Category: WiFi Tech

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

All those who travel frequently might need a WiFi connectivity to quickly check their inbox or make an online payment while roaming.

To meet all such needs, Android and iOS users can simply download some awesome WiFi apps on their smartphones for free.

All you need to do is to visit the Google Play Store or the iTunes and download them. You then will have an on-the-go free WiFi connectivity. Here is a list of such free WiFi apps for your ready reference and action.

1. Free WiFi

True to its name, Free WiFi is a simple yet effective free WiFi app. Just download this app onto your Android phone for you to get connected to the internet in any place and at any time.

In addition to saving your mobile data, this app allows you to connect to the public Wi-Fi without any hassles.

2. Wibrate

The Wibrate app which comes with an easy-to-use interface is compatible with both iPhones and Android phones. This is another free WiFi app. All you need to do is to go to iTunes and download this app for you to access the internet for free.

With this free WiFi app by your side, you can enjoy internet connectivity at different public places like cinemas, cafes, salons and libraries in your city.

3. AutoWiFi Lite

A convenient and free app for iPhones! This app stores all the data pertaining to the username and password, and once it locates a WiFi hotspot, it will automatically get connected to the nearest WiFi network, immediately.

This app does not call for launching the web browser every time you access a WiFi network that is in your vicinity.

4. Osmino WiFi

Osmino comes with a special WiFi manager that logs public WiFi hotspots along with their passwords so that private networks can use them. Tagged as a globally renowned free WiFi app, you don’t need to activate complex settings.

Once you run the app, it will automatically search for WiFi passwords for you to get connected to the nearest hotspot, through the use of its WiFi hotspot map.

5. Instabridge

Living by its tag name which reads “Free Internet for Everyone’, Instabridge is a promising name in the sphere of free WiFi apps compatible with Android phones. Once you download this app from the Google Play Store you will be able to access the nearest WiFi hotspots, all for free.

Without any data usage limit, this app provides useful data points about the speed and reputation of some favorite hotspots that you can connect to. You can also access offline maps to locate hotspots when you are roaming.

Also Read : 15 Ways to Get Free WiFi Anywhere Around You

6. Free WiFi Finder for iPhone

Tagged as an awesome app that provides an in-built list of local hotspots that can be accessed by any iPhone user, the Free Wi-Fi Finder is a cut above the rest. This app uses the GPS location of your iPhone and combines it with network triangulation features to help you identify free WiFi access points. This can be the best app for people who are constantly on the move.

7. WiFi You

WiFi You is another top pick amongst Android phone users who are looking to connect to free WiFi. Not requiring a password, this app which is listed on the Google Play Store comes with a host of additional features including a network scanner.

This app also suggests you to connect to the best WiFi. Allowing you to analyze the data you saved, this app just needs a single click before you can connect to any target network.

8. WiFiTrak For iPhone

All the Apple phone users looking to connect to free WiFi hotspots in your vicinity can also rely on the WifiTrak app which displays a list of WiFi networks. The best part of this app is that it segregates the most frequently used networks with the ones that are limitedly patronized.

Additionally, you may also set your minimum browsing strength while adjusting your scan time. After finding a suitable network, this app starts running, providing you with mail notifications or any other application that needs your attention.

9. WiFi Master Key

The WiFi Master Key is another free WiFi app that is compatible with both Android and iPhones. All the Android phone users can effortlessly download the WiFi Mater Key Free WiFi app from the Google Play Store to enjoy uninterrupted internet access, anywhere, anytime.

iPhone users can download this app from iTunes so as to enjoy secured and quick WiFi connectivity across the globe. In addition to helping you identify free WiFi hotspots, it also connects to a network with utmost ease and swiftness.

10. Swift WiFi

A yet another awesome free Wi-Fi app that can be installed on your Android phones comes with the Swift WiFi name. The fast connectivity provided by the app justifies the name.

A striking feature of this app is that it allows you to save your battery power by permitting you to turn on/off the WiFi depending on your browsing requirements.

 Closing Thoughts

The above-described 10 free WiFi apps which are compatible with Android and iOS devices enable you to stay connected with the World Wide Web at all times.

Not allowing you to spend a penny on your mobile data, these free WiFi apps truly are a boon to all those people who are frequently away from their home WiFi networks.

Enabling you to effortlessly connect to available WiFi hotspots, these apps do the perfect job of allowing you to access mails or to make any online payment while on the move.

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

Not to mistake LiFi for WiFi, LiFi is a new-age wireless technology which facilitates the transmission of high-speed data. LiFi which is the abbreviation for Light Fidelity uses the delicate fluctuations that emerge in an LED light.

Data is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver through these fluctuations. And the result is a 100 times faster speed of data measuring 224 gigabits per second of rate of transmission when compared to the conventional WiFi connectivity.

To understand this technology a step further, you need to learn about the two main components that make up the LiFi system.

  • A Transmitter – This is a highly illuminating LED light
  • A Receiver – This is primarily a photo-diode which is installed into a receiver. This diode helps to convert light into digital data.

