Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that enables data transmission between devices using radio waves, most commonly in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz bands and more recently also 6 GHz. Wi-Fi is used both for internet access and for direct communication between devices without the need for cables. It is therefore a key wireless technology widely used in both civilian and military sectors. In airsoft, Wi-Fi enables modern weapon electronics management, fast tuning of HPA unit performance, and convenient diagnostics, significantly expanding player capabilities.

Wi-Fi network distribution diagram

When was Wi-Fi created and what came before it?

The foundations of Wi-Fi technology date back to the 1990s. The first standard was officially approved in 1997 by the IEEE organization as 802.11. The predecessors of Wi-Fi were various experimental wireless data transmissions in radio frequency bands, mainly used in military and industrial research. The widespread adoption of Wi-Fi among general users began around 1999, when the Wi-Fi Alliance was established and started certifying compatible devices.

What does the term Wi-Fi mean?

Wi-Fi is not an official technical abbreviation. The name was created as a marketing term inspired by Hi-Fi (High Fidelity). It is often mistakenly interpreted as Wireless Fidelity, but this is not official.

How does Wi-Fi work?

Access point (AP / router): Broadcasts the wireless signal.
Client devices: Phones, tablets, computers, or other modules receive the signal.
Packet transmission: Data is divided into small packets and sent wirelessly.
Encryption: Communication is protected using protocols such as WPA2 and WPA3.

Use of Wi-Fi in military technology:

Tactical networks: Connecting vehicles, drones, command posts, and sensors.
Video transmission: Wireless video transfer from drones, cameras, and optical systems.
Digital battlefield: Sharing unit positions, maps, and data in real time.
Training simulators: Networking shooting simulators and training systems.

Use of Wi-Fi in airsoft:

In airsoft, Wi-Fi is mainly used with electronic weapon control units and game-related applications.

ETU / MOSFET configuration: Connecting the weapon to a mobile app via Wi-Fi or a Wi-Fi module.
GATE (TITAN, ASTER): Enables configuration of firing modes, trigger sensitivity, active braking, rate of fire, and diagnostics.
JeffTron (Leviathan, Scylla): Wireless configuration of functions and weapon status monitoring.
Game systems: Linking chronographs, hit sensors, or smart vests.

Advantages of Wi-Fi in airsoft:

Wireless configuration: No cable required.
Fast setup: Settings can be changed within seconds.
Real-time diagnostics: Battery, motor, trigger, and sensor status.
Convenience: Everything is controlled from a smartphone.

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi:

Higher power consumption: Compared to a cable or simple Bluetooth.
Potential interference: In environments with many networks.
Security: Requires proper configuration and protection.