WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FREE HOTSPOT ?

Hotspots

What is a hotspot?

A hotspot is a place with a high-speed Internet connection and wireless connectivity provided by one or more active wireless access points. If you are at a hotspot and you have a computer with a compatible wireless adapter, you can join its wireless network and access the Internet. The number of hotspots is large and growing rapidly, allowing wireless connectivity in many airports, hotels, college campuses, public areas, coffee shops, and restaurants.

What do you need to join a hotspot?

You’ll need a wireless-equipped computer or PDA. If you don't have wireless connectivity built into your computer, you will need a wireless PC card or adapter. Most hotspots are compatible with Wireless-G (also called 802.11g) technology, but some use faster Wireless-N.  A Wireless-N Notebook Adapter can access both Wireless-G and Wireless-N hotspots.  Wireless-N enabled computers can also deliver faster speeds and more range when used within a Wireless-N network.

How do you find a hotspot?

Wireless service providers, colleges, airports, hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops publicize their public hotspots.  Many municipalities are beginning to develop broadband networks providing free or fee service throughout the city. You can also go online to find directories and Web sites of public and community hotspots.

How do you join a hotspot?

The login procedure varies. At free hotspots, such as those in restaurants that want to attract more customers, your wireless software will survey the local area for access points, and then log onto the restaurant's access point using the network's SSID, or network name.  At commercial hotspots, before you log in for the first time, you must set up an account.  You may be billed by the day or some other timeframe. Once you have an account, you must log in each time you connect.  There are independent commercial hotspots as well as those affiliated with a wireless Internet service provider (WISP).  WISPs offer accounts that can be used at all affiliated hotspots.  Pricing plans vary. Check their Web sites for more information.

How secure is the hotspot?

Most public hotspots are unsecured.  Private hotspots implement security measures in order to stay closed to the public. Public hotspots simplify login by using few security measures or none at all. If you require a secure connection – if you need to communicate with your company's network, for example –  you should see if the hotspot you're about to join offers Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass-through capability.