What is a Wi-Fi Hotspot and How Does it Work?

Let’s start with the basics, what exactly is Wi-Fi? It stands for Wireless Fidelity and it is wireless communication technology. Similar to the radio frequencies that use the Kilohertz and Megahertz range (AM and FM), Wi-Fi sends and receives data through the Gigahertz range. It lets you access the internet without needing wires/cables such as ethernet. Once you are able to establish a wireless service and device, you can then have a Wi-Fi hotspot.  

A Wi-Fi hotspot uses a device to provide internet access. As stated above, you cannot have a hotspot without Wi-Fi. Depending on the type of Wi-Fi hotspot that you are using, it can make the internet and downloading speeds much faster. Love to stream? Having a Wi-Fi hotspot can eliminate buffering. Aside from your home, it has become popular for businesses and even some public areas to provide Wi-Fi hotspots for their patrons. Companies such as AT&T and Spectrum, also provide Wi-Fi hotspots for their customers while they are away from their homes

A Wi-Fi hotspot works once a Wi-Fi network and an access point are established. It is very similar to setting up a Wi-Fi network in your home. You need a router or a modem to help transmit Wi-Fi Gigahertz (discussed above) through those devices to allow you to connect to the internet. After a Wi-Fi hotspot is set up, you can use multiple devices to access the hotspots such as computers, mobile devices (laptops, cell/smart phones, iPads, tablets, etc.) and even gaming consoles. If you do not have unlimited data for your smartphone plan, connecting to a Wi-Fi network will help save that data. Now, how can you start accessing them? Below are common types of Wi-Fi hotspots, how they work, and how they differ:

This is one of the most convenient ways to utilize a hotspot. Mainly because most of them are complimentary. You can find Wi-Fi hotspots at restaurants, coffee shops, malls, parks, train stations and airports. Just make sure to always double check whether the Wi-Fi hotspots they are offering are free. Some businesses such as hotels and airlines will offer it for a fee. You might even discover that you can access a personal Wi-Fi hotspot from a stranger who has not set up a password for their network.

The downside to public Wi-Fi hotspots is security (discussed further below) and sometimes data speed. As you do not know how public Wi-Fi hotspots are set up, you might experience slower data speeds. Especially with hotspots that have various users. The more people using the data the slower the hotspot can be. 

If you do not want to rely on finding public and/or free Wi-Fi hotspots, or travel constantly, it will benefit you to look into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. A mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is simply a device with a built-in router that uses cellular data to create a Wi-Fi network for your use. This way you can have Wi-Fi wherever you have your portable device and it can have a range of up to 30 to 40 feet. 

Your smartphone can also very easily become a portable Wi-Fi hotspot and you probably always carry it around with you. Just make sure that you have a plan that allows you to use your data for a hotspot. Once you have confirmed, just turn the feature on and you are all set to go. 

As a reminder, if you don’t want other people to have access to your portable Wi-Fi network, create a password to safeguard it. 

While we’re talking about portable Wi-Fi Hotspots it’s worth mentioning that you can also have a Pre-paid Hotspot. These type of Wi-Fi hotspots work just like pre-paid cell phone plans. You pay for what you use. 

How safe are Wi-Fi hotspots? Now that you know how they work and how to access them, you should learn about their safety. 

It is fairly easy to go to your settings and look for available Wi-Fi hotspots. If you decide to use Wi-Fi hotspots that aren’t private just remember that your data will not be encrypted and thus not protected. Be safe about what kind of web browsing and apps you use. Do not use banking app or shop online. Make sure that you do not input any vulnerable information that you wouldn’t like other people to know. If you are using public Wi-Fi hotspots only use it for e-mail or social media use, you can easily change your passwords for them and can avoid any hacking. 

 As mentioned before, remember that if you invest in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for yourself others can use it if you don’t set up a password. While this isn’t necessarily a security issue for you, if your mobile hotspot plan does not have unlimited data, other users can use it up. Having multiple users on your Wi-Fi hotspot can also slow down your internet. Always try to set up difficult passwords to keep your information safe! 

For more info about Wifi or home internet service, call Cable TV Advisors (866)598-7129