Wireless Internet Connections

Wireless Internet uses the same wireless technology (Wi-Fi ) that is common in most homes and business premises for connecting devices together on small business/home networks.

Wireless (WI-FI) is available on almost all new laptops and PDAs, and if not present it can be added by simply inserting a USB WI-FI adapter or network card.

Computers communicate with each other, and the Internet over Wi-Fi by connecting to a Wireless Access point (WAP).

The area covered by the Access Point is often know as the hotspot. For todays technology the coverage area is :

802.11g standard (most common 2007), range indoors is approx 40 meters. However the range and data throughput varies considerably depending on the surrounding environment.
802.11n not yet standardized but devices will be on the market in 2008, and it offers greater data throughput( 256Mbit/s) and increased range (70m) over the existing 802.11g (54Mbit/s and 40m).

Wireless Hotspots

A hotspot is a location that offers Wireless (Wi-Fi) access. They are found in offices/homes that use Wi-Fi and in public locations like bars, airports and train stations. There are three types of hotspots that you will encounter:

Private Network Hotspot- This is the coverage area of your local wireless network that you normally connect to. See Home Wireless Networks.
Public Free Hotspot- Available for free in public spaces like coffee shops, hotels etc -See Free Wireless Internet for more details.
Commercial Hotspots-Available in public spaces like coffee shops, hotels but require payment; usually via Paypal or credit card, or can be part of your Broadband Package.

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