When and why does it make sense to use Wi-Fi? First and foremost, Wi-Fi allows devices to connect to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks, all in a fast and secure way. It is the most widely used method of connecting computers to the Internet. Wi-Fi can be thought of as a wireless Ethernet because it provides performance that is similar to a wired connection like Ethernet. A key value of Wi-Fi is the high data rates that can be achieved, around 72 Mbps raw. Do to its advantages, Wi-Fi has become increasingly popular and widespread with over 2.5 billion units in the market and a projected 1 billion units to be release in 2011 alone.