W-Z

W?Z

WAN

Wide area network, such as the Internet.

WAP

Wireless application protocol, used to provide Internet capabilities, such as Web browsing, to "thin" wireless devices, such as mobile phones.

War chalking

The use of chalk markings on a sidewalk to identify Wi-Fi networks.

War driving

Cruising in a car with a Wi-Fi laptop looking for unprotected Wi-Fi networks.

WEP

Wired equivalent privacy, an encryption security standard built into the current versions of Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi

Short for wireless fidelity, is the Wi-Fi Alliance's name for a wireless standard, or protocol, used for wireless networking using the 802.11 standards.

Wi-Fi Alliance

A not-for-profit organization that certifies the interoperability of wireless devices built around the 802.11 standard. See www.wi-fi.org for more information.

Wi-Fi directory

A site on the Internet that provides tools to help you find Wi-Fi hotspots.

Wi-Fi finder

A device that senses the presence of active Wi-Fi networks.

Wi-Fi network provider

A company that provides access, usually for a fee, to multiple Wi-Fi hotspots.

Wi-Fi Protected Access

See [802.11i]

Yagi

See [directional antenna]