Wi-Fi Hotspots Introduction

Wi-Fi hotspots are wireless Local Area Network (LAN) locations that provide broadband Internet access and Virtual Private Network (VPN) access from a location. One or more access points can cover a single hotspot location. It enables customers at a hotspot to use their wireless-enabled laptop, PDA (personal digital assistant) or cell phones to access the Internet with a secure connection. While the costs of portable devices continue to decline, the popularity of Wi-Fi technology and the acceptance of Wi-Fi in the marketplace continue to increase.

The size of hotspots can range from a single room to many square miles of overlapping hotspots. Hotspots are often located at restaurants, train stations, airports, libraries, coffee shops, bookstores, and other public places. Today, many universities and schools have wireless networks deployed on their campus.

Brief History of Hotspots

The concept of Wi-Fi hotspots was first proposed by Brett Stewart at the Net World/InterOp conference in the San Francisco Moscone Center in August 1993. Stewart, instead of using the term ‘hotspot’, referred to them as public accessible wireless LANs. The term “Hotspot” was first introduced by Nokia in 1998.

Overview of Commercial Hotspots

Commercial hotspots are now deployed in places such as Internet cafes, coffee houses (commonly called Wi-Fi-cafés), hotels, and airports around the world. These business establishments may charge the customers for the service, but some hotels provide the service for free to guests as an added amenity.