28 Interesting Wi-Fi Facts

By James Israelsen, Associate Writer

Published May 29, 2020

In addition to Wi-Fi, technologies that use radio frequencies to send signals between devices include walkie-talkies, car radios, cell phones, and weather radios, each operating on their own range of frequency._[3]
Before the advent of Wi-Fi, the spectrum of radio frequencies used by Wi-Fi were referred to by some as “the garbage bands”—for being largely useless._[7]
AM radio uses frequencies in the range of thousands of waves per second; FM operates in the range of millions; and Wi-Fi sends and receives data using frequencies in which billions of waves travel per second._[3]
The NCR Corporation was one of the original companies responsible for the development of wireless connections through Wi-Fi when, in 1988, they developed a standard for connecting wireless cash registers._[7]
Although it is often thought that Wi-Fi stands for “wireless fidelity,” in reality, branding consultants picked the name "wi-fi" in hopes that the comparison to “hi-fi” would make consumers think of how CD players operate in conjunction with amplifiers._[7]
Part of what made Wi-Fi possible was the 1985 decision by the Federal Communications Commission to open several bands of radio frequencies for use without the need of a government license, thus prompting individuals and organizations to explore a use for these free bands._[7]
Because Wi-Fi uses radio waves that are around the same frequency as those used in a microwave, people with older microwaves can experience Wi-Fi interference while using their appliance._[3]
Hedy Lamarr, a 1940s Hollywood actress once named the most beautiful woman in the world, was the first person to patent the idea of “frequency hopping,” a technology used in some forms of Wi-Fi._[4]

Silver screen sensation—and tech pioneer

The first company to promote Wi-Fi was Apple Computers, who included a Wi-Fi airport option on their 1999 iBooks._[7]
A committee of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers approved a standard for Wi-Fi technology in 1997._[7]
Wi-Fi uses “spread-spectrum technologies” like frequency hopping or frequency bands to allow signals to avoid interruptions._[7]
The initial setup necessary to establish Wi-Fi connections is generally more expensive than wired technologies; however, over the long run, Wi-Fi usually ends up being cheaper because of the longer life cycle of the hardware._[2]
Although it has come into popular use as the name for a general type of technology, the term “Wi-Fi” is actually a trademarked brand name owned by the Wi-Fi Alliance._[8]

It doesn't take long for someone who knows what they're doing

Hackers can attack a user’s data on an open Wi-Fi network in less than 2 seconds._[1]
Though it is often written as "wifi" or "WiFi," the correct rendering is "Wi-Fi."_[8]
By the end of 2013, more mobile devices had been produced than there were people living on Earth._[1]
At least 38% of two-year-olds can use mobile devices._[1]
Multiple football stadiums across the United States have reported that during a single game, over 30,000 Wi-Fi connections are used within the stadium._[1]
Around 94% of consumers say that Wi-Fi is the most important amenity they consider when making a choice about which hotel to stay in._[1]
Most airlines provide Wi-Fi connections, but usually for a fee._[6]
Countries where Wi-Fi access is still drastically limited include Greenland, Bhutan, Central African Republic, Cuba, Somalia, and the Solomon Islands._[6]

It swiftly becomes a necessity

According to one study, 75% of people predicted that a week without access to Wi-Fi would leave them grumpier than if they went a week without coffee._[1]
Wi-Fi is available in taxis in some countries, including the United Kingdom._[6]
In the tiny town of Green Bank, Virginia, WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile connections are all outlawed, due to the presence of a high-tech government telescope nearby._[6]
Although a standard Wi-Fi network can send signals through a distance of around 300 feet, buildings and other materials generally reduce that range to between 30 to 100._[5]
Higher-frequency Wi-Fi, such as 5G, has a shorter effective range than does the more traditional 2.4Ghz frequency._[5]
In addition to computers, televisions, and phones, other products that are being made with Wi-Fi connectivity include refrigerators, printers, clocks, digital radios, and cars._[5]
Many students without access to Wi-Fi go to McDonald's and link into the restaurant's free Wi-Fi in order to study._[9]