In the News
Understanding your wi-fi is about to get a bit easier. In Wi-Fi gets Simplified Version Numbers and Next Generation is Wi-Fi 6 , Mohit Kumar at The Hacker News discusses new generation labels that the Wi-Fi Alliance, a non-profit organization facilitating the technology and use of wi-fi, is rolling out to improve consumer understanding of their wi-fi functions and devices that are supported by a given type of Wi-Fi. Kumar explains that previous Wi-Fi generations were named with a complex array of numbers, but are now being re-named with a single number. Kumar states that the wi-fi generations will be renamed beginning with the original Wi-Fi 1 all the way to the most recent wi-fi update which is being labeled Wi-Fi 6.
Our Take
Our relationship with wireless technologies is constant and ever expanding. The increasing popularity of smart devices, tablets, smartphones, and using multiple devices at once has made our current society dependent on Wi-Fi availability and data accessibility. With such a heavy reliance upon wi-fi in our daily lives, the flaws and issues associated with Wi-Fi are often frustrating and confusing for the average user. A minority of the people using Wi-Fi truly understand its functions and why it works the way it does in given situations. The new labeling effort by the Wi-Fi Alliance will hopefully serve as a clear indicator for why Wi-Fi might be slow at times (if you are using an old generation or which device you should purchase and use in order to have access to the most updated wi-fi generation. While there is nothing wrong with being reliant upon Wi-Fi, following safe practices is crucial to ensure that your devices are protected while you utilize them.
Recommendations
How can you protect your privacy while using wi-fi?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Be cautious about using public Wi-Fi and refrain from using the Internet for sensitive information when connected to such networks. Use a VPN on Wi-Fi networks when possible.
- Update your devices frequently to run the most recent versions of Wi-Fi, applications, and software
- Look for labeling on devices that state what generation of Wi-Fi the device supports