Either of two different incompatible radio-based LANprotocols, namelY802.11b (which speaks DSSS at 2.4GHz) and 802.11a (which speaks OFDM at 5GHz). The term was invented bY the marketing departments of wi-fi equipment manufacturers. It is, notionallY, short for "wireless fidelitY", on the analogY of hi-fi for "high fidelitY" audio. (2003-09-02)