Wireless Internet access is a LAN operated by radio waves from a central hub. It is convenient and inexpensive, with WPA2 encryption for security. Public hot spots are popular, but signal range is limited. The technology is constantly improving, and careful setup is necessary.
Wireless Internet access, sometimes referred to as a “hot spot” when publicly available, is a local area network (LAN) operated by radio waves rather than wires. It is transmitted from a central hub, which is a wired device that actually carries the internet connection. The hub, located in the main computer system or server, broadcasts Internet connectivity to clients, which includes virtually anyone within range who has a wireless LAN card and a password for the network, if secured.
In the home, a desktop system configured for wireless Internet access will broadcast connectivity throughout the surrounding area. Any family member with a laptop or desktop in another room can wirelessly connect to the Internet to share the primary connection. Neighbors may also be able to access this wireless connection, which is why most wireless LANs are set up with password protection. In this case, any machine wishing to connect wirelessly must first complete a “handshake” with the LAN, asking for the password. If the correct password is not provided, access will be denied. Security protocols are enhanced with Wi Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) options.
While wireless Internet access is very convenient at home, it can be even more so in the workplace. A wired network can not only be time consuming to install in a building, but it is also very expensive. You may need to route the Ethernet cables used to connect client computers through walls, ceilings, and floors. In the past, this disadvantage was sometimes overlooked due to the benefits of increased security and faster data transfer speeds over these cables.
However, these benefits have been largely mitigated. Wireless LANs can be set up in just a few minutes by almost anyone, are extremely inexpensive, and can have data transfer speeds that rival wired Ethernet LANs. Additionally, WPA2 encrypts all traffic on the LAN, addressing the problem of eavesdropping.
One of the most popular applications for wireless Internet access is the public hot spot. Internet cafés are an example of places where you can sit with a laptop and sip coffee while you browse the Internet, check your email, or do research. Mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) equipped with web browsers can also use these access points via public hot spots.
Some locations provide free wireless Internet for residents and visitors. Because wireless LANs use distorting radio waves over long distances, the signal range is limited, and the further away from the hub, the weaker the signal. Cities that provide access, therefore, will typically cover a specific area within the city where people can park to gain access.
Wireless LAN technology is constantly improving. When designing a new wireless network, the person setting it up should make sure that they obtain network adapters, a hub, and a wireless modem that support the latest protocols and security measures. The instructions must be followed carefully when setting up the wireless network.
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