The Process of LiFi Transmission

As mentioned earlier, the LiFi technology capitalizes the minutest fluctuations in LED lights to transmit data from the transmitter to the receiver. In order to encode the data, the LED light is turned on and off repeatedly causing fluctuations.

In turn, these fluctuations lead to the formation of binary codes that are received by the receiver to eventually decode the data back into a digital output.

Given that the LiFi technology is empowered to transmit data up to 100 Mbps, it becomes a breeze to download a high definition 1080p video in a matter of seconds.

The Novelty of LiFi Technology

Achieving high data transmission speeds from LED bulbs which are commonly used in homes and offices makes the LiFi technology stand out from the rest.

With all the residential and commercial establishments fitted with LED bulbs, LiFi can be made available to virtually any facility, setting the stage for wider coverage options when compared to WiFi.

With so much in favor of this modern technology, we definitely need to know the applications of LiFi.

Applications of LiFi

Given the fact that LiFi technology depends on the round-the-clock supply of light energy, the following are its potential applications.

1. Augmented Reality

Imagine you step into a museum or an art gallery which has plenty of exhibits illuminated with specific LED Lights.

In addition to simply admiring the exhibits, LiFi permits you to effortlessly download pertinent information of these exhibits through your camera or your smart phone. You are not only entertained but also informed about the artifacts in the museum.

2. Resistance to EMI Sensitive Environments

You might have heard and even adhered to the flight instructions to keep your mobile on airplane mode during flying. This is to prevent the electromagnetic interference (EMI) between your electronic devices and the radio equipment in the cockpit.

However, with LiFi by your side, every passenger can enjoy high data rate connectivity on-board the flight. Offering a resistance to EMI, this technology will also pave the way for lighter aircrafts by bringing down the weight that is added by transmission cables.

3. Traffic Signals

The most common application of LiFi is linked to traffic lights. Through LiFi, drivers can get up-to-date information about weather and traffic while they are waiting for the red light to turn green at a traffic signal.

4. Local Advertising

Marketers should thank LiFi technology for permitting them to provide advertising information about the goods on the shelves that are examined by the customers.

Not only that, they can also show up special coupons and offers that are linked to certain products, along with the display of advertising videos and catalogue data. For this, marketers need to invest in a shop that employs a LiFi broadcast channel to display lighting.

This can be a major shopping breakthrough, enabling retail businesses to come up with a blend of high street and online shopping experience to customers.

5. The Armed Forces

While WiFi offers a wider range of data transmission, LiFi operates in a smaller range. Since light cannot penetrate through walls, you can use LiFi technology in military tents, insulating them from hackers.

You can set up a LiFi enabled military tent at a remote location without the need for complicated wiring equipment.

6. Security

Conference and meeting halls are haven to many strategic discussions that involve the exchange of confidential business information.

Members who are called for such official meetings can easily access the fast speed LiFi points which emerge out of glowing LED bulbs.

Given that light cannot pass through walls, any official meeting can be conducted in a secured environment which plugs the data leaks that can happen through open windows.

7. Underwater Communication

Capitalizing on the fact that light waves can penetrate into deep waters, underwater divers can make the most of the LiFi technology. The visible light can help divers communicate with each other and with the underwater vehicles.

8. Prohibited Zones

Another revolutionary application of LiFi is related to communicating in explosive environments. Since cellphones are not permitted in high-risk environments, you can alternatively rely on the LiFi technology. Through this science, you will be able to communicate at these locations through data encryption.

9. Intelligent Vehicular Systems

Currently you might be seeing a lot of LED versions of car headlights and tail lamps. When LiFi is applied to transportation systems, it will pave the way for the development of anti-collision systems.

You will also be able to come up with systems that will permit the exchange of real-time information about traffic. Drivers can easily download information from the network and use this traffic-centric information to get on to an optimal route that will save a great deal of time and money.

10. Hospitals

Hospitals deal with sensitive information in addition to facing the issues linked to data security and EMI sensitivity. Since smartphones interfere with radio frequencies which are needed by sophisticated medical equipment, there should be an alternative means of communication.

This is where LiFi technology can step in to enable better patient monitoring in addition to sounding emergency alarms which can be linked to nursing stations.

Conclusion 

These are the 10 different ways in which the LiFi technology is already simplifying the lives of the common man. The usage of LED bulbs can also be seen as a step towards a brighter, cleaner and greener future along with the added ability of high-speed wireless data transmission.

Given the umpteen benefits offered by this technology, these applications are here to stay.

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

If you think, WiFi is just a bunch of radio waves exclusively meant for providing internet access, you are wrong.

If they have the power to retrieve information from another corner of the world, imagine what they could achieve in the residing premises.

If wireless media transfer was the dawn of the space age technology, IoT was the sun that brightened our day. All what made all this possible? WiFi indeed!

So would you still consider it a pompous conjecture that WiFi has more tricks up it’s sleeve?

If so, we have something that might clear the air!

A study co-authored by professor Yingying (Jennifer) Chen from the Rutger’s university claims to have prototyped a detection system which uses WiFi to sense bombs and weapons.

