What are the Three Types of Wifi? The three types of Wi-Fi networks are Open, Personal and Enterprise. Equipment manufacturers require certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance to use these terms for their devices.

Open Public Wi-Fi Networks: These are networks set up in public places like coffee shops, airports, and hotels. They are usually open or require a simple password. Home Wi-Fi Networks: These are private networks usually set up through a single router to provide internet access to a home. Enterprise Wi-Fi Networks: These are networks set up in businesses and organizations that require higher levels of security, often involving multiple access points and advanced encryption methods.

Be Extremely Cautious with Open Networks

Open Wi-Fi networks are commonly found in public spaces like restaurants, airports, and retail stores, offering free internet access to patrons. However, these networks often lack wireless security protocols, exposing users to significant risks. One such risk is the "man-in-the-middle" attack, where an unauthorized individual nearby can intercept your data or even inject malware into your device.

If the network administrator hasn't enabled encryption settings on the router, your data could be transmitted unencrypted, making it vulnerable to interception. To enhance your security, activate a VPN if you have one installed on your device. Refrain from opening apps or logging into sensitive financial or medical accounts while connected to an open network. The same caution applies to their corresponding websites.


If you need to visit a website, ensure that the URL starts with "HTTPS" for a secure connection; if it doesn't, close the site immediately. Turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when they're not in use to minimize risks. Avoid sharing files over a public network. Lastly, if you absolutely must log into a sensitive account, change your password as soon as you're back on a secure, encrypted connection.

You might also like to know: Wi-Fi Bands
2.4 GHz Band: This is the most commonly used Wi-Fi band and offers better range but has lower speed and is more susceptible to interference.
5 GHz Band: Offers faster speeds and is less susceptible to interference but has a shorter range.
6 GHz Band (Wi-Fi 6E): The newest band, offering higher speeds, lower latency, and less interference, but it's not yet widely adopted.
Wi-Fi Standards
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n): Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with speeds up to 600 Mbps.
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Operates in the 5 GHz band and offers speeds up to several gigabits per second.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): The latest standard that operates in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and also supports the new 6 GHz band (Wi-Fi 6E). It offers higher speeds, lower latency, and better handling of multiple devices.