Posted on April 10, 2019 by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

No one believes in sitting at one single place to connect with the world. Which is why most homes have WiFi network installed these days. But the same WiFi connectivity can become a frustrating struggle if you find yourself struggling with bad reception, slow speeds and/or any other problem.

To boost your home WiFi, this article presents 10 great ways.

1. Get a new WiFi adapter to attach to your old laptop

You can invest in a WiFi adapter and use it to boost the connectivity when using an old laptop. Such an adapter will come with 802.11ac technology. You can plug the adapter in one of the USB ports available in your laptop.

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They might look bulky, but definitely increase the speed of wireless network you receive from your router. However, it is important that you choose a high-quality adapter with good AC capabilities.

For instance, AC1200 is considered the minimum required level. Anything below this won’t provide the speed you are looking for.

2. Invest in a router of 802.11ac category

An 802.11ac is also known as an AC category router in the market. If you have a router which belongs to N or G category, you definitely need an upgrade.

These categories are considered cheap as they don’t have the capacity to transfer the high-quality speed of the network to the connected devices. Your network gets faster and delivers maximum connectivity when you have an AC category router.

Of course, you will feel confused when purchasing a new router. Which is why you need to understand the basics in advance before making a decision.

Most of your home devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and others consist of AC wireless technology. So, you can feel free to pick a router in the category of 802.11ac.

All the future devices in the upcoming years will include the AC wireless tech only. So, switching your router would be a wise move.

When you get a new router, you get firmware updates that protect against various security issues. These security features are not upgraded usually in N or G types of routers.

The strength of the performance in 802.11ac comes in the form of its range and speed. You can get dual-band or even a tri-band router to get better device connection management. So, all devices get the best speeds.

3. Consider a system of WiFi mesh

If your WiFi performance is not reaching every corner of your big home, you can think about several solutions. First of all, you can try to include different access points in your home to cover area corner with wireless network.

You can use a WiFi extender to enhance the signal in certain areas. Find places where you can use Ethernet cables to create wired connections.

Beyond all that, very big homes can also consider using the system of WiFi mesh. This will be a one-step solution for all the WiFi performance issues you find in some areas of your home.

Mesh systems are designed for easy installation and provide controllability using a specific mobile application. They surely use some speed, but provide better performance by enhancing the range and the quality of connections. This way, you can sit anywhere in your big house and still get the best possible speeds.

4. Keep your router in an open area

No one feels thrilled about the design of a router. Which is why people usually put in a cupboard or hidden behind the curtains. But the placement of the router also decides the signal performance you receive.

So, a router in your TV cabinet might not send proper signals in every part of your home. The best location for a router is out in an open area. The area should be a flat surface such as a table.

Moreover, you can try to get it installed on a wall. There are router mounting brackets available in the market, which you can use to fulfill this purpose. If possible, try to place the two antennas perpendicular to each other.

5. Select a central area for router placement

You should also carefully choose a central area in your home to place the router. This will ensure complete coverage of the whole house. The signal comes out from the antennas of a router.

Then, it extends in all directions. So, if you place your router in one corner, you will be wasting one aspect of signal that comes out of it.

Mostly, people feel restricted to place a router in a corner due to the short-length of cables. But the problem is resolvable with Ethernet cables. You can ensure the central location of Wi-Fi with Ethernet cables.

You will need professionals’ help to have these cables in your behind the walls or above the ceiling. If not, you can also use cable clips to attach these cables to the walls.

6. Find a suitable wireless channel

If other families also use WiFi in your neighborhood, their access points and routers can interfere with yours. This can degrade the quality of signals.

The good news is that a wireless network can easily operate via different channels. You simply need to pick a channel that has the least possible interference.

Generally, your router knows the right channel and pick automatically. But you should take a look to ensure if it is causing the network issues. There are tools that help you analyze your Wi-Fi, which you can find online.

7. Secure your wireless network from hackers

WiFi security holds great importance to keep your wireless network performance top-notch. If hackers get a chance, they use your network and reduce the quality of internet speed you receive.

The most important part of securing your WiFi network is keeping the firmware updated. Your router comes with firmware security features. It is important that you keep it updated with the new features provided by the manufacturers.

To create WiFi passwords, you should utilize WPA2 encryption, as it is the latest technology. At the same time, you can’t keep using the default password and username. It is too obvious to guess and opens your network for hackers. You should customize the login details and keep it secure.

Whenever you are not using the connection, use the physical switch off button on the router to turn it off. Switch it on with your fingers to start the WPS for configuration. Also, if there are remote management features available in your router, disable them whenever not required.

8. Use simple tricks to increase WiFi range

The range of a wireless network is the area it covers when sending the signal. You can increase its capacity by some simple tricks. For this, you will need an old can of beer.