How does it work?

Rutger’s university researchers recently claimed the use of WiFi in detection of bombs and weapons. The existing WiFi networks instead of being used for browsing internet can be used to detect bombs, chemical explosives and guns in a large area.

People passing through the receptors will be scanned and any suspicious objects detected will be shown on the system in the form of an alert.

So what exactly is the knack of this technology?

We are aware that weapons and bombs are mainly made of materials like metal and liquid. The meddling of WiFi specifically with these materials is what does the trick.

The baggage used to carry these materials are usually made of materials like fibre, cloth etc which the WiFi can easily penetrate.

WiFi signals pierce into sealed packages and items scanning the vitals of the metal objects. In addition it can also retrieve the volume of liquid.

Researchers have tested the method using 15 kinds of objects and 6 types of bags which has led them to accomplish a result with 99% accuracy in distinguishing dangerous materials from non dangerous. Accuracy with metals was found to be 98 percent and that of liquids was 95.

So far the method has assured 95% accuracy.  But the accuracy rates have been found to drop to upto 90% when the objects inside the bags are wrapped. But the drop can be compensated for by doing some tweaks to the existing implement.

Required infrastructure and mode of working

The system typically requires a WiFi network integrated with transmitting and receiving antennas. The signal enters the interiors of the sealed object, scans the entire containment and bounces of giving an exact picture of what comprises the bag or package.

Advantage

Usual checking procedures follow hardened methods of going through people’s baggage and needs them to concede to physical detector scans. The novel improvement in the detection system will not invade public privacy in any way.

The checking procedure is less demanding and evokes absolutely no panic. We can call it a low-key way of checking.  No need to physically open bags and check them. No extra man power required for the purpose of ensuring safety

As compared to individual screening, WiFi can scan more packages than usual detecting systems and that too in a smaller window of time.

We know for a fact that in places with tight security a special expensive infrastructure is required to be erected to ensure protection. It is not always possible to implement it in public places. WiFi routers are easy to set up and occupy a significantly lesser space.

Now that we know the technology uses off-the-shelf WiFi devices to function, the system would naturally lead to Lowering the cost of the entire cost set-up. The researchers have estimated the technology will cost, not more than a $100.

Applications

This is definitely a cost effective solution to the entryway check up procedures which otherwise uses x-ray and other expensive implements.

When the crowd is huge, this technology can be attached to motorized cars and scan the area as it moves.

Conclusions

The researchers are sure that the WiFi based weapon detection technology will replace much manpower from areas like airports, stadiums, malls and other public places.

It is not one hundred percent sure as of yet if the technology could be a promising substitute for the intensive radio wave powered detection instruments. But it will definitely enhance the security at places which demand high protection and alert.

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

Are you looking for a way to connect your mobile to the internet even when you have stepped out of house or travelling?

With the increasing interest of people to always stay connected to the internet, enthusiasts have introduced many options to connect your mobiles to Wifi anywhere on the go.

The only hurdle is to know the optimal way to get free wifi anywhere you.  While most of the options are available absolutely free of cost, a few ways are bound with some friendly conditions.

Here we are trying to help you out with this hassle by introducing a list of tested and proven ways to find WiFi anywhere around you.

1. WiFi in local business

First of all, you should have a better idea about your surrounding places. Many local businesses such as shops,restaurants and certain hotel chains around you will be offering free Wifi. So have an idea about such options

2.Phone Tethering

There are options to tether your phone to get internet connectivity. If there is a friend along with you, ask them to tether the internet connection if they don’t mind. Similarly, you can keep your mobile phone prepared with an internet connection so that you can connect your laptop anywhere on the go with a tethering option.

3.WeFi

This is an awesome website that works similar to Google Maps to point out the places where there is a free Wifi. This app automatically connects your mobile to the nearest best available network for free. It works based on the combined resources from many millions of users who have downloaded it.

4. Ask your cable company

Some cable companies will have options to provide free Wifi hotspots all around the town for their exclusive customers. So if you have an internet connection at home, better have a talk with your cable company to know if they are providing any such services.

5. Public WiFi spots

Many places such as railway stations, bus stands, airports, hospitals and parks will have free Wifi options. You can just take a halt at any of these places if you are in need of an urgent internet connection.

6. Browse right websites

If you are looking to pass the time by browsing a few sites, then local paid hotspots can be a good choice. However, this won’t give you access to the whole internet but only a selected sites.

Delta Airlines is such a good example where you can freely browse People magazine, Amazon or the Wall Street Journal on flight mode without spending a hefty sum from your pocket.

7. Use Facebook “Find WiFi”

This is another great option from the most popular social media platform. You can easily see public WiFi near you despite where you are.

Tap on the ‘more’ option after opening Facebook app on your device. There you can access the “Find WiFi” option.

8. Loyalty Programs

Some restaurants or similar hangouts will offer loyalty programs for their customers through which they can access Wifi for free.

However, they might use your email id to send deals, promotions and makes your inbox full. So have a good spam blocker before you go for such option or just keep an alternate id for such loyalty programs.

