One of the best ways to connect to the internet anywhere in the world is WiFi. S hort for “Wireless Fidelity,” WiFi provides a convenient way of providing high-speed wireless internet and connectivity using radio waves.
Today, there are over 10 billion WiFi devices out there, and this is anything from your smartphone, laptop, smartwatch, printer, car, washing machine, fridge and just about any conceivable electronic you use everyday.
Brief history of WiFi Standards
WiFi has evolved since it was first released in 1997 as IEEE 802.11a protocol starting at humble speeds of only 2 Mbps. But it was 802.11b released two years later in 1999 with 11 Mbit/s wireless link speeds that made WiFi really popular. Today WiFi has matured having gone through 6 revisions, the latest standard WiFi6(802.11ax) capable of up to 14 Gbps maximum theoretical speeds.
WiFi versions and Naming
Beyond improved speeds, the WiFi Alliance , the body that oversees the development of the wireless network standard also shifted the naming conversion of WiFi standards from abstract letters 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax to numeric ones such as WiFi 1/2/3/4/5/6 . The bigger numbers signal improved version of the protocol. The latter convention is less confusing and quite straight-forward for less techie audiences.
Newer devices such as the latest iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S10 are supporting WiFi 6, the latest standard and a lot more devices are expected to roll out soon with WiFi 6 support.
Telling WiFi Version on your device
It’s likely that you’ll of-course want to have the latest WiFi version on your device but theoretically new is better, right? Question is, how do you tell the version supported on your device or the one you wish to buy? Well, turns out it’s not that complicated. Windows 10 provides an easy way of telling the version through device manager .
Whereas you can tell the version of WiFi for Android and iOS devices by simply consulting the Specs sheet of your phone model from popular phone spec sites like GSMArena.
Supported WiFi versions for iPhone 6 | GSMArena.com
- How to tell the WiFi version your Windows 10 PC supports
- How to tell the WiFi version your Smartphone supports (iOS and Android)
WiFi bands and Channels
WiFi 802.11 specifically three major unlicensed frequency bands; 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 60GHz. The lower bands mean longer range, but slower speeds while the higher ones means faster speeds but lower range. For instance 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi will support up to 450 Mbps or 600 Mbps at 150 feet (46 m) indoors while 5GHz can transfer data at 1,300 Mbps at range of only 10–15 feet or 3 to about 4.5 meters .
Most routers today are mostly dual-band devices meaning they support both 2.4 and 5GHz bands while the exotic ones are tri-band adding the 60GHz band. To avoid interference from Bluetooth devices, Microwaves for instance, you want to use the 5GHz band as these devices operate in the 2.4GHz. You can also consider using different channels. Adjacent channels tend to interfere with each other. If your neighbor is for instance using channel 1, then you are better off using say channel 3.
- 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz: Which Wi-Fi band should you use?
- Understanding Single-Band, Dual-Band, and Tri-Band Wi-Fi Routers. Which one should you buy?
- What are WiFi channels and how can they speed up your wireless connection
WiFi Security
WiFi has been prone to numerous security vulnerabilities over the years. But the standard has kept one step ahead of the hackers with each revision of the security protocol.
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is by far the most common and widely adapted WiFi security version. WPA3, the latest version was launched in January 2018 provides simpler authentication for Wi-Fi devices with limited or no display interface and beefed up encryption.
It’s common to forget the WiFi password of your router or Mifi. Fortunately It’s easy do reset it . If you have neighbors that want to freeload on your WiFi, you can always hide your network SSID/Name from them. Before you do, you can first see who’s connected to your network . The best thing to do for visiting friends and family and maybe neighbors is to s etup a guest network for them. This restricts them to only internet access access on your network.
Here’s timeline of WiFi security standards
WEP: Original IEEE 802.11 standard ratified in 1999
WPA: draft IEEE 802.11 standard available since 2003
WPA2: full IEEE 802.11i standard available in 2004
WPA3: Available in January 2018
WEP, WPA2 & WPA3: A brief guide to WiFi security
5 security risks of using public Wi-Fi
How to check password of WiFi networks on your (Android) Smartphone
How to hide your WiFi SSID/name and stop your neighbors from snooping on you
Understanding the WPS button on your Router/MiFi
How to block someone on your WiFi network without changing the password
Home and public WiFi
Home WiFi has been growing in popularity as each of your appliances talk to each other and connect to the internet. Most people have come to know WiFi primarily as a means for internet access. But this is a misunderstanding . There are several other things you can with wireless WiFi network including setting up home media server, sharing files, gaming and controlling your computer remotely.
- Lets get this straight, WiFi is NOT the same as internet
- 5 things you can do with WiFi without internet access
- Use Free WiFi at Entebbe airport while you wait for your flight
You can also use WiFi in public places such as restaurants, airports, university campuses, train stations, hotels etc. It’s usually provided as a Free service or cheaply for commercial reasons. But this WiFi is notoriously known to be very unreliable almost anywhere in the world. And not just that, public WiFi tends to be hugely insecure and should be approached with caution.
- Public WiFi hotspots in Kampala just do not work and we have no idea why
- Public WiFi 102: Staying Safe on Public networks
WiFi routers
To access WiFi, not only does your device need to support it, you should connect to a WiFi network. WiFi routers create a wireless WiFi network that other WiFi devices connect to either to share media or access the internet.
The task of choosing the best WiFi router that serves your needs can be a daunting challenge. Generally for casual users, if you get WiFi 5(802.11ac) router today, you are good. But power users and hardcore Gamers can aim for more speedy and high-performance 802.11ac/ax routers. If you have a large house with probably two floors, Mesh WiFi home system is your best bet.
You can also get yourself a 4G LTE WiFi router. As the name suggests, these devices connect to your mobile network’s 4G LTE network usually through a Simcard and then share the data plan with other devices through WiFi. The only difference between these and mainstream WiFi routers is that they have a simcard. The portable battery-powered MiFi is a common example although there are bigger 4G LTE socker-powered routers .
- How to Interpret WiFi Router Brand Names
- Beginner’s guide to Home Mesh WiFi Router Systems
- Top 5 Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) Router brands and their products
- MiFi and WiFi, here’s a very simple way of telling the difference
- Getting started with WiFi range extenders, Repeaters and boosters
- Best Two-in-One 4G LTE Modem + WiFi Routers right now
Common WiFi problems and how to fix them
WiFi can sometimes be dodgy when you need it the most. The problem with your WiFi internet isn’t complicated to diagnose. It could be that your data plan has expired or Maybe your provider is having an outage, or that it’s simply slow. It’s always good to perform a speed test of your internet connection just to make sure you are getting value for money.
- 7 Most common reasons why your internet is not working
- How to test your Internet speeds
WiFi vs the alternatives
WiFi isn’t the only wireless network technology available to us. It has serious contenders that provide similar convenience and speeds to networked devices. The most obvious alternative to WiFi today is the mobile telephony standard 4G LTE which is becoming widespread across the globe.
Now with 5G on the horizon, the future of WiFi arguably seems to hang in the balance.
- The difference between Wi-Fi and LTE
- The difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- What is WiFi Direct and how is it different from Bluetooth
- Will 5G replace WiFi?
So there you have it, the updated guide to WiFi. We shall keep updating this post with new content we create about WiFi technologies. So better bookmark this page to never miss out on new stuff.
Image: Pixabay
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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