What is Wi-Fi?Explanation for beginners who can't hear anymore
In the last few years, we've heard the word "Wi-Fi" a lot.
If you have a smartphone, you may have heard the story that "Wi-Fi allows unlimited internet".
However, even if you think you have a vague idea of what Wi-Fi is, many people may not be able to give a clear answer when asked, "What is Wi-Fi?"
So, in this article,
Even beginners can easily understand the types of Wi-Fi, such as
.
Six things you should know about Wi-Fi
First, we have summarized what you need to know about Wi-Fi.
6 things you want to know about Wi-FiWhat is Wi-Fi in the first place?
Wi-Fi is the brand name of "wireless LAN", a technology that connects terminals such as personal computers, smartphones, tablets, and game consoles without cables.
I wrote it in a complicated way, but you can think of it as "Wi-Fi = wireless LAN" on a daily basis.
However, the original meaning was a little different.
When wireless LAN technology first appeared in the world, companies were making products with different standards, so it was impossible to know whether wireless LAN terminals could connect to each other until they actually purchased and tried it. bottom.
In such a situation, it would be difficult for wireless LAN to spread to general households, so an international standard for wireless LAN called "IEEE 802.11 standard" was created.
And, among the products that use the "IEEE 802.11 standard", only those products that have been certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance as being able to interconnect wireless LAN terminals without any problems are equipped with "Wi-Fi". The use of the logo is now permitted.
We often see white and black Wi-Fi logos on the packaging of game consoles. It was a mark that clearly indicates to the user that you can connect.
As you can see, Wi-Fi originally referred to only some wireless LAN terminals, but now that it is used in many products, it almost means "Wi-Fi = wireless LAN". is increasingly used in
I will explain what you can do with Wi-Fi and the benefits.
With Wi-Fi, for example, you can:
Recently, Wi-Fi is used in various home appliances, and there are many other things you can do besides the above.
Some of the things I introduced earlier can be done with a wired connection using a cable or a smartphone's 4G LTE, but using Wi-Fi has the following advantages.
When using a wired connection, you can only connect devices within the reach of the cable, but with Wi-Fi, you can easily connect devices that are far apart, such as devices on the 1st floor and devices on the 2nd floor.
Also, if you have a small terminal like a smartphone or laptop, you can carry it anywhere in the house and use the Internet.
Wi-Fi can connect multiple devices at the same time as long as they are within range of radio waves.
The whole family can watch videos and surf the net on their smartphones at the same time.
Since you don't use cables to connect devices together, you don't have to worry about a lot of cables crawling under your feet.
In addition, when connecting terminals in separate rooms, there is no need to drill a hole in the wall to pass the cable through.
When connecting to Wi-Fi, initial settings are required, but if you save the settings, you can easily reconnect using the settings next time.
You don't have to physically prepare every time like you would with a wired connection.
You can also use your smartphone or smart speaker connected to Wi-Fi to control other Wi-Fi-connected home appliances.
With Wi-Fi, you can reduce the hassle of living, such as controlling the temperature by operating the air conditioner in your room while you are in the living room, or turning on/off the light switch just by calling the smart speaker. is.
You can connect to the Internet using a 4G LTE line on your smartphone, but there is a fixed amount of high-speed data communication that you can use each month.
With Wi-Fi, you can stay connected to the internet for an unlimited amount of time without using up your 4G LTE line's data capacity.
What are the two radio waves of Wi-Fi, 2.4GHz and 5GHz?
Wi-Fi radio waves use 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands with different characteristics.
Let's take a look at each feature.
Features of 2.4GHz Features of 5GHzIn the IEEE 802.11 standard, an international standard for wireless LAN
It corresponds to the frequency band of.
Many of the latest Wi-Fi devices are compatible with both radio bands, but if you know the characteristics of each radio wave and choose the best radio band for your location, you can communicate. becomes more comfortable.
