| A hotspot is any public area where computers that have been fitted with
wireless network technology can gain access to the Internet. The computer
accomplishes this by contacting a nearby wireless network with its
internal NIC (Network Interface Card). The NIC seeks out the radio waves
generated by wireless networks. When it detects a signal strong enough, it
asks permission to log on to the network. Though this access is often
free, other times the wireless network requires registration and a small
fee before it will grant the computer access.
Many cafés now feature a wireless network environment or hotspot, so
that customers can sit leisurely, sip coffee and work on their laptops
with full Internet access. Establishments that offer hotspots are referred
to as being wired, somewhat of a misnomer since the technology is
wireless.
A network that generates a hotspot basically consists of a wireless
router and modem. The RF, or radio frequency, waves used by a wireless
network extend in all directions from the central location of these
devices, before finally weakening through interference and lack of signal
strength. If a computer is inside the 'shroud' of RF waves, it will have
the capability to connect to the network. This area is the hotspot. As the
computer moves further away from the router and modem devices, the
connection will become weaker and slower. The quality of the connection
deteriorates rapidly at the boundary. The computer will lose access
completely if it leaves the hotspot.
A hotspot might not be specifically generated for public use. All
wireless networks generate RF waves and hotspots. A hotspot can be
available outside of a commercial building, for example. In this case, the
wireless network is not specifically set up to service public clients, so
access will be free. The user is more or less hitchhiking to the Internet.
However, a firewall installed in the router may prevent unauthorized
access of the hotspot by requesting a username and password before
granting access to the Internet.
Many cities such as Hermosa Beach, California, have installed wireless
networks for their citizenry and visitors by creating a large, free
hotspot that covers a specific area of the city. People can park in such
areas and use laptops to do online business, collect or send email, or hop
on to a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Gaining access to the Internet from
a vehicle can be extremely handy. When traveling, one can pull over to
look up directions or phone numbers, or to get traffic or flight
information, among countless other uses.
Most NICs make it quite easy to find a hotspot. They feature a
configuration screen that scans automatically for networks in the area. By
glancing at the graphic bars that indicate signal strength, one can head
in the direction of greater strength.
Wireless technology is very affordable and convenient. Current laptops
come with NICs preinstalled. Older laptops can be fitted with external
NICs that slide into one of the PCMCIA slots. In just minutes you can be
tracking down a hotspot on the fly, or surfing the Internet while enjoying
a hot cup of java at the local wired café.
Conference Calls
Cheap long distance calls Wifi
Network High Speed Internet
Integra 9500 - integra 9500 from the barcode specialists at barcode america.
Top
|