9. MAC spoofing

If you are technology savvy, you can try for free Wifi through some MAC spoofing. Most of the free Wifi sources have put a limit to the usage for certain minutes or hours. If you can do MAC spoofing, you can overcome this condition and access Wifi far more than the permitted limit.  

10. Coupons

Some websites are offering coupon codes for public through which they can get free Wifi minutes for a certain limit. Accessing such coupon codes are a lot easy than you think. So spare some time to keep a directory of such websites and earn free internet.

11. FourSquare

This local search site has a repository of places that offer free Wifi such as cafes, restaurants, bars and transportation hubs. You can access the user updates regarding these places including the Wifi details. You just need to Google for ‘wifi <place> foursquare despite your location.

12. Find hidden networks

Some places that offer Wifi keep that under hidden status due to privacy concerns. These options won’t pop up when you look for Wifi through normal search. But there are many apps that are now available for iOS and Android platforms to trace out even the hidden networks in case you can’t find out any.

13. Join a community

Another option is to join an online community which provides a list of Wi-Fi connections and passwords and you have the privilege of accessing it from a single convenient location. Instabridge is such a community which even offers passwords for secured locations in addition to free locations.

14. Rent Travel WiFi

This is not a free option but you can get value Wifi usage for the money you have spent. Also you will have to adjust the drawbacks such as slow connection speeds, small download limits, unreliable security, and other travellers sharing the signal.

TravelWifi.com is an exception where you can access fast and reliable internet from your pocket without the need for an expensive travel router or a change in the cell phone plan.

15. Hacking

Last but not the least, hacking into any favourite Wifi hot spot can be an option. However, it is illegal and so it is not recommended.

But if you are in danger or a serious situation and you need an internet connection to get some help, you can consider this as an option if everything else fails.

These awesome options can be a great help for Wifi lovers to connect to the world at their finger tips whenever desired.

You may also keep a check list of these options with you to help out your friends who are badly looking for ways to get Wifi outside their house.

With a few tricks and tips on your pocket, finding free WiFi is a lot easy than ever before.

At the same time, just keep a careful check on the fake WiFi options that may tempt you but might land you into trouble.

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

WiFi signals can give you a hard time every now and then. Especially with fluctuating networks combined with the effect of external factors like the weather can get on the nerves. How often do think of a solution beyond restarting the router?

A few places may give very good wifi but others are fully dead when it comes to network.  And your aim is to always avoid the weak spots and set up things according to the availability of the wifi.

You can avoid being a slave to your network if you consider having the following solution.

What is a WiFi Analyzer and why you need them?

These are basically softwares that help you point the issues with the network by highlighting the areas of network distress and select the best channels for you to switch on to.

It also helps you find the best place to install your router when the signal strength is uneven.

Wifi analyzers scan all the available networks in your area and gives you a detailed account of each. A few analyzer programs let you create wifi strength heat maps marking the areas of weak network.

The best program comes with a simple interface, easy to use and minimal features to optimize your wifi network.

Have a look at the features of these 10 wifi analyzer app for windows and select the best one for your problem.

1. NetSpot

Availability – MacBook (macOS 10.10+)  , Windows 7/8/10

This tool can be used by both – a rookie who has hardly known much about wifi issues and experienced network administrators. The user interface is simple and easy to adapt to.

NetSpot defnitely takes pride in its lavishly designed interface. Not just that but it steals the show when it comes to the features.

It has these two incredibly rich features for wifi scanning.

Discover mode : It presents the velocity of the movement of data from user to internet.

Survey Mode:  Allows to create wifi strength heat maps wjich helps you to detect strong and weak signal areas.

It costs $ 49 for a home analyzer tool.

2. InSSIDer

Availability – Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 10

To help you explore your wifi network metageek brings to u InSSIder plus. The program has tools to help you retrieve a visual representati on of the entire wifi network. With this tool at hand it becomes easy to detect problems in the network.

The program is available in three different versions –  inSSIDer Office, inSSIDer Office + Wi-Spy Mini, and inSSIDer Office + Wi-Spy DBx.  The first edition does not support spectrum analysis of 2.4 GHz frequency. But it offers more reliability , accuracy and enables you to select the best channel for your utilities.

3. WiFi Analyzer

Availability – Windows 10, Windows 10, Mobile

The basic rendition of this app is ad free and this app is purely for home netwok.

The professional version has a beeper for strength of the signal and can connect to a wifi network from the app. It can also immobilize the screen timeout function and possesses live-tile support. This may not be a feature rich analyzer but is great for beginners.

4. Vistumber

Availability – Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista

This one is unique though. It has set goals for other wifi analyzers by adding features like GPS and live Google earth tracking.  It scans the area for a wifi network and when one pops up on the radar, provides the user with the exact location, strength, name and the details of the network.

Designed especially for the act of war driving, the tool helps a person in a moving vehicle to find available  wifi networks through a laptop or a smartphone.  The only put off is an outdated user interface which makes the use of the application tedious.

