Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, refers to the technology that allows devices to connect to the internet wirelessly using radio waves. It operates based on various standards and protocols such as 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, with the latest being Wi-Fi 6 and 6E. Wi-Fi networks can be set up in different topologies like Mesh, Star, Point-to-Point, and Point-to-Multipoint, using access points, routers, dual-band, and tri-band routers for extended range and coverage. Security measures like WPA, WPA2, WPA3, firewalls, and VPNs are essential for protecting Wi-Fi networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats.