WiFi Internet Hotspots

WiFi is now a preferred medium of communications. Like any technology, WiFi was born out of a need and a vision.

Who invented WiFi?

WiFi was invented in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands in 1991 by NCR Corporation/AT&T (later on known as Lucent & Agere Systems). It was intended to be used for the company’s cashier systems under the name WaveLAN and with speeds of 1 to 2 Mbps. NCR engineer Victor Hayes and Bell Labs’ Bruce Tuch approached the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and designed the IEEE 802.11 standards. In 1999, six companies--Intersil, 3Com, Nokia, Aironet (since purchased by Cisco), Symbol, and Lucent--got together to create the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA). The technology was eventually given a more consumer-friendly brand called “WiFi.” WiFi is now a trademark of the WiFi Alliance and is the term used as a synonym of IEEE 802.11 technology.

Modern uses of WiFi

Wireless technology is a modern alternative to networks that use cables. A wireless network transmits data by microwave and other radio signals. The most common use is to connect laptop users who travel from location to location. Another common use is for mobile networks that connect via satellite. WiFi devices are installed in most personal computers, desktops, laptops, video game consoles, MP3 players, PDAs (personal digital assistant), mobile phones, printers, and other peripherals. Homes, offices, schools, airports, hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants offer WiFi access to the Internet, which has become a rich source of information and a venue for communication.

WiFi has now become less expensive and more accessible. Most homes and businesses have found the important role that WiFi plays. In fact, it has now become a standard means of communication in the modern world.

Internet surfing and online information exchange through e-mails have necessitated users to have easier and more convenient access. While broadbands allow for such access through a landline connection or through the use of USBs, these still pose an inconvenience and limited accessibility. The wireless network connection to the Internet, the IEEE 802.11 technology or commonly referred to as WiFi, is a preferred alternative. However, despite the advantages that WiFi offers, there are WiFi interferences that result in less than efficient connections.

Possible causes of WiFi interference

Many wireless technologies, other wireless local area networks (LANs), and electric devices cause WiFi interference. As WiFi depends on radio frequency (RF), interfering signals from other RF sources result in poor connection. Each 802.11 station only transmits packets when there is no other station transmitting. If another station happens to be sending a packet, the other stations will wait until the medium is free. In certain cases, even with RF interference, a WiFi station will automatically switch to a lower data rate, resulting in slower wireless applications. Devices that cause WiFi interference are portable phones, cordless phones, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices (e.g., laptops and PDAs), wireless video cameras, outdoor microwave links, wireless game controllers, and fluorescent lights.

Dealing with WiFi interference issues

In order to minimize WiFi interferences, WiFi providers should undertake certain steps. Before installing a WiFi connection, know the other RF sources in the vicinity. Ensure that the area has strong wireless LAN signals. Tune access points to channels that avoid the frequencies of interfering signals. Or, deploy a WiFi connection along the 5 gigahertz band. Whenever possible, disallow or minimize the use of Bluetooth-enabled devices or microwave ovens within the area.

A WiFi user should be ready to accept that WiFi interferences can be experienced. However, the benefits of WiFi far outweighs the problems that come with it.

Many computer users are turning to WiFi because of its obvious benefits, most especially the possibility of moving around your home or office while remaining connected to your network or the Internet. Unfortunately, this ideal situation may turn out to be not so ideal because of the difficulties that are often encountered when going wireless.

Possible problems one might encounter when using WiFi

The advantage of not being tethered to the network comes with a price. One of the common problems with WiFi is the failure to connect due to obstructions and interference. Floors and walls can block the signal and create WiFi dead zones. Other possible glitches could be due to a conflict between the OS and the hardware and security problems from packet sniffers.

WiFi troubleshooting tips

If you are not getting a signal, the solution is to simply transfer to another area or you can move your WiFi antenna. If the problem persists, look for sources of interference, such as alarm systems, cordless phones, and microwave ovens. For OS problems, you will need to make sure that the system is set up to connect to the network. With regard to security, do no forget to apply the WPA patch and use this in combination with address filtering.

In conclusion, many problems may be encountered when using WiFi. However, with a little perseverance and patience, these can be remedied.

