Wi-Fi Alliance

In wireless computer networking, Wi-Fi refers to a family of interacting specifications (the IEEE 802.11 group) which specify methods and techniques of wireless network operation. Because the IEEE has no provision for testing equipment for compliance with its standards, several manufacturers formed the Wi-Fi Alliance (originally the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance) to perform and certify such testing, and to promote the technology. Most producers of 802.11 equipment are members.

The Alliance controls the Wi-FI Certified logo which is permitted only on compliant equipment. Purchasers relying on that trademark will have greater chances of interoperation than otherwise. But, since the standards involve not only radio and data format interoperability, but security protocols, and since there have been several releases and versions in both categories, interoperability is still not trivially achieved.

External links

• the Wi-Fi Alliance