Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that makes use of radio waves to provide fast internet speed for users. A Wi-Fi Hotspot is the place where users can gain access to the internet. Wi-Fi hotspots generally use wireless LAN and a single router to provide internet access. They have become very popular destinations for internet users, and they are usually found in coffee shops and hotels all over North America and Europe, as well as other parts of the world.
Devices such as Wi-Fi phones, PDAs, or laptops are typically used to provide fast internet speed from a Wi-Fi Hotspot. The surging popularity of Wi-Fi hotspots has prompted several major internet service providers to jump into the Wi-Fi bandwagon. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Qwest and AT&T have joined hands to offer free internet access to 17,000 Wi-Fi Hotspots around the US. Verizon Communications and Boingo Wireless are also expected to follow suit. Besides American ISPs, the Swedish company Tele 2 has also unveiled its plans to provide its customers with access to 700 Wi-Fi Hotspots throughout the US, and these include a number of McDonald’s outlets.
It is not only the fast connection speed that makes Wi-Fi hotspots so popular; it is also its availability and convenience of use. However, it is known that Wi-Fi Hotspots do not provide a very reliable security, but you can overcome the problem by using a virtual private network (VPN) when you are accessing the net from a Wi-Fi hotspot.