The world we live in is increasingly dependent on connectivity. As of 2022, 66% of the world's population has internet access (ITU, 2023). Our global village proves that WiFi plays a significant role in our daily routines. Be it school, work, communication and entertainment. You can probably come up with more examples or think of how it's impacted your life, but it certainly makes it easy for us to move around, access information, and connect to people and places far and wide.

We also acknowledge that not everyone gets to enjoy this technology and privilege. Hopefully, with the innovations and work being put in around the world, more people and communities are afforded access to WiFi and all the positive opportunities it brings.

As we celebrate, let’s take a quick look into the significance of World WiFi Day and the evolution of WiFi.

What is World WiFi Day?

It is an annual global initiative observed on 20 June and was founded by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA). It celebrates and recognises the importance of WiFi in bridging the digital divide and the impact it has on our daily lives.

The Evolution of WiFi Technology

Did you know that actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr pioneered the technology that forms the basis of today’s WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS? This can be traced back to the 1940s - 1950s when she and George Antheil laid the foundation for frequency hopping technology, a technique used to secure wireless communication during World War II.

Over the years, further developments by researchers, inventors, and organisations contributed to wireless networking protocols and technology, leading to the creation of the IEEE 802.11 standard, commonly known as WiFi today.

1. 1997: WiFi 0 - Introduction of IEEE 802.11 and the first 2.4GHz WiFi standard.
2. 1999: WiFi 1 and WiFi 2 - WiFi 1 was introduced to consumers. It operated on 2.4GHz and was designed to reduce interference from sources like microwaves. In the same year, its successor, WiFi 2, was introduced supporting 5GHz and higher data speeds. During this time the term ‘WiFi’ was coined by brand-consulting firm, Interbrand, working under the WiFi Alliance. Their aim was to create a catchy name.
3. 2003: WiFi 3 - Brought faster speeds.
4. 2009: WiFi 4 - Saw the use of WLAN instead of wired networks.
5. 2013: WiFi 5 - Introduced multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) technology. This meant that multiple antennas could be used to send and receive data simultaneously while reducing errors and boosting speeds.
6. 2021: WiFi 6 - Saw even faster speeds and reduced latency.

According to IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA), WiFi 7 is under development with completion sometime in 2024.

How are we celebrating?

We’re calling you to amuse us and unleash your creativity with a meme. It could be one you came across on the internet that made you giggle, or better yet, create your own.

How to submit your meme

1. Leave a comment in the comments section below the blog post. Note: If you do not have a Disqus account to log in with, you’ll be prompted to sign up.
2. Upload the meme by clicking on the photo icon next to the GIF icon and click on comment.

What’s the prize?

The lucky winner will receive a TP-Link X50 WiFi 6 mesh system and mini UPS.

Rules

• One meme per user.
• Keep it clean.
  

Let’s not forget the power and possibilities WiFi brings

At Afrihost, we believe in the power of Pure Internet Joy. We are passionate about delivering this by connecting you to fast and reliable internet. It goes beyond just a saying, it sings true not just today, but everyday. Happy World WiFi Day and may the best meme win!

Sources

The Evolution of Wi-Fi Technology and Standards | The history of WiFi technology | Internet use