Usually, 5GHz is faster and more stable, but when connecting to a device that is blocked by a wall or floor, 2.4GHz may make it easier for radio waves to reach you. .
Also, remember that in order to use radio waves in that frequency band, both devices connected via Wi-Fi must support that standard.
For example, when connecting a terminal that supports "IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac" and a terminal that supports "IEEE 802.11b/g", select "IEEE 802.11b/g" (2.4GHz band) can only be connected.
A thorough introduction to how to connect to Wi-Fi｜From necessary preparations to password settingsIn the next chapter, we will explain what you need to do to use Wi-Fi at home.
What you need to use Wi-Fi at home
To use Wi-Fi at home or in the office, you need the following three things.
If you already have an internet connection and a smartphone or computer, all you need to do is purchase a Wi-Fi router.
If you already have a fixed line installed, you don't need to do any work.
Wi-Fi can be used by connecting an internet terminal called a "modem" and a Wi-Fi router with a LAN cable and performing a simple initial setting.
After that, you can connect to the Internet at any time within the range of Wi-Fi radio waves by making individual connection settings for devices such as smartphones and computers that you want to connect.
What is SoftBank Air? Explanation of specifications, fees, and speedDisadvantages and precautions for using Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is convenient and easy to use, but of course there are disadvantages.
I will explain the points to be aware of when using Wi-Fi at home or in the office.
Since Wi-Fi uses radio waves to connect devices, if security settings are not set, even strangers within the range of radio waves can use Wi-Fi without permission.
If your home or office Wi-Fi is not secure, there are the following risks.
Credit card information entered during online shopping may be stolen and used illegally, important business files may be stolen, and irreversible troubles may occur.
In order to reduce the risk of eavesdropping on communication contents and riding for free, take the following measures.
Tips for using Wi-Fi safelyIf you set a password for Wi-Fi connection, only people who know the password can connect to Wi-Fi.
Be sure to check that your home or office Wi-Fi has a password, as it is effective in preventing third parties from riding for free.
A connection password is set for Wi-Fi with a lock icon on the Wi-Fi connection screen of your smartphone.
Let's change the login password of the "Wi-Fi router management screen" used for Wi-Fi settings from the initial simple password to a complex one.
The Wi-Fi router's management screen is a place where you can make important settings such as Wi-Fi security settings, but in the factory settings, an easy-to-understand password may still be set.
Also, if the password is easy to understand and can be easily guessed, there is a risk that it will be easily broken into by a third party.
Wi-Fi routers can encrypt communication to prevent third parties from spying on the content of communication.
The types of encryption methods that can be used differ depending on the terminal, but let's set "WPA2-PSK (AES)", which is a strong encryption method as much as possible.
You can check how to set the encryption method in the manual or on the official website of the manufacturer.
Always update the firmware (software) that controls your Wi-Fi router to the latest version.
Like updating the OS of your computer or smartphone, updating to the latest version makes it easier to prevent malicious attacks.
If your Wi-Fi router has an automatic firmware update function, we recommend turning it on.
What about wireless LAN security? Reinforcement and protection measures to be set at homeWhat is free Wi-Fi that can be used in public places?
"Free Wi-Fi (public wireless LAN)" that anyone can use for free is installed in places where many people gather in the city, such as cafes, convenience stores, stations, and airports.
A place where free Wi-Fi is installed is sometimes called a "free Wi-Fi spot."
In addition, docomo, au, Softbank, etc. provide free Wi-Fi spots that can only be used by users who have a smartphone contract at stations, airports, etc.
Free Wi-Fi spots often have a "Wi-Fi" logo at the entrance of the store or at the seats.
With this free Wi-Fi, you can exchange large amounts of data and watch videos without worrying about the amount of data communication while you are out.
Free Wi-Fi is convenient, but on the other hand, you need to be careful about security because unspecified number of people can easily connect to it.
As explained earlier in "Disadvantages and precautions of using Wi-Fi", Wi-Fi that anyone can use,
There is also a risk.
