WiFi hotspots are internet access points that allow you to connect to a WiFi network using your computer, smartphone or another device while away from your home or office network.
Many cities, businesses, and other organizations have begun offering WiFi hotspots for public use. These hotspots help people access faster internet connections than what is often available cellular networks.
So, how does a WiFi hotspot work? Are they safe? Get all the information you need below.
How does a WiFi hotspot work?
A public WiFi hotspot works, from the user's end, much like a WiFi network that you might find in your home or office. These hotspots transmit an internet connection using special wireless equipment, to create a WiFi network to which you can connect a tablet, smartphone, computer, or other device.
The range, power, speed, and price of a WiFi hotspot may vary, based on where you are. But the overall idea behind a WiFi hotspot is exactly the same as a home-based WiFi network, and you can connect to and use a WiFi hotspot just like you would use a home WiFi network.
Types of WiFi hotspots
Though WiFi hotspots are largely similar, there are a few different types available, and they have some distinct differences.
Public WiFi hotspots
A public WiFi hotspot is exactly what it sounds like. These hotspots are usually, though not always, free to use. Places like coffee shops, libraries and retail stores may offer a free, public WiFi connection for patrons. In some cities, municipal governments or ISPs may also provide free public WiFi connections in some areas. These are usually free, but in some areas, like hotels and airports, you may have to pay to access a public WiFi hotspot.
Mobile WiFi hotspots
Did you know that you can use your iPhone or many Android smartphones as a WiFi hotspot? By turning on this feature, your phone uses its cellular data to create a WiFi hotspot. You can then connect a computer or other device to this hotspot to access the internet.
You can also buy purpose-built mobile WiFi hotspots, which are designed to turn a cellular data connection into a strong WiFi connection. People who travel a lot for work or who need constant access to a reliable WiFi connection can use one of these devices, which can be purchased from most cell phone companies.
Pre-paid hotspots
Prepaid WiFi hotspots are similar to mobile hotspots, but set limits on how much data you can transmit over the connection. You prepay for a set amount of data, and then when you run out, you can automatically pay for more. This is a good way to get a mobile hotspot without a long-term cellular data subscription.
Are WiFi hotspots safe?
Private WiFi hotspots, such as mobile and prepaid versions, are completely safe. When it comes to public hotspots, however, the security methods used to protect your data can vary widely.
As a rule, it’s recommended that you not do anything over a public WiFi hotspot that could compromise secure personal data, such as checking out on shopping sites (providing payment information), using banking apps, or accessing medical records. For other activities like web browsing, checking email, and using social media, though, public WiFi hotspots tend to be safe.
How to find WiFi hotspots
The easiest way to find WiFi hotspot is to open up your computer or tablet and check your available networks list. In many public areas, you’ll find that there are a lot of open, public WiFi hotspots you can connect to, free of charge. You can also look for WiFi hotspots provided by your own ISP.
How to set up a WiFi hotspot
Wondering how to setup a WiFi hotspot for yourself? The easiest way is to use your Android or iOS smartphone as a mobile hotspot. Read this guide from Google to give it a try on Android, or read this guide from Apple to try it on your iPhone or iPad.
CenturyLink wireless
At CenturyLink, we provide high-quality secure WiFi to commercial and residential customers. To see what internet speeds are available near you, click the link below.
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Communications and Networks
On a ____ all of the computers and devices (nodes) on the network connect to a central device | star |
On a network, the central device that provides a common connection point for nodes on the network is called the ____. | hub |
On a network if one node fails ____. | only that node is affected |
The type of peer-to-peer network, called a ____ network, describes an Internet network on which users connect directly to each other’s hard disks and exchange files over the Internet. | P2P |
On a network a(n) ____ computer controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on the network and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information | host |
On a network, some servers, called ____ servers, perform a specific task and can be placed with other servers to perform multiple tasks | dedicated |
On a network, the ____ are the computers and mobile devices on the network that rely on the server for its resources. | clients |
On a(n) ____ network, one or more computers act as a server and the other computers on the network request services from the server. | client/server |
A ____ is a network that covers a large geographic area, such as a city, country, or the world, using a communications channel that combines many types of media. | metropolitan area network (MAN) |
A ____ network is a network topology in which a cable forms a closed loop, with all computers and devices arranged along it. | ring |
A GPS receiver is a handheld, mountable, or embedded device that contains all of the following except a(n) ____. | Floppy disk |
A ____ device is any type of hardware capable of transmitting data, instructions, and information between a sending device and a receiving device | communications |
A ____ is a device that provides a central point for cables in a network | hub |
A ____ is a coffeehouse or restaurant that provides computers with Internet access to its customers. | cybercafé |
A ____ is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices and transmission media. | network |
A ____ is a communications device that connects multiple computers together and transmits data to its correct destination on a network. | router |
A ____ is a wireless network that provides Internet connections to mobile computers and other devices. | hot spot |
A ____ license is a legal agreement that allows multiple users to access software on a server simultaneously. | network |
A ____ line is a temporary connection that uses one or more analog telephone lines for communications. | dial-up |
A ____ line is a type of always-on connection that is established between two communications devices. | dedicated |
A communications ____ is a transmission media on which data, instructions, or information travel. | channel |
A file server is a dedicated server that ____. | stores and manages files |
A microwave ____ is an earth-based reflective dish that contains the antenna, transceivers, and other equipment necessary for microwave communications. | Station |
A network ____ defines guidelines that specify the way computers access the medium to which they are attached, the type(s) of medium used, the speeds used on different types of networks, and the type(s) of physical cable and/or the wireless technology use | standard |