Carefully cut out the top part of the can to make it look like a glass. Then, you need to make a hole in the center of the bottom of the can. Make sure this hole is sharp and wide enough to go inside your router’s antenna.

Now, you need to cut the beer can vertically once, and cut from the circumference of the bottom, leaving a little portion attached to the bottom part.

Use your hands to open the can to shape it like a curved antenna. Then, put it on the antennas by crossing it through the bottom hole. This will give a boost to your wireless network range.

9. Invest in a WiFi extender

If you want some serious improvement in the wireless range department, an extender would be a wise move. The Wi-Fi extenders are also known as boosters and repeaters.

They catch the signal coming from the main router and redistribute with higher quality. The amplification of the signal improves the range of a wireless network in your home.

You can easily install an extender in the area where the signal is weak. The process of installation doesn’t take more than several minutes.

Modern-age extenders allow you to control them using online or mobile phone applications. You can also adjust the Wi-Fi settings with them according to your preference. This increases the performance and experience of using WiFi routers at home.

10. Take your router to new access points

Good quality routers allow you to quickly and easily change their location to new access points. The process of hardware disabling takes seconds, so you can decide the location with respect to different access points.

You can do this manually and allow all kinds of equipment, old or new, to receive the best connection performance.

Read Also: 6 Easy Steps to Set WiFi Password

Along with all the mentioned ways, you can also think about getting stronger antennas for your router. Also, try to manage some applications on your device that take a lot of bandwidth.

And if you find yourself struggling with a low-quality wireless network speed or range, reboot the router. This process will start the router again and might bring back the regular strength in the wireless network.

Hopefully, these tips will help you!

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

Internet has come a long way since the last few years, changing the digital landscape and transforming it in the process.

Of course, the argument as to whether the digital companies owe their very survival to broadband or to WiFi is an open question for not many are aware of the key differences between both.

If you thought that both are one and the same, you could not be more wrong, here’s why.

Internet was available to all through dial-ups and modems, but thanks to various advances, customers can now access sites at a higher speed, upload or download large packets of data, thanks to broadband.

But with the advent of broadband, ADSL broadband, cable broadband, but a little later on, companies have started offering WiFi which can match most of what broadband has to offer.

In case, you are still confused as to the key differences between the two, then you need to read on.

WiFi and Broadband

Before you can spot out the differences between both, you should know that WiFi is a wireless LAN technology that enables you to access the net.

The downside is that it operates over open spectrum at low ranges which means that you need to stay either in the same room or nearby to use the WiFi.

A few companies have even started boosting their WiFi signal so that customers can access the same over wider area. Broadband is also wireless, where you would be able to access your broadband connection through your phone or with broadband cable.

The other down-side to WiFi is that it is often subject to interference which is not the case with broadband.

Broadband enables you to connect online at high speeds; it comes with various options from ADSL, to cable that you can access at any time and also comes with a connection that is never switched off.

It should be pointed out that while the terminology of broadband is not all that surprising, not many are aware of the fact that broad band’s opposite term, narrow band has been used for dial-ups and modems alike.

There are various advantages to both, which you may want to take a closer look at.

But before that, you may want to know that WiFi essentially uses radio technology and is therefore subject to interference in case of severe solar storm, for example.

With WiFi, connection is often established with the help of a router, and with the help of a wireless adapter to create hot spots.

What’s more, with WiFi is, you should be able to connect more than one device to the network, and once the WiFi is on, it should start emitting frequencies between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

What has helped to make WiFi popular is the fact that it is compatible with almost all operating systems and just about anything else.

Just remember that if you are connecting online using WiFi, then you would be sharing the connection with many, and the speed may be limited depending on the strength of the signal.

Advantages and differences between Broadband and WiFi

When it comes to broadband and WiFi, it can get a tad confusing and that’s an understatement with more acronyms clouding the digital space than you can shake a stick at.

The fact is that even your local smart phone enables you to connect online with at least three methods, and all you need is to enable your laptop to one of these and you should be able to connect online.

WiFi is where telecom companies can provide you with WiFi access to your system by providing you with a modem and a router.

Once the device is switched on, you should be able to connect online as long as you stay in the same room or within 75 meters of the device,whereas with Broadband, you can count on a secure connection and stay connected for as long as you like.

Some of the pros and cons of WiFi and Broadband are listed here

Pros

It offers you with high speed internet and the ability to connect with the same right away
It enables you to connect multiple devices to the same WiFi connection
It is reasonably priced but that depends more on your provider

Cons

One of the drawbacks is that a WiFi signal cannot really be considered secure, for “packet sniffers” can sometimes sniff out the signal and read the signal between a computer and a device.
WiFi is based on radio signals, and can also be subject to interference especially during severe solar storms.

