I'm learning a bit of how WiFi works under the hood, and have a basic grasp of the general process.
First, you make an internet request. Your computer then sends out a WiFi signal which your router picks up.
The router converts this WiFi signal into a long-range signal. This signal can traverse the length of the Earth.
The router's signal is picked up by the server you made the request to. The server repeats the process to respond back to you.
But I have a question with this procedure (assuming I'm correct with this basic explanation): Because light waves follow the inverse square law, wouldn't the router's initial signal need to be incredibly strong? Otherwise how can it be detectable at incredibly far distances (like the opposite side of the Earth)?
Best Answer
No, the route usually goes via more than one router, and the signal only has to reach the next router in the chain.
They follow the inverse square law when there's nothing to guide them. But most long range data links guide the electromagnetic energy with a cable or optical fiber. The inverse square law doesn't apply.