Final answer:
A university that offers wireless Internet access in classrooms operates a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), also known as Wi-Fi. This technology uses microwaves to facilitate wireless connectivity between devices and the internet through a router, contributing to the global trend of increased technology access in education and narrowing the digital divide.
Step-by-step explanation:
A university offering wireless Internet access in classrooms is operating a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), commonly known as Wi-Fi. These networks utilize microwave communication technology to transmit data between devices and a wireless router. The router is connected to the internet through a wired connection, and it communicates wirelessly using microwaves in the 2.4 GHz to 5.0 GHz frequency range. This technology allows devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets to access the internet without physical cables. Wi-Fi is built on standards that ensure compatibility across different manufacturers, allowing seamless connectivity for students in educational environments.
Educational institutions like universities leverage such networks not only for student convenience but also as a part of their technological infrastructure to support learning. This reflects the trend of integrating modern technologies such as solar-power and Wi-Fi, which have notably enabled educational pursuits globally, even in remote areas without traditional electricity infrastructures. The university network is an example of how technology access, previously restricted by socio-economic factors, is now more widely available across various communities, thereby bridging the digital divide.