5. Wireshark

Availability – Windows, Linux, OS X, Solaris,  FreeBSD, NetBSD

If you are looking for a pro wifi analyzer for troubleshooting varied communication protocols wireshark is just for you. This is  a free open source network protocol analyzer. It’s features span a wide range.

The first choice among analyzers owing to the opn source configuration.

If you are looking to analyze your home wifi network, wireshark is definitely not meant for you. Wireshark users are trained IT experts who undergo a thorough training for using this implement. The only limitation is its restrictive user base.

6. Netcut

Availability – Windows, iOS, Android.

If you are looking for an all in one tool for your laptop and phone, this is the apt solution.

This tool has both network debugging and investigating function. The tool is meant for professionals to analyze the IP addresses on network.

The most incredible feature of this tool is that it allows you to remove users from your wifi network even when you have no physical access to your router. Thanks to the ARP protocol function, you can manage the bandwidth and prevent trespassers from exploiting your network.

Not only does it help reduction in network hooliganism but also cut down the interferences and enhances router performance.

7. WiFi Analyzer Tool

Availability – Windows 7/8

It helps you find overlapping networks with the aid of a spectrum chart. You now know which is the best channel you need to switch your router to.

This tool is not meant for professional users or commercial arenas. A simple tool to point out the glitch and help you correct the anomalies of your home network.

It shows historical data graphs to help you understand the fluctuations in the signal.

The app is available for an affordable price of $4.95 for home necessities.

8. Speed Test master

Not all of us are looking for a feature packed wifi analyzer program. Sometimes users require just the knowledge of what the issue is.

Speed test master is for such users who are looking for point blank details. It scans the speed of the network and downloads and upload speeds. It also analyzes the networks in the proximity.

The analysis is swift and easy. All the tests will be saved in case you need to revisit the results in future.

9. WiFi commander

Availability – windows 10 only.

The draws the graphical representation of signal strength in real time. This lets you select the best network on the basis of fresh data.

The user interface is a high standard 3D graphics illustration. This could be fun for specially those users who have a touch-screen laptop. This brings in the engagement factor and adds a sophistication element.

There are no embedded ads and hence the program is light and simple.

10. GlassWire

For starters we are greeted with a user interface which is easy on the eyes. Basic functions include channel search and network enhancement. In addition to these, this program will acquire details of communications between your PC and other IP addresses.

All the data that is being exchanges and the apps working on it are precisely revealed. If you desire to block any of these exchange, for security reasons, you may very well do it with this tool.

The basic version is available for $39 with additional updates which can be made on premium packages.

The premium features include lockdown mode and 6 month history of data.

Final Thought

The above given wifi analyzers work just fine with their compatible devices.  Whether you are a professional or just a normal internet user looking for the right solution to his wifi problem, the tools have been listed.

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

Be it at the gym and local coffee shops, you can find WiFi networks everywhere today. While it is great of convenience, you’ll need to take out time to secure it by setting a network password.

If you do not have a strong password and leave your connection open, you are prone to malicious attacks and your neighbors could be leeching off the internet you get billed for.

A WiFi password can be set by anyone in a few simple steps. Having a wifi password will save you from countless headaches down the road.

Take a look at the step-by-step guide below to understand how you can set a password and make your WiFi safe and secure:

wifi attendance

1. Access your wireless router

This is where you need to start. If you have the setup disc for your router, use it to access your router. In case the disc is not available, you can access the router remotely over the internet.

Enter the router access URL into your web browser. The most common URLs are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, and 192.168.2.1.

  • It is advised that you use the computer connected to the router with an Ethernet cable to access the router. If you try and do it over WiFi, you will be instantly logged out after you change the settings. You will need to reconnect and log in to the network for further use and adjustments.
  • The username and password for factory setting routers is ‘admin’. In case this is not accepted, enter admin in one of the fields and leave the other one blank.
  • If you have altered the username or password in the past and cannot remember the same, just long press the reset button on your router to reset to default settings.

If you cannot access the router using any of the guidelines mentioned above, search for your router model online and get specific steps.

2. Go to Wireless Security Settings

Once you have logged in to access your router, you need to visit the tab for “Wireless Settings” or “Security Settings”. The positioning and nomenclature of the labels will vary from one router to another.

3. Choose an encryption type

There are several security options to choose from. The typical settings that you will see for most routers include WEP, WPA2-PSK, or WPA-PSK (Personal).

The WPA2 option is most secure for wireless connections and should be your choice. You may not be able to choose this option if you are using an older router.

Furthermore, if you will be connecting multiple devices and some of them are older router versions, you will not be able to choose and connect to a network that uses WPA2.

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4. Select AES algorithms with WPA2-Personal

Once you have selected WPA2 as the Security option, you could be asked to select the type of WPA encryption. If the option exists, select AES as the encryption algorithm.

AES, also known as Advanced Encryption Standard is the most secure algorithm for wireless encryption. Certain routers may also give you the TKIP option, however, that is older and less secure.

5. Set your username and password

The screen in front of you will show fields for SSID and passphrase. SSID is the name of the network, commonly known as the username while the passphrase is the password that you will need to enter on all devices trying to connect to the network.

