Wireless Internet - Hot Spots and Hot Zones

Wireless Internet connections are made through an access point (a piece of equipment that connects directly to the Internet and allows wireless cards to access them). Most home wireless access points have a range of about 60 meters. Commercial "hot spots" are access points set up in popular locations (hotels, airports and the like) and have varying ranges.

To get wireless Internet access on your computer you need to be within range of an access point. Once you are in range of a hot spot (and provided you have a Wi-Fi card in your laptop or computer) you can find the available networks via your XP Control Panel. Once you select the network to connect with you will probably have to enter the network security I.D., unless it is an open network where you can connect without any restriction.

Wi-Fi hot spots are starting to morph into Wi-Fi hot zones as local governments around the country adapt the technology to provide broadband service for mobile police and fire units, as well as wireless public Internet access over wide areas. Hot zones can now offer access in areas ranging from downtown cores to networks that blanket hundreds of square miles in a city or county.

So whether you want to check your e-mail, send work to your employer or simply surf the Internet, this new technology is designed to give you and your laptop (or hand-held device) fast connectivity.