Wicked Wi-Fi Hot Zone Network

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is a way to Internet access. The term Wi-Fi is a play upon the decades-old term Hi-Fi that describes the type of output generated by quality musical hardware. Wi-Fi stands for wireless fidelity and is used to define any of the wireless technology in the IEEE 802.11 specification - including (but not necessarily limited to) the wireless protocols 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. The Wi-Fi Alliance is the body responsible for promoting the term and the technology associated with it.

What is a Wi-Fi Hot Spot?

A Wi-Fi Hot Spot is defined as any location such as a restaurant or motel room in which 802.11b/g wireless technology both exists and is available for public usage. In some cases the wireless access is free and in others wireless carriers charge for Wi-Fi usage. Watch for door signs and stickers announcing Wi-Fi Access Available

How Can I Use Wi-Fi?

You must be using a laptop computer or PDA that has Wi-Fi connectivity already installed. Most portable computers can add Wi-Fi capability via a Wi-Fi certified wireless adapter that plugs into a PC card slot or USB port. Newer portable devices are now coming with integrated wireless adapters that do not require additional hardware to connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Will I need to have an account with a Wi-Fi service provider to connect?

Generally, no. You are most often able to sign up with the provider at the location. Many providers will display instructions when your web browser opens on a Wi-Fi enabled computer. If you don't have an account, simply follow the instructions to create an account. Once that process is completed, you should be able to surf the web as usual.

Is Wi-Fi the same as Bluetooth?

No. While both are wireless technology terms, Bluetooth technology comes from the IEEE 802.15 standard, while Wi-Fi comes from the IEEE 802.11 standard. This means that Wi-Fi is not compatible with Bluetooth. Wi-Fi boasts faster data transfer speeds and farther range, while Bluetooth is designed for short range, low throughput transmissions. Bluetooth is commonly installed on PDAs for transferring relatively small amounts of information from a computer to a PDA or from one PDA to another.