Introduction to Wi-Fi hotspots
Wi-Fi access hotspots are places that offer wireless Internet access is available to the public. Examples of places that typically offer this includes cafes, restaurants, airports, train stations, hotels, libraries and schools and universities.
How can public access Wi-Fi networks
Members of the public can access the network to Wi-Fi access point via Wi-Fi enabled devices, including laptops, mobile phones and tablets. This means that people can use their mobile devices to access the Internet while away from home or work place.
How does it really work
Simply put, these hot spots use radio waves to transmit data from the Internet. Wireless routers are used to transfer data with wireless computers. It works the same way as many wireless home or office.
How much does it cost
The cost of using Wi-Fi access point varies from place to place. Some can and do use as a marketing ploy. For example, a cafe has to offer free Wi-Fi in an attempt to lure customers through their doors. Hotels can do the same to encourage visitors to stay with them rather than with competitors. Often, however, there is a fee for access to the network and the cost of this can vary greatly.
The benefits
You can not quite access the Internet from anywhere in the world, but the main advantage is that the use of the Internet is often a relatively easy reach. If you're in the middle of the city, and suddenly you want to send an e-mail or visit the website, you are likely to find anywhere with Wi-Fi access points, such as cafes, where you can do what you need. This can be especially useful for those who have access to the Internet for business purposes on the go. The Internet is becoming more widely used for business, and this means that Wi-Fi access points may be helpful. If someone has a long journey by train, for example, and the train has a Wi-Fi access, they can use this time to connect to the Internet and work. This can turn what might otherwise be unproductive to productive trip.
The disadvantages
The main disadvantage is the possibility for security reasons. Compared with the use of wired networks, it is relatively simple for those who know what they are doing to break the computers that connect to the Internet wirelessly. Many people do not understand security, and therefore do not provide protection against them.