Do you understand Wi-Fi terms, or does it sound like another language? Our glossary of terms will help you learn essential Wi-Fi terms you need to know, explaining the technical mumbo jumbo, abbreviations, and common acronyms you will run into when discussing wireless internet with your friends, family, coworkers, or internet service providers.

Below you’ll find the common and not-so-standard WiFi terms, so you’re ready for any conversation. Let’s explore.

Wi-Fi Terms

802.11 standards – A set of protocols for wireless networking defined by the IEEE. The most common are 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6).

Access point (AP) – A device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. Access points can extend the coverage of your Wi-Fi network, for better connectivity over a larger area.

Antenna – A component used to transmit and receive radio waves. All devices that send or receive wireless signals, such as Wi-Fi routers and smartphones, have antennas, though they are often built-in and not visible.

Bandwidth – The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network in a given time, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Higher bandwidth allows for faster data transfer.

Base Station –A central device in a wireless network that transmits and receives radio signals. It acts as the hub for wireless communication or as a bridge between a wired network and wireless clients.

Bridge – A device that connects two or more networks, allowing them to communicate and share resources. For example, a bridge can connect a wired network to a wireless one, enabling devices on both networks to interact.

Channel – A specific frequency range within which a Wi-Fi network operates, allowing devices to communicate without interference from other networks.

Client – Any device that connects to a Wi-Fi network, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet.

Coverage area – The physical area where a Wi-Fi signal can be received by devices, determining the effective range of the network.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) – The protocol used by routers to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on a network, enabling them to communicate with each other and access the internet.

DNS (Domain Name System) – The decentralized system that translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into numerical IP addresses used by computers to locate and connect to websites.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) – A type of internet connection that uses existing telephone lines to transmit data, allowing for simultaneous voice and data communication. It is widely available for both residential and commercial use.

Dwell time – The length of time that a user or device remains connected to a Wi-Fi network, often used to measure network engagement or performance.

Dual-band – A type of router that operates on two different frequency bands (typically 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to improve performance and reduce interference.

Encryption – The process of converting readable data into an unreadable format to ensure that only authorized parties, such as the sender and recipient, can access the information. This is essential for data protection and security.

Ethernet – A widely used technology for wired networking, supporting internet connections over distances up to 100 meters. Ethernet typically uses Cat5 or Cat6 cables to connect devices like computers, routers, and switches.

Fiber Internet – A high-speed internet connection that transmits data using fiber-optic cables, which send information as light signals. Fiber internet provides significantly faster speeds and greater bandwidth compared to traditional DSL or cable connections.

Firewall – A security system, either software or hardware, that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls help protect networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Frequency bands – Specific ranges within the radio frequency spectrum that carry Wi-Fi signals. The number of times a waveform repeats per second (frequency) determines how fast data can be transmitted; higher frequencies typically allow for faster data transmission.

GHz (Gigahertz) – A unit of frequency equal to one billion hertz. In Wi-Fi, it refers to the frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) used for wireless communication.

Hotspot – A location where Wi-Fi access is provided, allowing devices to connect to the internet while away from home or the office. Some hotspots are publicly accessible networks, while others are private.

Intranet – A private network within an organization that uses Wi-Fi to connect devices and allow users to share and store information securely within the organization.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) – A professional organization responsible for developing global standards for various technologies, including the 802.11 family of Wi-Fi standards.

Interference – Any external factor that disrupts or affects the performance of a Wi-Fi network. Common sources of interference include microwaves, baby monitors, and neighboring Wi-Fi networks.

IoT (Internet of Things) – A network of physical devices connected to the internet, enabling them to collect and exchange data. Examples include smart home devices, wearable technology, and industrial sensors.

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) – A unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet. IP addresses enable devices to communicate and locate each other on the network.

ISP (Internet Service Provider) – A company that provides internet access to consumers and businesses, often offering various types of connections such as DSL, cable, and fiber.

Kbps (Kilobits per Second) – A unit of data transfer rate equal to one thousand bits per second, commonly used to measure lower-speed internet connections or data transfers.

LAN (Local Area Network) – A network that connects devices within a limited area, such as a home, office, or school, allowing them to communicate and share resources.

Latency – The time delay between a data request and its response, typically measured in milliseconds (ms). Low latency is crucial for real-time applications like gaming and video conferencing.

Mbps (Megabits per Second) – A unit of data transfer rate equal to one million bits per second, commonly used to measure internet connection speeds.

MIMO (Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) – A Wi-Fi technology that uses multiple antennas to transmit and receive data, improving network performance and allowing more data to be transferred simultaneously.

Mesh network – A system of multiple routers that work together to provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage across large areas, such as homes or offices, reducing dead zones.

Net neutrality – The principle that all internet data should be treated equally, regardless of its source or destination. This means ISPs must provide the same speed and conditions for all content and websites.

ONT (Optical Network Terminal) – A device that converts fiber-optic signals into electronic signals that can be used by devices in your home. It typically connects to your router to provide internet access.

Packet – A small unit of data transmitted over a network. Each packet contains the source and destination addresses, as well as the actual data being sent.

Ping – A network utility that sends a signal to a specific IP address to test whether the host is reachable and to measure the response time.

PSK (Pre-Shared Key) – A Wi-Fi security key shared between the user and the network, consisting of 8 to 63 characters. It is used to authenticate devices on a Wi-Fi network.

Repeater – A device that amplifies and retransmits a Wi-Fi signal to extend the coverage area of the network.

Router – A device that directs data traffic between your internet connection and the devices on your network, either through wired or wireless connections.

SSID (Service Set Identifier) – The name of a Wi-Fi network, which identifies it from other networks in the vicinity. Users select the SSID when connecting to a network.

Sticky client – A Wi-Fi device that remains connected to a specific access point even when stronger signals from other access points are available, potentially leading to poor connectivity.

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) – One of the core protocols of the internet, TCP ensures reliable communication between network devices by managing the transmission of data packets.

Throttling – The intentional slowing down of internet service by an ISP, typically to regulate network traffic and minimize congestion.

Tri-Band – A type of router that operates on three different frequency bands (typically one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands) to provide more bandwidth and reduce congestion.

VoIP (Voice over IP) – A technology that allows voice calls to be made over an IP network, such as the internet, instead of traditional telephone lines.

WAN (Wide Area Network) – A network that covers a large geographic area, such as a city or country, and connects multiple local area networks (LANs) over long distances.

Wi-Fi – A term commonly used to describe wireless networking technologies based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, allowing devices to connect to a network or the internet without the need for cables.

Wi-Fi extender – A device that boosts the coverage of a Wi-Fi network by receiving and retransmitting the signal, helping to eliminate dead zones.

WPA/WPA2/WEP (Wi-Fi Protected Access) – Security protocols designed to protect wireless networks. WPA2 is more secure than WPA, and WPA3 is the latest and most secure version.

QoS (Quality of Service) – A feature in Wi-Fi routers that prioritizes certain types of network traffic, such as video streaming or gaming, to ensure optimal performance.

Wi-Fi Terms: Final Thoughts

There you have it, the definitive list of Wi-Fi terms. Bookmark this page and keep it handy. If you ever need to look one up, you’ll be glad you did.