Previous names for wireless internet were wavelan flankspeed dragonfly weca and ieee 802 11b direct sequence before the more consumer friendly name of wi fi was adopted

The Evolution of Wireless Internet: From WaveLAN to Wi-Fi

In today’s digital age, Wi-Fi has become an integral part of our lives. We rely on it for work, communication, entertainment, and so much more. But have you ever wondered how this wireless technology came to be known as Wi-Fi?

Believe it or not, the journey of wireless Internet began with several other names before it adopted the more consumer-friendly name we know today. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the previous names that paved the way for Wi-Fi.

WaveLAN: The Dawn of Wireless Connectivity

Before the term Wi-Fi was even conceived, the origins of wireless Internet can be traced back to a brand called WaveLAN. Developed by the National Cash Register Corporation (NCR) in 1986, WaveLAN was among the first commercial wireless network products. It operated in the 900 MHz frequency band and provided a significant improvement in data transmission speeds.

FlankSpeed: Speeding Up Wireless Connections

In the late 1990s, as the demand for faster wireless connections grew, a new name emerged: FlankSpeed. FlankSpeed aimed to enhance the speed and performance of wireless networks, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible at the time. This name represented the industry’s determination to evolve and improve wireless Internet technology.

DragonFly: Unleashing the Power of Mobility

After FlankSpeed, DragonFly made its presence felt in the wireless Internet space. DragonFly symbolized the increased mobility and freedom that wireless technology offered. As it became evident that wireless connectivity had the potential to change the way we connect and work, DragonFly sought to encapsulate the concept of a wireless world.

WECA: The Birth of a Partnership

As the technology advanced and the need for standardization became clear, a new player entered the scene: WECA, short for Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance. WECA consisted of major technology companies united under a common goal – to establish interoperability standards for wireless local area networks (WLANs). It was this alliance that set the stage for the future of wireless Internet.

IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence: Technical Namesake

Before the adoption of the more consumer-friendly term Wi-Fi, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) released the IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence standard. This technical name described the wireless communication protocol used in the newly emerging wireless networks. While not the most accessible name for the average user, it showcased the technical prowess behind the wireless Internet revolution.

Wi-Fi: The Game-Changing Name

Finally, the consumer-friendly name Wi-Fi arrived on the scene. Coined by a brand-consulting firm called Interbrand, Wi-Fi stood for “Wireless Fidelity.” It was a catchy and easily recognizable name that quickly gained popularity among businesses and consumers alike. Wi-Fi became synonymous with wireless connectivity, revolutionizing how we access the Internet.

So, the next time you connect to a Wi-Fi network, remember the fascinating journey it took to earn its name. From WaveLAN to FlankSpeed, DragonFly to WECA and IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence, these stepping-stones laid the foundation for the Wi-Fi technology we rely on today.

Source: The Economist