What Is a Wi-Fi Module?
Wi-Fi module is a component that consolidates all necessary parts for wireless LAN communication in accordance with Wi-Fi standards onto a single circuit board. It’s essential for enabling wireless communication between electronic devices.
To communicate effectively using wireless technology, devices must adhere to specific communication standards. The Wi-Fi standard, defined under IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 specifications, is a standard for wireless LAN that facilitates high-speed wireless communication within a range of tens of meters.
Wi-Fi module includes all necessary components for Wi-Fi communication, such as wireless chips, antennas, peripherals, and software, integrated onto a single board. Incorporating a Wi-Fi module into electronic device development allows for efficient and rapid establishment of Wi-Fi communication capabilities.
Applications of Wi-Fi Modules
Wi-Fi modules are widely used in electronic devices that connect to Wi-Fi LANs.
As the standard for wireless LAN, Wi-Fi requires a wireless router to connect to the internet and manage communication within the LAN. Routers can be stationary, connected via a cable to the external network, or mobile routers that connect to a Wide Area Network (WAN) provided by mobile phone companies. Both types of routers use Wi-Fi modules for LAN-side communication.
Electronic devices that connect to the internet via wireless routers include computers, gaming consoles, TVs, and other internet-enabled home appliances, all incorporating Wi-Fi modules.
With the advancement of IoT (Internet of Things), various devices in factories, buildings, and commercial facilities are increasingly communicating with external entities via networks. Wi-Fi, being suitable for high-speed and high-capacity communication compared to other wireless technologies like Bluetooth, is increasingly integrated into IoT devices, especially those transmitting large amounts of data like video.
Most smartphones have the capability to connect to wireless routers. Some have integrated Wi-Fi modules, while others have Wi-Fi functionalities combined with the main communication module.
Principles of Wi-Fi Modules
Wi-Fi module is an electronic component that mounts wireless chips (semiconductors, LSIs), and peripheral circuits on a small circuit board, equipped with communication software. Simply integrating a Wi-Fi module with an antenna and connection terminals in an electronic device enables Wi-Fi communication.
Developing Wi-Fi-capable electronic devices with off-the-shelf Wi-Fi modules can significantly reduce development time compared to creating Wi-Fi chips and software for each device.
As technology advances, the demands for miniaturization and power efficiency in electronic devices have intensified. Sourcing Wi-Fi modules from external manufacturers allows electronics companies to allocate resources to other aspects of development. Module manufacturers continually research and develop smaller, more efficient modules, optimizing development resources for both parties.
Wi-Fi standards, introduced in the late 1990s, have undergone several revisions, leading to increased communication speeds. As of November 2023, there are six standards based on IEEE 802.11: IEEE 802.11a (Wi-Fi2), IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.11g (Wi-Fi3), IEEE 802.11n (Wi-Fi4), IEEE 802.11ac (Wi-Fi5), and IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi6). Communication speeds have increased from 54Mbps in IEEE 802.11a to 9.6Gbps in IEEE 802.11ax. The frequency bands used have expanded from the 2.4GHz band to include the 5GHz band.
Devices operating in the same frequency band can communicate, even if they follow different standards, by matching the slower speed. However, devices using different frequency bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) cannot communicate with each other.
Choosing a Wi-Fi Module
When selecting a Wi-Fi module, choose a frequency band suitable for the environment. The 2.4GHz band has longer reach and better obstacle penetration than the 5GHz band, which offers faster communication speeds. However, with the widespread use of Wi-Fi, communication speeds can vary depending on location and time.
Some modules come with development environments, while others do not, affecting the amount of development work needed.
In some cases, other communication modules may be more suitable than Wi-Fi modules. Technologies like Bluetooth, Zigbee, and NFC have shorter ranges and slower speeds but offer advantages in terms of size, power consumption, and cost. Their limited range can also be beneficial for security.
Choose the most suitable communication module based on application requirements, considering communication distance, speed, power consumption, and security.