Broadband

Pros

It also offers you high speed internet and you need not switch it off anytime and it is always on. You should be able to transfer large amounts of data with the help of broadband and even access similar amounts of data.
It is a secure connection
It is a wired connection and enables you to enjoy high speed internet all the time
It is reasonably priced

Cons

The broadband connection is secure; in the sense that it does not permit you to share the connection with others, unless they log into the same system with your credentials.It should also be pointed out that you can connect a certain amount of devices with your broadband, and enjoy the perks of being connected via a broadband line.
It is a wired connection meaning that your system would have to be physically connected with the broadband cable.

As you can see, here are some of the pros and cons of a broadband connection and a WiFi and the cost for the same, can vary from one provider to another.

While you can use the hot spot and surf with your WiFi, the fact remains that WiFi lines are not that secure whereas broadband is, all the way.

Smartphones

Since the advent of smart phones and 4G, you can now connect online using the phone’s WiFi signal or use its broadband connection.

While there is not much difference between the WiFi Signal on your phone or its broadband connection, as both are dependent on the data package you subscribed with your operator, the fact remains that both are unique and use various methods to help you connect online.

And while it may not be possible for you to connect several devices with a secured and wired broadband connection, you should still be able to do so with your smart phone.

As regards the method, all you would have to do is to head over to the settings on the phone and check for internet and connections.

Now, click on the same and you should soon be able to access various options, from WiFi to broadband which you can then access with the help of mobile hot spot.

But in case the terms wireless and broadband are still a tad mystifying, here’s the breakdown – a wireless connection is one that utilizes radio frequencies to help you stay connected.

On the other hand, a broadband connection is one that offers you high speed data connectivity, without using radio frequencies and one that offers you both wired and wireless, which is what makes it all the more confusing as it is getting harder to tell the two apart, especially for the lay person.

Wireless routers

With more telecom operators getting into the play, it seems that more companies are now offering bundled routers and modems with their broadband connection.

Additionally they are also offering wireless routers which mean that you do not have to stay physically connected to the router in order to access internet.

Thanks to this, you can count on high speed broadband connection and move about, in close proximity as you access the same.

Conclusion:

Of the two, WiFi certainly sounds much better for the simple reason that you can connect multiple devices to the same connection.

This is not possible with a secured broadband connection but on the other hand, it should be pointed out that WiFi’s are not secure and in more ways than one.

What’s more, with a broad band connection, you should be able to access vast amounts of data, send over similar amounts with ease than you could do with your WiFi connection.

This is why broadband connection remains a hot favorite with many.

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

With internet getting faster, it was expected that most of the data providers would be hiking their charges, which is why it makes more sense to try and see if you can get an internet connection for free .

The average WiFi is costing the layman approximately $50 per month, which works out to a massive $600 per year.

With more innovations and updates in the digital spectrum, you can expect higher speeds, faster downloads,and higher fees.

Given all this, wouldn’t it be better to surf the net for free? Granted, it may sound like a dream but here’s how you go about the same.

Getting WiFi without internet

The fact is that free internet is not illegal, not in any sense of the word but the problem is that most do not know that you can indeed get free internet and end up paying a monthly fee for the same.

In fact, the government offers several programs for those who reside below the poverty line, which includes free internet, but other than that, there are a few options across the board that you may want to check out.

1. Freedom POP

Freedom POP is a company that specializes in offering free internet services, and of course, this includes the usual ads that run in the background.

But the fact is that this company provides you with free internet, and even sends you a free hotspot device.

You would be required to pay a small security deposit which is returnable at the end of the year, assuming you return the device around then.

What makes Freedom POP attractive is that all you need to do is to sign up on the website and they’ll send you the manual and charger, and you should be able to surf the net for free.

Keep in mind that initially, you would end up getting about 10GB of data for the first month but after that, this should go down to 500MB per month which is not much, but enough for you to surf online and check your emails.

2. WiFi free spot

This Company provides you with a list of all the local shops and businesses in your area that offer free WiFi.

All you have to do is to check online, for all the free listings and take advantage of the same.

The process is quite simple. All you have to do is to head over to your state and county, and the website should provide you with the list of all local businesses that offer free wifi without internet.

And if you reside nearby, then you can use their connection for free. And if you want to check all the local free WiFi spots, as you travel, you can download and install the WiFi Map, on your phone.

3. Check with your internet service provider

It may come as a surprise but many ISP providers offer dirt cheap data packages that you can avail and some even offer free internet.

Usually, your ISP may try up selling you their packages so that you end up with more data than you would ever need. It is important that you query them regarding the various data packages they have on offer and go in for the one that sounds like a good fit.

See if they offer bundled services for there are good chances that you may get internet for free. Usually, they offer free internet with bundled services for free for a year, after which you would be required to subscribe for the same.

4. 10 free hours of internet for a month

It may not sound like much but if you are not a heavy internet user, then this would be perfect for you.

Both Netzero and Juno are two ISP providers who provide ten hours of free internet a month. It is meant for those who are looking for ways to keep in touch with their loved ones via email.