Remember to choose a strong password. This must be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. If the password is easy to crack, you will not be able to keep yourself safe from hackers.

Some online websites can help you choose a strong password for solid protection. Use them if you need to.

6. Save and Refresh

Click on the Apply or Save button to change your Wireless Security settings successfully. Most routers of today’s generation will refresh automatically and all devices that were earlier connected to the network will be disconnected until the new password is used to sign in.

  • For routers that do not automatically refresh to the new settings, manually turn off the router and wait for 10 seconds before you turn it on again. It will take some time to boot. You can notice the lights to see when your router has successfully refreshed to new settings.
  • Enter the new login username and password to all devices that regularly connect to your Wi-Fi network. Make sure you take a note of the password so that there are no chances of confusion in future.

To sum it up

To keep your WiFi network secure for long, it is advised that you change your password every 6 months. Here’s a quick summary of the steps you need to follow:

  1. Log in to your wireless router
  2. Select the Wireless Security settings tab
  3. Open the section for Passwords
  4. Choose WPA2 and AES for encryption settings
  5. Enter a new password and click on Save or Apply

Also Read : How Do I Secure WiFi Network

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

WiFi is a technology that utilizes radio waves to establish network connectivity.

Wireless adapters help to build a WiFi connection by creating hotspots.

Hotspot refers to areas surrounding a wireless router that are connected to a particular network and enable access to internet services.

Once the process of configuration is complete, WiFi offers wireless connectivity to devices like laptops, smartphones, smart TV, and other smart devices by releasing frequencies in the range of 2.4GHz and 5GHz, depending on the amount of data on the network.

wifi attendance

Let’s explore the basics of WiFi to get a clearer picture of the technology being used across the globe to connect to the internet and communicate seamlessly.

What does WiFi stand for?

Most people are unaware of the fact that WiFi is an abbreviated term. And those who know are unaware of what it actually stands for.

The most widely accepted full form of WiFi used in the tech community is Wireless Fidelity. Wireless Fidelity is the same thing as WLAN, which expands to Wireless Local Area Network.

An Introduction

Wireless technology has significantly evolved lately and has spread like fire across the globe. It helps you to get connected from anywhere – schools, offices, homes, airports, libraries, hotels, and even some cafes, gyms, and restaurants.

This wireless technology is often referred to as WiFi or 802.11 networking in the tech community because it covers the IEEE 802.11 technologies. One of the most notable advantages of WiFi technology is that it can be used with any operating system, printer, device, or gaming console.

How does WiFi Work?

Just like mobile phones, a WiFi network works with radio waves to send information and data across a network. The device that you are trying to connect with the network must include a wireless adapter that will translate the information sent into a radio signal.

An antenna is then used to transmit this radio signal to the router for decoding. Once the data has been decoded, it will be released to the Internet via a wired Ethernet connection.

Wireless network technology manages two-way traffic. So, when data is received from the Internet, it is transmitted to the router for conversion into a radio signal. This signal is then received by the wireless adapter of the computer/device you are using.

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WiFi Frequencies and Radio Waves

WiFi uses radio frequencies to transmit signals from one device to another. These frequencies are absolutely different from the frequencies being emitted by walkie-talkies, mobile phones, car radios, and other devices.

For instance, a car stereo receives frequencies in Kilohertz and Megahertz whereas WiFi frequencies are transmitted in the range of Gigahertz.

In order to receive the information being transmitted in these waves, it is important to set the receiving device at a particular frequency.

This frequency range for a WiFi network is 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Your microwave receives waves at a similar frequency.

It uses 2.450GHz to heat food while the router sets itself at 2.412GHz to 2.472GHz. If you’re using old or faulty microwaves, you could have conflicting signals causing a WiFi connectivity problem when you try to make popcorn.

WiFi Frequency and Router Channels

WiFi uses 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Your router communicates on a set of channels in this range. These channels are at differing frequencies making it possible for several routers to communicate in the same area without causing congestion or traffic.

This is similar to the distribution of traffic on a multiple lane freeway. Setting channels on the router is something you do not have to worry about. It is set up automatically as you connect your router with the computer.

Radio waves travel in air and cross through a lot of things on their way. Owing to the high frequency of these waves, they are capable of carrying a lot more data as compared to other radio frequencies.

You can stream Netflix and other live videos on your smartphone or laptop only because of the high speed and high capacity of these radio waves.

The Magic of WiFi

The real essence of how WiFi works lies in the processing that takes place on your WiFi chip. Every device has a WiFi chip that converts the 0s and 1s into radio waves transmitted to their destination.

At the same time, the device also converts these 0s and 1s into data that can be read by your device in the form of emails, web pages or any other activity you perform on your browser.

 To sum it up

The internet traffic is converted into 1s and 0s on your laptop, following which is it transferred to the wireless chip on your device.

The wireless chip converts these 0s and 1s into a radio signal for further transmission to the router.

The router decodes these signals to again create 0s and 1s and then converts it into the traffic from your device.

