When wireless mobile devices first came out, there were some real problems with the reliability of the connections that people experienced, particularly when devices that were made by different companies were attempting to "talk" to each other. To address this issue, the Wi Fi Alliance came to be and they were able to create industry standards that all manufacturers now adhere to, which have solved these problems. Because of these standards, people are now able to use any of the abundant Wi Fi hotspots around the country and around the globe, to easily access the internet wirelessly.
A device that is Wi Fi enabled, such as a personal computer, a laptop, a gaming console, a cell phone, an MP3 player or a personal digital assistant (PDA), are all capable of connecting to the internet, or to another wireless mobile device, when it is within range of a wireless network that is connected to the internet, or within range of the other wireless device. The wireless access points that provide the Wi Fi internet connectivity are called Wi Fi hotspots.
The Wi Fi hotspots might be made up of a network encompassing an area as small as a single room or as large as many square miles. Typically, the small hotspots, such as you might find in your favorite coffee shop, will have just one or two access points. The larger hotspot networks will be covered by a series of overlapping access points.
The technology behind all Wi Fi wireless networks allow for wireless security networks to be established in homes or offices. These are generally closed, or restricted networks, and can only be accessed through the use of usernames and passwords. But, in addition to the restricted implementation in home and office settings, Wi Fi internet networks can provide public access to the internet through Wi Fi hotspots. The hotspot connections are provided either free of charge, as a service to customers of a business or to citizens of a municipality, or to subscribers who must pay for access to the Wi Fi connection.
Many large organizations and businesses, such as major airports, convention facilities, libraries, hotels and restaurants, often provide the free WiFi hotspots in order to attract new customers or to provide patrons with expected services. Some large cities have even experimented with providing completely free, high-speed wireless access to the core area of the metropolitan area, in order to give urban residents and small businesses an added benefit of being in the central part of the city.
In most cases, travelers who stay at even moderately priced hotels will be able to enjoy wireless Wi Fi hotspots that are provided for guests. Some hotels have rather limited access and the guest must go to the lobby or business center to access the wireless network; however, an increasing number of hotels, especially those that cater to the business traveler, are making sure that their guests can connect to the internet, regardless of whether they are in their room, lounging pool-side or eating breakfast in the cafe.
It is expected that in the not too distant future, there will be many more types of electronic devices available that will also utilize access to the internet to provide added functionality. There will certainly also be an increasing number of Wi Fi hotspots that will be installed to help meet the additional demand.