This service is predominantly dial-up and you can use the same to surf online for free, ten hours a month.

But do note, if you are looking to use the same for watching videos or movies online, then it would get used up very quickly.

5. Ask a neighbor

It all depends on how good a relationship you have with your neighbor; assuming that it is good, you can request them to share their connection or you can make an offer where you get to pay for their WiFi connection every alternate month, which essentially means that you get six months of free wifi without internet.

If you are planning to head down this route, it may be a good idea to draw up an agreement so that your interests are protected.

6. Municipal wireless network

The municipal wireless network is fast catching on. The local municipality offers free internet but with it, you would get more than a few restrictions.

Essentially, it is meant for local businesses to stay connected and as a resident, you can piggyback on the WiFi connection.

But it should also be pointed out that not all the municipalities have the same but only a select few but you can always check online as to whether your municipality offers you free WiFi.

Some of the restrictions involve you accessing the net for just a few hours, not more than that and you may have to access it in a café or in a park, and not inside your home.

7. Bookmark cheap internet

Sounds too good to be true but in reality, there is a dedicated website that provides you with up to date information on cheap internet offers – which ISP is offering what and whom to approach for the cheapest data package.

Given that the usual cost is around $50, with the help of this website, you should be able to find something that is affordable and in your price range.

You will have to click on “plans by state” for a list of current offers in your state and select one that you think is a good fit.

If you belong to the low-income group, then you would definitely want to bookmark this website as it has some fantastic offers, including the fact that you may be eligible for some of them on account of your current fiscal status.

8. Mobile hotspot

Of course, you can always use your mobile phone as a hotspot; the fact is that mobile carriers offer wifi without internet and often charge you as little as possible for using the bandwidth on their plans.

They generally upsell the same to you and bundled with the phone, you get free wifi without internet.

All you have to do is to head over to settings, click on the internet and the drop-down list containing more than a few options should open up.

Now, all that is left for you to do is to choose the ‘mobile hotspot’ and enter the keyword given in your system or laptop and you would be set to go.

Keep in mind that you are only allowed to use a certain amount of data each day, and additional charges may apply should you exceed the same.

9. See if your school offers free internet

A good idea would be to check and see if your school offers free internet; some do specially to enable students from low-income groups to stay connected so as to enable them to research their papers, review their homework and streamline their performance as a result.

If you are planning to apply for the same, then you would have to apply to meet your district state commissioner and make your case, as to how you and your kids come from a low-income group.

There is no clarity on how families get picked for the same but one criterion is thought to be the income status of that particular family.

10. Cheap internet services

For example, AT&T offers you low-cost internet services for the low-income group; there is no bar and anyone can apply for the same and it costs only as low as $5 and nothing can beat this price tag when you compare it with the $50 one.

The only downside is that the speed is rather slow and can come down even to 3Mbps.

Or you can go ahead with internet essentials by Comcast which costs only $9.95 per month, and comes with a decent speed and certainly trumps AT&T.

These are some of the ways that you can get free WiFi without subscribing to any internet service provider.

It all comes down to what you plan to use the internet for and then, check and see one of the options listed above, and decide which one you want to go ahead with.

Just remember, that there is no such thing as a ‘free lunch’, and you would have to subscribe in order to get premium services.

Posted on October 23, 2018 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 August 29, 2018 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 August 27, 2018 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

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.

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.

Posted on August 7, 2018 by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

The abandoned frequencies over network caused the genesis of the wireless network what we now call the WiFi or 802.11.

The wireless protocol was aimed at providing short range wireless connectivity. The technology was prefabricated and easy to bring into action.

Why WiFi wins the hearts of IoT breeders?

It’s devious features ofcourse!

WiFi is flexible and easily connects to devices . But most importantly it is essential to the very crux of IoT. By crux we mean the sensors that support the IoT tech.

IoT connectivity basically looks for features like low power and wide range.

Let’s weigh

Standard 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac limits the scope of usage when it comes to power consumption, range and congestion issues with spectrum.

The Wi-Fi highways are a lot more crowded owing to the bazillion devices which take the same route for connectivity.

These standard Wi-Fi issues were addressed by introducing two new specifications 802.11ah and 802.11ax.

Why WiFi could possibly lead other networks ?

Successful IoT setup demands certain requirements:

Easily manageable network
Easy to connect things over cloud
Incorporation with other systems
Swift adaptation
Safety defiance of the network

WiFi fulfills all the above necessities.

WiFi HaLow (802.11ah)

IEEE in 2016 crafted the WiFi HaLow spec to resolve the range and power issues of IoT. This technology provides a broader range along with low power. It is tweaked for expanding the connectivity radius to one kilometer. The power use is moderated with wake/doze periods.

It is loaded with the ability to group stations for decreasing contention and relay. This helps to widen the circle.

