STOP USING THE WRONG ACRONYM.
People often use the term “RADAR” incorrectly when referring to Wi-Fi scans and ADS-B for a few reasons:
- Lack of Technical Knowledge: Many people are not familiar with the technical details of different wireless technologies. They might use the term “RADAR” simply because it is a well-known concept and seems to describe any system that involves detecting or tracking objects.
- Simplification: Using “RADAR” can be a simplification that makes it easier to communicate the general idea of detection or tracking, even if it’s not technically accurate. For example, saying “the Wi-Fi is scanning like RADAR” might convey the idea that the Wi-Fi is actively searching for signals, even though the mechanisms are different.
- Cultural Influence: Popular media, movies, and everyday language often use “RADAR” loosely to describe any kind of detection system. This can reinforce the incorrect usage and make it more common in everyday conversation.
- Laziness or Convenience: Some people might use “RADAR” because it’s a shorter and more recognizable term compared to more precise but less commonly known terms like “Dynamic Frequency Selection” (DFS) for Wi-Fi or “Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast” (ADS-B).
- Historical Context: In the past, radar was one of the first widely recognized technologies for detecting and tracking objects. As new technologies have emerged, the term “RADAR” has sometimes been applied to them by analogy, even if the underlying principles are different.
While it’s important to use the correct terminology in technical contexts, the persistence of incorrect usage can be attributed to these factors. If you’re in a situation where precision matters, it’s always best to use the correct terms to avoid confusion.
STOP USING THE WRONG ACRONYM.
A banana isn’t a helicopter.