There have been several iterations of the Wi-Fi protocol. 802.11n is the most recent. It is backward compatible with all previous versions. Wi-Fi can be built into end user devices like laptops and cell phones. Devices called Wi-Fi Access Points (WAPs) connect Wi-Fi devices to a hardwired network. A Wi-Fi router is a Wi-Fi WAP with a built-in router. It combines the functionality of a network switch, Wi-Fi WAP, and router into one device so that a typical home can get by with one device.