Given the plausible upgrades the technology is still not popular among the WiFi mercantile.

HaLow is vigorous and dominates in tricky environments. The low frequency range helps it pierce through any kind of obstacles that other frequencies would bounce off.

IEEE 802.11ax

It is designed to operate in the licensed spectral bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz spectrums. The throughput is amplified using higher order 1024 QAM modulation. The new amendment offers OFDMA for enhanced spectral efficiency.

IEEE 802.11ax will hit the stores somewhere in 2019.

Conclusion

The popularity of WiFi is due to its reliable solution to connectivity issues. Amongst a ton of wireless tech currently prevailing the market, wrapped by by the uncertainity of their performances and survival vendors are bound to run towards WiFi. This being for a simple reason. WiFi has dealt with the challenges of progressing tech and displayed the power of security like none other.

Few Campus and on-premises IoT devices can exploit standard WiFi band widths. But usually this is not preferred for IoT technology.

WiFi HaLow, based on 802.11ah is crafted for IoT but demands specialized infrastructure and patrons. 802.11ax guarantees improved efficiency. But the truth will be revealed only once the product is out in the market.

IoT features are looking out for some big leaps themselves.

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

With almost every house now having a broadband connection, evolution of wifi routers are popular than ever. As you might know, most devices on the market such as smartphones and computers are equipped to use WiFi.

Though Wi-Fi has become an integral part our routine, most of us do not know much about the WiFi technology. Read on to know more about the historical evolution of WiFi Routers.

History of WiFi technology

The history of evolution of wifi routers was fascinating and an earlier form of wifi was in existence since 1971. Apparently, “ALOHA Net” accounted for connecting the Hawaiian Islands with aid from a wireless network asset.

ALOHA Net and ALOHA protocol are the early forerunners to the concept of Ethernet which later transcends to the IEEE 802.11 internet protocols.

In the year 1985, US Federal Communications Commission accounted for the release of ISM bands. These ISM Bands were meant for unlicensed use and can be envisioned as the frequencies originating in the 2.4GHz band.

These are the same bands using in microwave ovens. At the same time, these bands are also subject to interference.

Later in the year 1991, NCR Corporation collaborated with AT&T Corporation which led to the invention of the precursor to the 802.11 module, which was designed to be used in cashier systems.

The first kind of wireless products was available in the market under the label of Wave-LAN, which was eventually accredited with the invention of WiFi technology.

An Australian radio astronomer John O’Sullivan along with his colleague Terence Percival and Graham Daniels played a significant role in the development of an essential patent, which was designated to be used in the Wi-Fi technology as a by-product.

However, this venture was a failure since the modification would smear the signal, leading to eventual breakdown.

In the year 1992 and 1996, CSIRO was successful at obtaining patents that would allow for a method to be used in the WiFi enabling the module to avoid smearing of the signal.

Eventually, in the year 1997, the first version of the 802.11 protocol was successfully released. This version was later updated in the year 1999 to the 802.11b module, which became immensely popular.

The WiFi Brand and Trademark at a glance

In the year 1999, the WiFi Alliance, which was formed as a form of the trade association, supposedly held the WiFi trademark. Many products associated with the WiFi technology were sold under this trademark.

The commercial use of WiFi as a name was featured back in early August of 1999. It was among the first instance that this name made a commercial appearance after being framed by a brand consultation firm “Inter-Brand.”

The company “Inter-Brand” was hired by the WiFi Alliance to frame a constructive name, which would appeal to the public and at the same time be easier than “IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence.”

It has been stated by Phil Belanger (founding member of the WiFi Alliance) that the company invented the name as a “pun.”

It was referring to the word “hifi” but somehow seemed catchier the other way around. The same company was later accredited with the design of the WiFi logo which has been persistent till date.

WiFi, which by some unconfirmed accounts stands for wireless fidelity, has changed the way computers and many other electronic devices work together. With it, anyone can create a wireless network in a home or business easily and at a relatively small cost.

Evolution of WiFi Standards

While 802.11 is known to be the standard specification for a WiFi network, it has been subcategorized under several subtypes, which highlight its quality of security and service. As seen earlier, each subcategory is represented by an alphabet in small case, which follows the designation 802.11.

While the first one provided a data speed of just 2Mbps, there was a need of more practicality for processing data via this network protocol. Here are the subclasses for 802.11 standard that originated with better features.

11b: It carries the signals via a frequency band of 2.4Ghz. With the highest bandwidth of 11MBps, this one is the slowest of all these listed standards. It has also been known for showing high susceptibility when interfered. It does have a longer range compared to 802.11a.

11a: This one has more speed compared to the b Wi-Fi standard, with speeds reaching 54Mbps. It shows less sensitivity to interference from other appliances and wireless devices. But, it has a shorter range compared to b. This weakness of short range made it costly, as it had to be installed with multiple access points to cover maximum distance.

