Wi-Fi is a networking technology that allows devices to communicate without wires. This technology has its origins in a 1985 ruling by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission that released several bands of the radio spectrum for unlicensed use. Wi-Fi uses both single-carrier direct-sequence spread spectrum radio technology and multi-carrier orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) radio technology. Many other countries later adopted these FCC regulations, enabling use of this technology worldwide.

In June 1997, IEEE finalized the initial standard for wireless LAN, IEEE 802.11. Wi-Fi enabled devices like PCs and mobile phones can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network. The coverage of interconnected access points can comprise an area as small as a few rooms or as large as a few square kilometers. As for industrial wireless networking applications, customers are always looking for rugged, reliable, weatherproof and waterproof devices that can be used in harsh outdoor environments.

According to VDC Research, the global market for the industrial wireless networking infrastructure products is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.4% from US $299.3 Millions in 2007 to US $928.1 Millions in 2012. In an effort to capitalize on this growing market, Advantech is currently developing a wide range of wireless enabled devices for use in many outdoor industrial applications worldwide.