Not so long ago, if you wanted to use the internet your only option was to plug a cable directly into your computer. Today, you can be pretty much anywhere and easily access your favourite websites, social media, or even do your shopping.

This is due in large part to wireless local area networks, or WLANs. Taken for granted by most, we take a quick look at some of the key points in the short history of WiFi.

• WiFi was created with 802.11 standard in 2002.
• In 1999 Apple introduced a WiFi slot option in its new iBooks under the name of “airport”. Other companies then followed.
• By 2000 digital wireless users outnumbered analogue subscribers.
• The billionth WiFi chipset was sold in 2009.
• Wifi 802.11n was finalized allowing 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands to be used with routers.
• By 2010 WiFi hotspots around the World reached 1 million.

Source: intechnologyWiFi