A network ____ refers to the layout of the computers and devices in a communications network. | topology |
A type of communications device that connects a communications channel to a sending or receiving device is a ____. | modem |
A voice mailbox is a(n) ____ in a voice mail system. | storage location on a hard disk |
A wireless ____ point is a central communications device that allows computers and devices to transfer data wirelessly among themselves or to transfer data wirelessly to a wired network | access point |
A(n) ____ extends the basic home network to include features such as lighting control, thermostat adjustment, and a security system. | intelligent home network |
A(n) ____ is a USB network adapter, ExpressCard module, PC Card, or memory card that enables a computer or devices to access a network. | NIC |
A(n) ____ modem is a digital modem that sends and receives digital data over the cable television (CATV) network. | broadband |
A(n) ____ modem sends and receives data and information to and from a digital line. | digital |
A(n) ____ network is a simple, inexpensive network that typically connects fewer than 10 computers. | peer-to-peer |
Broadcast radio is ____ susceptible to noise than physical transmission media but it provides flexibility and portability | slower and more |
Businesses are the primary users of ____ because this technology provides a means for departments to communicate with each other, suppliers, vendors, and with clients. | web services |
_________________ consists of programs that help users establish a connection to another computer or network, manage the transmission of data, instructions, and information and provide an interface for users to communicate with one another. | communcations software |
Computer ______________describes a process in which two or more computers or devices transfer data, information and instructions | communications |
________ uses a modem that sends digital data and information from a computer to a DSL line | DSL |
Developed by IEEE, ____ is a series of network standards that specifies how two wireless devices communicate over the air with each other. | 802.11 |
____________ cables have all of the following advantages over cables that use wire except lower costs and easier installation and modification | fiber-optic |
For best performance of a communications channel, ____. | bandwidth should be high and latency low |
For hot spots that charge users, per access fees average ____. | $3 |
For smaller business and home networks, a ____ allows multiple computers to share a single high-speed Internet connection such as through a cable modem or DSL modem. | router |
Groupware is a component of a broad concept called ____, which includes network hardware and software that enables group members to communicate, manage projects, schedule meetings, and make group decisions. | workgroup computing |
In many public locations, people connect wirelessly to the Internet through a ____ using their mobile computers or devices. | Hot spot |
Many home users are connecting multiple computers and devices together into a home ____, which saves money and provides many conveniences. | network |
Microwave transmission, often called ____, involves sending signals from one microwave station to another. | fixed wireless |
Physical transmission media used in communications include all of the following except ____. | broadcast radio cable |
Some large areas, such as college or business campuses, are set up as a Wi-Fi ____ network, in which each mesh node routes its data to the next available node until the data reaches its destination – usually an Internet connection. | mesh |
Some services use the term video ____ to refer separately to the capability of sending video clips. | messaging |
Sometimes a company uses a(n) ____, which allows customers or suppliers to access part of its intranet. | extranet |
The amount of data, instructions, and information that can travel over a communications channel sometimes is called the ____. | bandwidth |
The communications device that connects a communications channel to a sending or receiving device such as a computer is a(n) ____. | modem |
The core of a(n) ____ cable consists of dozens or hundreds of thin strands of glass or plastic that use light to transmit signals. | fiber-optic |
The design of computers, devices, and media in a network, sometimes called the ____, is categorized as either client/server or peer-to-peer. | network architecture |
The greatest risk to a bus network is that ____. | failure of one device usually affects the rest of the network |
The term ____ identifies any network based on the 802.11 family of standards. | Wi-Fi |
To make collaboration possible among employees, some companies use a document ____ system, which provides for storage and management of a company’s documents, such as word processing documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. | management |
Two examples of ____ are cable television lines and telephone lines. | communications channels |
Types of wired home networks include all of the following EXCEPT ____. | Wi-Fi |
With ____, users type and send short text messages on a smart phone or mobile device. | SMS |
____ TV is a service that provides television programs over the cellular network. | Mobile |
____ allows users to send graphics, pictures, video clips, and sound files, as well as short text messages to another smart phone or mobile device. | MMS |
____ are radio waves that provide a high-speed signal transmission. | microwaves |
____ cable consists of a single copper wire surrounded by at least three layers: an insulating material, a woven or braided metal, and a plastic outer coating. | coaxial |
____ cable consists of one or more twisted-pair wires bundled together. | twisted-pair |
____ can serve as sending and receiving devices in a communications system. | mainframe computers and servers, desktop computers and notebooks, and smart phones |
____ is a category of cellular transmission that transmitted analog data. | 1G (first generation) |
____ is a conversation that takes place over the Internet using a telephone connected to a computer, mobile device, or telephone adapter. | VoIP |
____ is a network standard that specifies no central computer or device on the network should control when data can be transmitted. | ethernet |
____ is a real-time Internet communications service that allows wireless mobile devices to exchange messages with one or more mobile devices or online users. | wireless instant messaging |
____ is a software application that helps groups of people work together on projects and share information over a network. | groupware |
____ is an electrical disturbance that can degrade communications. | noise |
____ is the time it takes a signal to travel from one location to another on a network. | Latency |
____ media consist of materials or substances capable of carrying one or more signals. | transmission |
____ radio is a form of broadcast radio that is used widely for mobile communications, specifically wireless modems and telephones | cellular |
____ radio is a wireless transmission medium that distributes radio signals through the air over long distances. | broadcast |