All of these steps happen at an incredibly fast speed giving you the results you see when using a WiFi connection.

 

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

It is hard to think back to a time when internet was accessed through PCs wired into bulky modems and telephones. Today internet is accessed wirelessly everywhere from our homes to offices.

If you shift house or need to reset your home WiFi network for any reason you will have to set up the network yourself. This post is a simple step by step guide to setup WiFi at home.

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1. Get Subscription from ISP

The first step is to get internet package subscription from your local Internet Service Provider or ISP. This will vary from country to country and you will have to check the available ISP in your area. For example AT&T and Comcast are ISPs popular in USA.

2. Get a Router and note the SSID and Password

Next you will need a router that will convert internet data received into radio waves. A router is nothing but a device that converts digital signal into radio waves and broadcasts in your home.

Dlink  or TP-Link are some of the companies that sell routers. Each router will also have a SSID number and a password mentioned at on sticker on the back.

Note this as you will need it in later stage. If the SSID is not given on the device it will be mentioned in the used manual that comes with router.

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3. Connect to Modem

Today routers perform the function of modem too and work as a WiFi gateway.

For your practical purpose you have to now connect your router to the dial-up connection/ DSL/ cable modem provided by your ISP.

An Ethernet port cable provided by your ISP (or connected to Ethernet port in your apartment rooms) needs to be plugged into the router.

Look for a Ethernet port behind your router with a WiFi icon mentioned next to it and plug in the cable. Connect your router to a power point and switch it on.

4. Set Up the Home Wifi Network

Next you need to set up your WiFi in your internet browser.  Remember you have to connect to your WIFi which will show with the name of SSID mentioned behind the router.

Open the browser and type in the IP address depending on your router. For example Belkin users must type in http://192.168.0.1. and Linksys users have to type in http://192.168.1.1. in their browser. You can find this IP address in the router manual or on Google too.

This will open the settings for your WiFi network. Enter the SSID and password noted in step 2 and select manual setup. You can now rename your WiFi and reset the password. Select WPA or WPA2 as your security option.

Your WiFi is now ready to connect

5. Connect and Enjoy!

To connect your devices, switch on WiFI in network and connections and connect to the WIFi you have just setup. It will show up with the SSID name you have given while setting up. Enter the WiFi password in the prompt and you are good to go!

Since your router sends out signal in vicinity, it is possible for hackers to intercept your data or use your WiFi signals without permission. To avoid this make sure your password is unique and WiFi security is set to WPA or WPA2.

 

Also Read : How to Fix the Most Common WiFi Issues?

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

A public WiFi hotspot is a network that everyone from the general public has access to. Users can use it to connect to other networks or the Internet.

A public network does not necessarily have restrictions and therefore one of the significant factors opposing its use is the security risks involved with it.

Public WiFi is extremely vulnerable to intercepts by hackers. Only if it is used with a virtual private network is its security guaranteed.

WiFi hotspots are also secure if they have been upgraded to the WiFi Protected Access (WPA3) standard. This upgrade requires the buying and installation of new routers.

While these concerns are of immense importance, they cannot contradict the truth that public WiFi hotspots help to speed up the cause of creating a digitally advanced country – Digital India. There are several benefits that people can reap from the rise in public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Reduced Network Congestion

To begin with, people struggle with the challenges of call drops. They experience 2G internet speeds even after having 3G and 4G connections.

Public WiFi hotspots are capable of addressing this issue. When WiFi infrastructure is shared, it offloads the traffic otherwise loaded on WiFi networks.

This reduces network congestion on mobile networks, especially in areas of high footfall. As the spectrum is freed from other loads of WiFi connectivity, the quality of calls starts to improve and congestion issues reduce.

In developed countries like the UK, France, and the US, approximately 30% of data usage is passed on to public Wi-Fi networks, as compared to a mere 16% in India.

Reduces Digital Divide

According to the Analysis Mason report, commissioned by Google, a rise in public WiFi hotspots in India will help 600 million people to get access to WiFi networks.

For successful WiFi infrastructure, more than 3 million access points need to be set up in the entire country across tier-3 cities and villages.

With faster internet speeds, passengers will be able to utilize their time better, which in turn is beneficial for the venue owners (particularly railway stations and airports).

More Economical

The deployment and utilization of public Wi-Fi hotspots can be cheaper in comparison to 3G and 4G networks. This is true in areas where fiber access to backhaul already exists.

Empowerment

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are a great opportunity for government institutions. This is because they can transform the area into a smart city.

Governments can improve their efficiency and empower the citizens with better services. Access to e-governance and electronic delivery of services such as Aadhar also gets boosted with the deployment of public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Tourism is also greatly impacted as a result of public WiFi access. When traveling, tourists like to stay in touch with their family and friends.

They like to access the internet for suggestions on sight-seeing, maps, and also sharing holiday pictures on their social networks. Tourists are more attracted to visit a destination that offers free internet services on-the-go.

Is the rise in public WiFi hotspots a boon for the country?

