Imagine the internet as water coming from the street, and the devices that use the internet are like containers for this water. When you want to fill a glass, you just turn on the faucet, and there it is! But to make that happen, you need pipes to bring the water to you. Wi-Fi is like an invisible pipe that brings the water to you. In other words, Wi-Fi is a way to access the internet without using cables; it uses radio waves, which are “invisible signals,” to send data between the router (the router is like the faucet where the internet flows out) and the devices you use.
Why do we need a router?
The router is the device that spreads the internet throughout the environment. It receives the internet through a cable and converts it into radio waves. Think of it as an “internet showerhead” that spreads the signal across the space.
If you’re too far from the router, it’s like being far from the faucet: the flow (signal) weakens. That’s why, in larger spaces, you might need another device called a repeater, which helps “extend” the Wi-Fi range, like additional faucets placed around the house.
Router position
If you’re thinking about installing a router at home or work, here are some tips on placement and the main enemies of Wi-Fi.
To improve Wi-Fi signal, it’s best to position the router in a central and elevated location. But why place it high? Wi-Fi radio waves spread in a spherical pattern but tend to travel downward more than upward. When the router is on the floor, part of the signal “wastes” itself by reaching the ground. By placing it higher, the signal spreads more evenly across the rooms. Additionally, devices like microwaves and cordless phones can interfere with Wi-Fi and are usually located on low or medium-height surfaces.
Wi-Fi’s Enemies
In summary, Wi-Fi’s enemies include:
- Glass with films or metallic layers
- Large metallic objects (appliances, shelves, cabinets)
- Thick concrete or brick walls
- Water (pools, aquariums)
- Electronic devices that cause interference
As mentioned earlier, to improve the signal, it’s necessary to avoid these obstacles and use repeaters or mesh networks (a topic for another post).
So, Wi-Fi is basically a way to send and receive information (data) without using cables, relying on invisible radio waves. It’s like having a superpower that lets your device communicate with the internet or other devices through the air, without needing any wires.