Free WiFi hot spots are available in public places like coffee shops, restaurants, and libraries. Two types of networks are used: unsecured public networks and closed public networks that require login credentials. Closed networks offer more security and allow owners to limit bandwidth per user. Offering free WiFi can increase revenue for businesses and provide benefits for consumers who can work remotely in a different environment.
WiFi® hot spots are places where access to local wireless Internet networks is available to anyone with a device capable of connecting to the network. Many public places that serve as gathering places for people provide free WiFi® hot spots as a means of attracting more clients or customers. A free WiFi® hot spot can be found in fast food restaurants, local coffee shops and chain stores or even in libraries and public parks.
There are two basic templates that are used to create a free WiFi® hot spot. One approach is to create an unsecured or open public network using a single AP in conjunction with a router. With this model, customers do not need to establish login credentials. As long as your laptop, PDA, or other portable device has an internal or external wireless card, all you need to do is turn on the device, identify an available connection, and initiate a connection.
A second approach to free WiFi® hotspots is to create a closed public network that can only be accessed using your login credentials. This type of WiFi® hotspot offers the advantage of being more secure and allows the owner or sponsor of the service to restrict access to customers. Some restaurants, bars, and coffee shops choose to create this type of network in conjunction with a specific provider, allowing all users who are customers of that provider to use the same login credentials they use to access their home network.
Increasingly, business owners offering free WiFi® hot spots are favoring the closed public network model. There are a couple of benefits to this approach. First, you can limit the amount of bandwidth allocated per user, which helps keep operating costs within budget. In addition, the closed public network offers customers more security than the open public network, minimizing the risk of data theft.
Entrepreneurs often find that setting up free WiFi® hotspots helps drive additional revenue in the form of additional sales. For example, coffee shops often find that people who can bring along a laptop and connect via their WiFi® connection are more likely to settle down and purchase more drinks or any other item offered on the menu. The presence of free Internet access can also motivate the customer to visit hot spots more often, thus building a solid and profitable customer base.
Consumers also enjoy a number of benefits by frequenting free WiFi® hot spots. University students or professionals on the go can continue to manage essential tasks while enjoying a different environment. People who work from home can enjoy a quick change of scenery and fresh air while managing their daily tasks in an outdoor café via free WiFi® connection.
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