If you’ve recently been in an airport, library, shopping centre or local cafe, chances are you’ve been right in the middle of wireless network, often called a WiFi hotspot, without even knowing.

Hotspots are sites offering internet access over a wireless local area network (WLAN), with radio frequencies sending data between computers and devices without the need for a wired connection.

This means when you’re enjoying a coffee or waiting for a flight in an area with a local wireless network, you’re able to go online remotely to check your emails or make sure your plane’s on time.

It all works through the use of a wireless router – a physically wired modem that detects frequencies from laptops or smart phones, relaying the information down the line and to the internet. Most laptops and smart phones have a built in wireless adapter these days, which can automatically sense when you’re in a wireless network.

While some WiFi hotspots require users pay for the service, many locations offer free WiFi to those in the area. (It’s a good way to provide a ‘little something extra’ and encourage them to return.) In this case, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) charges are usually worn by the organisation providing the wireless service, the ‘host’.

It’s important to also keep in mind that download, speed and time restrictions often apply in WiFi hotspots. There’s also the possibility of dropouts, depending on how many people are using the wireless network at the one time.

Offering free WiFi can also prove a valuable marketing tool. Earlier this year the ANZ bank sponsored free WiFi in a number of cafes throughout Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. It encouraged coffee-lovers to go online for free to check emails, browse the web and (of course) go about their online banking.

With laptops and mobile phones getting smaller, faster and smarter – and technology moving in the same direction – people are looking to get online in more places. The beauty of WiFi hotspots is they provide the convenient service people have been asking for, often for free.

Posted by josh.nicholson

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 5th, 2010 at 4:13 pm and is filed under Westnet News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.