How do Wi-Fi signals transmit data through the air?

Wi-Fi signals send messages through the air by using invisible waves that bounce between devices like a game of catch.

Imagine you and your friend are playing catch in the park. Every time you throw the ball, it carries a message from you to your friend, like saying “I want to play tag next!” That’s how Wi-Fi works: instead of a ball, Wi-Fi uses invisible waves that carry messages between your phone or laptop and the router.

These waves are kind of like radio waves. When your router sends out a message, it makes these waves travel through the air. Your device, like your tablet or smartwatch, listens for those waves and catches them, just like you catch the ball. Then it knows what message came from the router.

If there’s something in the way, like a wall or a big tree, the waves might get a little weaker, but they still make it through, just like a soft throw can still reach your friend even if the wind is blowing.