In addition, some free Wi-Fi are intentionally prepared by malicious persons in order to steal credit card information and personal information of users.
Therefore, when using free Wi-Fi spots, be careful of the following points.
Points when using free Wi-Fi spotsDo not use free Wi-Fi spots that you do not know who prepared them, except for free Wi-Fi spots prepared by major companies such as convenience stores, hotels, and smartphone carriers. will do.
If you use a Wi-Fi that you don't know who installed it, there is a risk that your communication will be intercepted and important information will be stolen, or your account will be hijacked.
If you use services such as online banking or shopping at free Wi-Fi spots, your credit card information and login password may be stolen.
Free Wi-Fi you need to know | Safe usage and recommended spotsIf you really want to use a service that handles important information when you go out, use a mobile Wi-Fi service like the one introduced in the next chapter. is recommended.
When Wi-Fi first appeared, there were only stationary Wi-Fi routers, and you could only use your own Wi-Fi in a fixed place such as your home or office.
However, in recent years, portable size and light weight "mobile Wi-Fi routers" and "pocket Wi-Fi" have also appeared.
By carrying it with you when you go out, you will be able to connect your smartphone or laptop to the Internet even in environments where there are no fixed lines or free Wi-Fi spots.
In addition, some people use mobile Wi-Fi routers indoors, such as apartments and detached houses in areas where optical lines are not available, because they do not require construction work.
There are three main ways to use it.
If you want to use it for a long time, if you sign a long-term contract with a company that provides services like a fixed line or smartphone, you can use it cheaply including the terminal fee.
On the other hand, if you want to use it for a short period of time, such as right after moving house, we recommend a domestic rental service that charges only for the number of days rented without a minimum usage period.
Also, if you want to connect to the Internet when you go abroad, a rental service for travelers that you can rent and return by mail or at the airport counter is convenient.
A Thorough Comparison of WiFi and Fixed Internet Lines at Any Time | Which Should You Contract?Currently, the lines used for mobile Wi-Fi can be broadly divided into
There are two types of.
Since each has advantages and disadvantages, it is recommended that you choose while considering which one is better for your environment.
A Wi-Fi router that connects to the Internet using a 4G LTE line provided by Docomo, Softbank, etc.
It is characterized by the fact that it is easy to receive radio waves stably even in places with many obstacles or underground.
Also, if you have the latest terminal, you can use the high-speed line provided in the city.
However, there are many cases where the upper limit of monthly data capacity is fixed for both long-term contracts and rentals, so it is not suitable for those who use a lot of communication.
Features of docomo, au, and Softbank's 4G LTE linesWiMAX is a Wi-Fi router that uses lines provided by UQ Communications of the au (KDDI) group.
Usually, communication is performed only on the WiMAX line, but if necessary, you can switch to the high-speed high-speed plus area mode that uses the WiMAX line and the au 4G LTE line at the same time. (*1)
WiMAX also offers a stationary home type, and some people use it at home instead of a fixed line.
Long-term contracts are available from UQ Communications, au, and providers that rent lines from UQ Communications to provide services.
Discounts and cashback campaigns are actively being held by providers, and unlimited data plans are often available for 3,000 yen per month.
However, WiMAX radio waves are vulnerable to obstacles, and may not be connected depending on the location even within the service area.
Some providers offer a trial service for renting WiMAX terminals for a short period of time, so if you are unsure, we recommend that you try using that service first.
Features of WiMAX Comparing WiMAX Unlimited Gigabit Plans | Investigating Limitations, Monthly Charges, and Communication Speed ReputationMore comfortable with Wi-Fi at home and outside!
Let me recapitulate what I have already explained.6 things I want to know about Wi-FiI have explained about Wi-Fi, how was it?
If you can use Wi-Fi, you can quickly connect devices such as smartphones and computers to the Internet indoors or out.
Please use it together with a mobile Wi-Fi router with excellent portability and a free Wi-Fi spot that anyone can use for free.