As 2014 is ending today, this makes it the perfect day to do a recap of the first season of Make Wi-Fi Visible. This series of articles is aimed to explain Wi-Fi concepts using the light analogy.
The first season focused on the major Radio Frequency (a.k.a. RF) properties. Since both Wi-Fi and light are made of electromagnetic waves, the idea was to use light to have a visual idea of what these RF properties are and how they can affect our Wi-Fi networks.
Here is a recap of each episode. Feel free to click on the links provided to read the full episodes. Comments and feedbacks are always welcomed :)!
Episode #1 - Propagation
Propagation is the idea that a radio frequency electromagnetic wave is losing energy as it travels away from its source. Read the full article
Episode #2 - Reflection
Radio frequency reflection occurs when the electromagnetic wave encounters a flat surface and is reflected with a loss of energy. Read the full article
Episode #3 - Refraction
Refraction occurs when a radio wave is moving to a medium having a different density. Read the full article
Episode #4 - Diffraction
Radio waves tend to bend around sharp objects creating a new wave front. This phenomena is called diffraction. This allows the waves to go around an object and still reach a receiver. Read the full article
Episode #5 - Scattering
Scattering happens when the diffusion of the signal is reflected in multiples directions when hitting an uneven surface. Read the full article
Episode #6 - Absorption
Absorption is the fact that a radio wave loses some of its energy going through a medium or an obstacle. Read the full article
As of today, I am happy to announce that season #2 of Make Wi-Fi Visible will be released in 2015! This second series of articles will focus on antennas. Happy new year 2015! Bonne année à tous! Written by François Vergès