How does a Wi-Fi router actually send data wirelessly?

A Wi-Fi router converts digital data into radio waves, typically operating at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies. It does this through a process called modulation, where the data is encoded onto a carrier radio wave by varying the wave's properties. The router's antenna then broadcasts these waves in all directions, or in more modern routers, focuses them toward specific devices using beamforming. Your device's wireless adapter receives these radio waves and demodulates them, converting the signal back into digital data. The process works both ways simultaneously, with your device sending radio waves back to the router. The communication is coordinated using protocols like 802.11, which manage timing and prevent devices from transmitting at the same time and causing interference.