parts of the world also began conducting this research.

It all began with the initial discovery of the fundamentals of wireless technology, which would later become NFC and Bluetooth technologies. From there, researchers from various universities conducted extensive research.

1. Starting from the American Archipelago

The origins of this technology began in Hawaii, United States. The University of Hawaii played a role in developing ALOHANet, a pioneering computer network system.

This system used a UHF wireless packet network to connect amateur radios in the region to expand its reach. In short, ALOHANet was a success after undergoing trials.

This spurred research into network development. This was supported by the release of the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band for unlicensed users by the United States in 1985.

ISM operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This is the frequency permitted for use by the US Federal Communications Commission.

This frequency was also used in early WiFi. However, this frequency is still highly susceptible to interference, causing signal disruptions, and can be used for any purpose.

2. The cashier system became the forerunner of the WiFi standard

The release of the ISM band prompted many US technology companies to begin developing products using the 2.4 GHz frequency band. In 1991, the first wireless product, WaveLAN, was launched, used for cashier systems.

The NCR Corporation and AT&T Corporation invented this product. This product is believed to be the forerunner of the world’s first WiFi-based product.

3. Vic Hayes: The Father of WiFi

In 1974, Vic Hayes joined NCR. From there, extensive research led to the creation of WaveLAN, along with AT&T Corporation. Vic Hayes is known as the Father of Wi-Fi.

This extensive research led the company to create the world’s first WiFi-enabled product. He completed the WiFi puzzle by introducing WLAN, developed by John O’Sullivan and his colleagues.

In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) published various commercial products for the first WiFi protocols and standards. This standard is called the 802.11 Protocol, which is taken from the standard number issued by the organization.

4. The WiFi Alliance was founded

In 1999, the WiFi Alliance was formed. This was a response to the release of the first protocol standard for this technology, which led to an increasing number of companies creating products with WiFi features.

The WiFi Alliance was created to harmonize various business aspects related to Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)-based commerce. At that time, the term WiFi was not yet popular.

In August 1999, the WiFi Alliance created and patented the name WiFi. This name was coined by Phil Belanger, inspired by HiFi, or High Fidelity.

HiFi itself refers to high-quality sound reproduction that was once popular due to the development of world music.

WiFi Standard Development

From the history of WiFi above, we know that this technology has undergone significant development since its initial discovery. The following is a timeline of the development of WiFi standards from its inception to the present day.

• 1985: The initial standard issued by Vic Haye through the IEEE refers to the 900 MHz ISM band, which is the 2.4 GHz frequency band.
• 2002: The 802.11a standard was released in the 5 GHz frequency band with an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)-based interface.
• 2009: The 802.11n standard marked the integration of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) into Wi-Fi technology.
• 2010: The 802.11ad standard defined a new physical layer for operation in the 60 GHz military spectrum.
• 2014: The 802.11af standard enabled WLAN operation in the TV white space spectrum in the VHF and UHF bands between 54 and 790 MHz.
• 2019: The 802.11ax standard provided wide spectrum coverage up to 1200 MHz.

WiFi Today and Future Possibilities

From the history of WiFi, we know that the evolution and development of this technology are ongoing. In fact, it won’t stop anytime soon, and even more exciting possibilities will emerge.

WiFi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) is the latest standard, bringing significant advancements to this wireless networking technology. It delivers higher data transfer speeds, lower latency, and improved network efficiency.

WiFi will likely continue to increase its effectiveness in the future as the Internet of Things (IoT) grows. This is essential for connecting everyday devices to the internet.

This is the history of WiFi, which can improve your technological literacy. This way, you will understand the long-term development of this short-range communication technology.

The future cannot be separated from the ongoing innovations of the past. By understanding the history of WiFi, you can better appreciate its development.