11g: This one emerged as a hybrid standard that contained the top-rated features of a and b. Despite a large bandwidth and good speed, it still faced interference from other appliances.

11n: This standard is presently used around the world, which evolved in terms of wireless antennas and signals. With its Multiple-input/Multiple-output technology (MIMO) it has a capacity of transferring data at speeds of maximum 450Mbps. It even has a better bandwidth (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) and limited interferences.

Future of WiFi

For the future, two significant WiFi standard developments are on their way for a public release. These developments are referred to as the 802.11ad and the 802.11ax.

The 802.11ac is highly sought after because it holds the capability of accessing the 5GHz band, but it has been outdated. The 802.11ad variant, however, takes internet connectivity to the next level. It is capable of accessing the 60GHz band.

802.11 ad: High Frequency, better speed, but short range

The frequency that has been mentioned above is a significantly high frequency. This feature also means that the range ought to get shorter.

Probably the effective range of the WiFi at the end of all would be limited to just one room. On the contrary, the 802.11 ad variant is capable of providing speeds within the range of 7Gbps.

The speed of 7Gbps is referred to as the uniform speed, which the WiFi is capable of producing without inducing much of a strain on the optical fibers.

In simpler words, the rate being referred to would be the lowest available on this variant. Provided with the right circumstances, the 802.11ad will be capable of reaching higher internet speeds as well.

Commercial Usage

At present, there is not any assurance concerning how the 802.11ad would be used in the market. It is also uncertain whether or not this variant will be available for commercial use.

There are several predictions, which refer to the fact that this enhancement in the technology would possibly replace several hardware constructions of the internet technology.

It would mean that the entire internet infrastructure of the future would be wireless and devoid of any physical associations that we may see as of now.

The other forms of prediction refer to the fact that phones might start making use of the 802.11ad WiFi compatibility to provide mobile internet connectivity with a significant boost. The exact purpose of 802.11ad is still uncertain and remains subject to speculations over the time.

802.11 ax: High Connectivity through MU-MIMO Technology

802.11ax is a variant, which mainly focuses on the advanced features including MU-MIMO and enhanced life sustainability. It also highlights advancements such as Bluetooth 5.0 technology and infrared connectivity.

The dominant feature that is lacking in this variant is the improved speed. However, it was later noted for its top speed of 11Gbps at the CES 2018.

The 802.11ax isn’t capable of the massive speed generated by the 802.11ad, but it is capable of providing much better internet connectivity and speed when compared to the 802.11ac variant.

This WiFi technology has been built to suit smart devices which are being used by the conventional people on a regular basis. It is widely expected that this form of connectivity would ensure natural management on a global scale. This standard is also expected to make its market appearance in 2019.

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

You surely use WiFi in your day to day life. Have you thought of the sensitive information that you transfer all the time over a WiFi network? Bank passwords, personal images and passwords are all available to third persons if your WiFi is not secured.

According to Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) study, almost 30% of WiFi networks have little to no encryption. This means that your data is easily available to hackers. Korea, US and France were among the top 15 WiFi unsecured countries in the study.

How is Public WiFi Used by Hackers?

Browsing internet through public WiFi is not safe by any means. In 2015 itself, 594 million people were victims of cybercrime and 12% of Americans had their financial data stolen after shopping online.

The threats and costs are even more for businesses. 32% of US organizations were victim of cybercrime in 2016. The average cost of a data breach to a business is around $ 3.8 million.

There are many ways hackers can use WiFi technology to steal your data, money or identity. Here are the two most common ways.

Man-in-the-Middle Attack

When data transfer over a network is unsecure and unencrypted, a third person can easily intercept it. So, data exchanged between the websites and you can be stolen by exploiting the weak network security. This is known as the Man-in-the-Middle strategy.

To avoid this you must only connect to networks with strong security settings. Any public network that does not have a password is susceptible to such kind of attacks. This strategy is also used for private networks by hackers who are within the range of WiFi.

Rogue Hotspots

Anyone can set up a WiFi to mislead users. For example a hacker could set up a hotspot with the name ‘Starbucks’ in a Starbucks cafe. This would be different from the cafe’s real WiFi but the name could easily confuse a user.

Once the victim is connected to the rogue WiFi, the hacker can see all the data transferred over the network and even infect connected device with malware and ransomware.

Hence it’s advisable to be sure of the WiFi you are connecting to and avoid using public WiFi if possible. Only connect to networks of businesses and persons you trust and make sure that it is not a hacker with the name of a trusted business.

How to Secure WiFi Network

Here are some ways to secure your WiFi network form hackers and data thieves. This will work on both your home WiFi and office WiFi.

1. Have a WPA 2

When data packets are sent over a wireless medium they can be easily intercepted. For this reason, WiFi network have always had encryption of data send over radio waves. The earliest protocol was WEP, which used the same encryption key for each data package. A hacker could easily crack this code in a few minutes.