These advantages as solutions to congestion issues do not nullify the security concerns surrounding public WiFi. A report published by Symantec last year (2017) states that 96 percent of Indians are prone to the risks of data theft and other cyber crimes as they use public WiFi for accessing bank accounts and sending important media.

Cybercriminals aggressively target unsecured WiFi networks. The study also concluded that around one-third of the users in India accessed public WiFi for the purpose of watching explicit content.

Another interesting finding of the study stated that half of the Indian users connected to WiFi networks without the consent of the network’s owner.

These factors pose a huge risk to users. Nevertheless, many countries across the globe are installing public WiFi networks with the focus on securing them even more.

The number of WiFi users across the globe has crossed 9 billion and their protection over WiFi has become extremely crucial. This can only happen when the wireless security protocol is upgraded even further.

But keeping users away from the benefits of public WiFi hotspots in the name of poor security is not a good idea.

 

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

Concentration of population in cities has been increasing since industrialisation. Millions of people immigrate to IT and Manufacturing hubs of the world today.

According to McKinsey, urban population is set to grow by 65 million per year by 2025. Technological advancements like internet of things, artificial intelligence and data analytics show promising potential to solve problems plaguing cities.

What is a Smart City?

A smart city is an urban area which uses data, technology and intelligent machines to manage the public assets and resources efficiently.

The vision of smart city is one where communities and environment coexist sustainably. These cities will be connected by high speed internet and will be free of pollution and traffic.

The concept of smart cities has been gaining momentum throughout the world and some countries have even built smart cities.

For example, South Korea has built the world’s first smart city Songdo near its capital Seoul. Everything from waste management to commute is planned intelligently to make a city that is free of cars and trash cans.

 WiFi as the Backbone of Smart City

An essential capability of future smart cities the integration of all systems for efficient usage and sustainable development.

This will allow intelligent decisions like diversion of traffic to other routes, detection of security threats or footfall analytics for upcoming projects.

This requires various systems, public authorities, citizens and businesses to be connected to each other in a single frame work.

All this is only possible with an uninterrupted and real-time connection to internet. This is why WiFi forms the backbone of a smart city.

Being the most convenient and secure way to transfer data today, WiFi shows promising application for smart cities.

Internet of Things (IoT) technology is evolving to work with WiFi and hence this wireless technology is best suited for smart cities. A public WiFi with high bandwidth will help smart cities to:

1. Connect the City 

It is estimated that 34 billion devices will be connected through internet in the next three years. In a smart city, devices like surveillance camera, building power grids, traffic lights, water supply checks will all be WiFi enabled for communication.

WiFi will enable all IoT based city services to manage resources more efficiently.

For example, traffic flow and parking systems can be controlled remotely by authorities with real time data. Power consumption and water wastage can also be minimised using connections with smart homes of residents.

IP video backhaul can be used for crime detection and a cloud healthcare repository will enable timely healthcare services in emergency.

2. Bridge the Gap

A free WiFi will bridge the digital divide among residents of smart city. Since information is the most important resource in the knowledge economy of today, this will also bridge the social and economic gaps in population.

Smart cities can aim for equality of income, knowledge and opportunities thanks to public WiFi

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3. Provide Amenity

WiFi is a valuable commodity for residents, visitors and businesses. Good connectivity will attract residents as well as companies to set up shop in smart cities. Tourists also benefit with good connectivity, easily available information and digital kiosks.

Student community can thrive easily in such an environment and hence universities will look forward to setting up campus in smart cities. In short, WiFi is an essential fuel  for the economic engine of smart cities.

Costs of Implementing WiFi

Budgeting of project and costs to end customer have a real impact on the project and they must be taken care of. In the city of Songdo we mentioned above, high living cost is driving away residents.

The smart city that was built for 300,000  has only 100,000 residents and is reeling under project completion delays.

For most smart city projects, governments are doing majority of the project funding. Others projects like the  New York’s LinkNYC are working in public-private partnerships.

The cost of WiFi and smart city amenities can be passed on to residents by charging for premium access or maintenance taxes.

Private players can also monetize through ads, promotions and other business services. Since WiFi is a cheap technology that only uses radio waves for transmission of data, it is a low-cost option that will keep the cost of operation minimal.

Security and Privacy

It is clear that a lot many things will be monitored and recorded in a smart city. This gives rise to concern about privacy and security of  data.

Private WiFi technology is safe with the implementation of WPA2 protocol but it is not infallible. The security of public WiFi is somewhat weaker and there are cases of hacking in public networks.

Since all critical city systems will be accessible through public WiFi, security of WiFi cannot be compromised in a smart cities.

Questions regarding privacy of data will also have to be addressed. Who owns the data of a smart home and how much of control do the public authorities have in remote controlling of a building or a home? These are some challenges that remain to be solved.

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Conclusion

The smart city industry is expected to be worth $400 billion by 2020. Nations will have to either build these cities from ground up or convert big cities using the existing infrastructure.

Whatever the strategy, WiFi will play a central role in functioning of smart city. It will be the enabler of intelligent systems that talk to each other and build a sustainable environment.