wi-fi

networking Either of two different incompatible radio-based

LAN protocols, namely 802.11b (which speaks DSSS at

2.4GHz) and 802.11a (which speaks OFDM at 5GHz).

The term was invented by the marketing departments of wi-fi

equipment manufacturers. It is, notionally, short for

"wireless fidelity", on the analogy of hi-fi for "high

fidelity" audio.

(2003-09-02)