Starting from 2006 next level security called WPA was started. This used scrambling of encryption key to improve security. The encryption method was further strengthened in WPA2 protocol. This is the latest and best security level available for WiFi. It is not so easy for hackers to break the code transferred under WPA2 protocol.

Needless to say you should ensure that your router has WPA2 level security and AES encryption. All routers manufactured after 2006 have WPA2 enabled by default.

2. Enable Enterprise Mode WiFi Security

The enterprise mode of WiFI Protected Access uses 802.1X authentication for stronger security.

802.1X authentication is a standard protocol for port based network Access Control. It authenticates devices that connect with a server. Connection is established only after device identity is verified and hence it keeps the network safe of third person connecting in.

The architecture includes three parts – a wireless supplicant (connecting device), access device and authentication server. The network is made secure through the communication and exchanges between these three. This rules out Man-In- The-Middle attacks mentioned above. You can configure 802.1X authentication from properties under network adapter in your Desktop/ PC.

3. Secure Password and SSID

Breaking into your WiFi is very easy if the password to your WiFi is known. Hackers have software and tools that run common passwords while trying to break into your network. Easily guessed and default passwords are hence a soft target for them.

Similarly, your wireless network name (SSID) should not be common like ‘‘D-Link’ or your family name. This is because SSID forms a part of your network encryption and hacker tools come loaded with default and common SSID names.

You can change your password & SSID by logging into your router settings by typing “192.168.1.1” in your browser. This may be different for different companies and you should check the router manual for this.

4. Add Device MAC Address

All devices have something known as a MAC address that you can add to your router’s settings. This will allow only the specified devices to connect to your WiFi. Although it’s possible to make a spoof MAC address by a hacker, it still adds a layer of security because it’s one more thing that the hacker has to know.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways that hackers can break into a WiFI network. Just like the cyber-security, hackers are also constantly updating their technology continuously.

As of now, the enterprise setting with WPA2 protocol and 802.1X authentication is a safe method. Take additional steps of setting up a strong password and unique SSID name and you are well protected from unwanted data thieves.

Do remember to update your knowledge from time to time and install new firmware on your router to stay secured.

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

Can you imagine your table lamp streaming data into your smartphone? This is already possible today with LiFi technology.

You must be already using WiFi technology to access the internet on a daily basis. LiFi is an alternative to WiFi that is expected to be in wide use in coming years. We will understand the technology and look at its advantages, applications and limitations in this post.

Let’s first understand what LiFi is.

What is LiFi?

LiFi (Light Fidelity) is a technology that uses visible light to transmit data. It is similar to WiFi in its application but differs in how the data is transferred.

Whereas WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) uses radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum, LiFi uses the visible light, infrared and ultraviolet waves to transmit data. What this means is that a simple microchip in your home lamps or office lighting can turn them into a LiFi router.

The hardware required for this is just an LED light and a receiver that can convert light signals into electric ones. Solar cells already do this and can work as a receiver in LiFi technology.

In fact this technology is already used by your remote control to communicate with Television by sending a stream of data to it. In LiFi thousands of data stream are sent simultaneously at higher speeds.

Visual signals are communicated by flickering of light at very rapid speeds. This disturbance is not detected by the human eye and hence a LiFi technology LED bulb will look like just another bulb to us. Since visible light travels in straight line a clear line of sight is preferable for best connectivity.

However, even in case of no direct line of sight, the signals are picked up after bouncing off from the walls/ surfaces.

The signals are obviously limited within four walls as light cannot travel through walls. As we will see below, this can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the use of LiFi.

Visible Light Communication (VLC) has been a topic of research for long but LiFi as a viable technology was invented by Harald Haas from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He presented the technology in his famous TED Talk in 2011.

He built a technology to overcome the current limitations of WiFi and envisioned a world where everyone could access the internet through the LED bulbs at their home.

The technology is still new and in its nascent stage. Currently there are only six companies across the world invested in this technology (2 in USA, 3 in Europe and 1 in India).

However, going by the current rates of advancement, LiFi is set to be adopted as a mainstream technology by 2022.

It is already being tested in industrial and commercial setups throughout the world. In Estonia, LED based LiFi testing reached a speed of 1Gbps data transmission rates in 2015.

This is 100 times faster than the average WiFi speed! Continuous research in the LiFi system is pushing for even faster speeds and commercial viability.

A PhD student in Netherlands has already succeeded in achieving download speed of 42Gbps in 2017 using infrared light instead of LED.

WiFi vs LiFi

Here are the main differences in LiFI and WiFi

Advantages of LiFI Technology

Ready Infrastructure

Wi-Fi technology requires routers, cellular radio masts, modems etc. LiFi on the other just requires LED lights which are already present all around us. As such adapting LiFi will not require any additional cost. This technology can be embedded in the illumination interiors of our home and office.

