Wireless Fidelity. Popular name for IEEE 802.11 protocol for wireless local area networks (wireless LANs). It allows data transfer rates of 11 to 54 megabits per second (Mb/sec). In comparison, standard Ethernet provides maximum data speed of 10 Mb/sec via cables. Wi-Fi operates in the 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) radio band the same frequency used by most cell phones and microwave ovens over 11 channels. See also Bluetooth.