High Security

Unlike radio waves, visible light cannot pass through walls. Due to this LiFi data cannot be hacked by third persons outside your premise. This gives more security and is especially advantageous for sensitive boardrooms, industrial systems and privacy at homes.

High Speed

LiFi has the potential to be 100 times faster than WiFi. The fastest recorded speed in lab has been 224Gbps although commercially available speed is far less than this currently. But with advances in technology the potential of LiFi can be huge benefit over WiFi.

Lower Energy Consumption

Cellular base stations and cell towers are major consumers of energy and power. According to TechRadar they make up 60% of total mobile network power consumption. Cooling these base stations is another major consumer of energy. These costs will be minimized with introduction of LiFi technology.

Supports Internet of Things

LiFi and smart devices fit together like hand and glove. As we will in the applications below, smart devices like cars, house lighting system, laundry machines etc., can easily communicate with each other using the LiFi system. Each of the smart devices can be fitted with a light receiver and the lighting of house can be done using LiFi LED bulbs.

Unlimited Bandwidth

LiFi is the future of the communication because of its unlimited bandwidth. The spectrum of visible light is 10,000 times bigger than radio waves. Radio wave spectrum is getting saturated and the US Federal Communications Commission has even warned of a potential spectrum crisis because WiFi is close to full capacity.

When this happens, companies will have no option but to turn to visible light spectrum with its unlimited bandwidth.

Applications of LiFi

There are many potential applications of LiFi technology. LiFi is the right solution wherever radio waves cause disturbance or privacy is an issue. Here are some practical scenarios to give you an idea of LiFi in coming years:

1. Self Driving Cars

LiFi will turn out to be crucial for self driving cars. Cars already use LED lights in their headlights and brake-lights and can be easily designed to use this to communicate with each other.

This will help in preventing accidents, diverting traffic and avoid breach of traffic rules. This is perfect for remote highway stretches where there is no WiFi signal. Cars can simply send and receive data using their own lights.

Street lights and traffic signals can also be integrated in the system to form a secure traffic system that talks to each other without human intervention.

2. Deep Sea Exploration

LiFi presents exciting opportunities in sea exploration. Currently the capacity of rovers is limited by the cables. WiFi cannot be used in deep sea as radio waves get absorbed in water.

Visible light on the other hand can travel in water. It can be used to communicate between divers, remote control vehicles and base ships.

3. Data Connectivity in Sensitive Areas

Some premises like hospitals, aircrafts, petrochemical plants etc., are not safe to use WiFi. Radio waves interfere with critical devices or pose a risk of spark in these areas. LiFi is best for these places as visible light does not pose any of these threats.

Drawbacks and Limitations

This technology is not free from its limitation and there are reasons why LiFi is not yet in use everywhere. Here are the obstacles that need to be worked around if large scale adoption of this technology is to be made possible.

1. Range

LiFi is not a good option if one is looking for wider range. Because light in room cannot penetrate your entire house, you will have restriction of movement. So getting connectivity in your balcony or bathroom is a problem unless you install a LiFi LED in each room.

Also the speed of connection is better with close proximity and direct line of sight. The range of LiFi takes away freedom of movement as of now. This can be worked around with rewiring the whole infrastructure of a house which brings us to the next point.

2. Cost of Installation

Although the cost is low for a large scale industry, restructuring houses for LiFi can turn out to be costly. This is because even after installing a LiFi LED bulb in each room you will have to install a receiver on each device.

However, a LiFi freindly home is much easier to build. Alternatively a technology called Power of Ethernet (PoE) allows transmission of power and data via a single cable. This can make LiFi lighting at home possible.

LiFi friendly home is a possibility in future but as of today there are just too many devices that need to be installed and are not even available widely.

3. Interference from other Lights

Interference from brighter sources can weaken the signal from LED bulb even though receiver is able to differentiate between sunlight and the LED light. Not only this, even any physical obstruction like a piece of furniture can dampen the signals. This makes it difficult to work next to a window or other outdoor places.

4.Speed in Practical Settings

Although LiFi shows potential for a speed 100 times faster than WiFi the commercial option available is way below the WiFi Speed. Even pureLiFi, the company found by inventor of LiFi, Harald Haas, offers products with speed of 40mbps.

Tying It All Together

LiFi technology makes use of visible light to transmit data wirelessly. With its unlimited spectrum capacity, security and high speed it is set to be an alternative to WiFi. However, WiFi has its own set of advantages and because of this, LiFi may end up complementing WiFi rather than completely replacing it.

LiFi has potential for unlimited applications and it’s just a matter of when the technology is made commercially viable. As of today, LiFi seems more suitable for industrial use.

Industries can buy LiFi receivers in bulk and design a layout for maximum LED access by smart devices. Penetrating households might be something that will take time for this innovative technology.