No more slow download times or restrictions in space because of the network cables. Now, you can freely move around and connect to the Internet with Wi-Fi technology. With the recent advancement in wireless Internet and continued development, it seems like going wireless is the future.

Wi-Fi for business

Wireless Internet access is offered by many businesses, not only coffee shops. It's proven to be a good marketing strategy for increased sales and popularity. The Wi-Fi service does seem like a magnet for potential customers who are looking for a place to do their web browsing while enjoying, say, a cup of coffee or a piece of cake.

Wi-Fi for people on the go

Laptops have become a basic necessity for business travelers and students. With people moving around everywhere, Wi-Fi seems to be a good solution to staying in touch through e-mails, social networking, and other activity online. The success of wireless Internet can perhaps be compared to the popularity of mobile phones.

Review of wireless Internet trends

Wireless Internet is not only available through laptops and netbooks but even on mobile phones and game consoles. Recent developments focus on providing the same speed you can enjoy from wired Internet service. There are also measures done to improve the security when using wireless networks.

Perhaps by accident, you've gained access to someone else's Wi-Fi network. While you mean no harm, this clearly shows how wi-fi network can be unsecured at times. To avoid intrusion and illegal access to your wi-fi, here are some reminders:

Encryption for your wireless network

Encryption for your wireless network can be your best line of defense. Make sure that the encryption is turned on, whether you're using the Wireless Protected Access or Wireless Encryption Protocol. Use a password that won't easily be cracked or hacked by combining both letters and numbers. Also replace the default network name.

Firewall for your Wi-Fi Internet

Be sure to install a firewall to prevent intruders from getting unauthorized access. Though this cannot fully block illegal access to your network, you need all the extra protection you can get. Consider running software firewalls on each computer on your network.

Other security measures for wireless Internet access

Turn off your wireless card when you're done using the Internet connection. Before you log in to a public hotspot, check first if the network is legit through its name and log in date fields. Don't access important files in unsecured networks.

From coffee shops to other hangout places, Wi-Fi hotspots are part of the marketing ploy. However, there's good and bad side to this. Here are some of them:

Benefits of offering wireless Internet

Laptop users can add to your daily customers by providing them Wi-Fi hotspots and the privacy to do their web surfing. Coffee shops are among the first to reap the benefits of this marketing strategy. With more customers, the business can enjoy increase in sales and popularity. Since the competition is probably offering this perk, why shouldn't you if you want to stay afloat?

Disadvantages of providing Wi-Fi access

Some customers are only interested in the wi-fi hotspot and not the service or business offer. In some coffee shops, for example, customers only buy a cup and simply occupy some space for long hours to do their browsing. If this doesn't convert into higher sales, then the business may lose some of its investment on wi-fi subscription plans, especially when access to wi-fi is offered for free.

Considerations when subscribing to a wi-fi for your business

Aside from wi-fi, make sure that you're offering some good product or service to your customers. Make sure that the place gives them the privacy and comfort they need for web browsing. Check your sales plans and marketing strategies to make sure that the business will benefit from providing wi-fi service, either for free or with a fee.

Through my wifi fanatic brother, I came to love and enjoy the benefits of wireless fidelity or wifi. Before, I can't appreciate wifi because I don't know exactly what it is. But my ever technowizard brother acquainted me with this stuff and every time there's something new in the wifi products department, we avail it. Wifi has been beneficially to me especially in my writing job. Sometimes, I wrote all my articles in a coffee shop and send it via email to my boss. Recently, my brother said that Visiwave site survey has improve it's software by upgrading it. Now, the version 1.5 of Visiwave site survey is very alive and kicking.

Last time, I already avail a Visiwave sitte survey pro version because it enables me to survey and gather data around the LAN site. I've read from reviews that this baby could do data collection and visualization powers you can use to tracj down locations. It lets you experience a wireless LAN surveying with it's beneficial software programs. Basically, this is a surveying gadget that allows you to track down location by manually clicking the floor plan pictures. With visiwave you're like a panopticon which can see everything in your coverage.

Last week, my brother who is an expert player of awesome xbox games insists me to purchase a Visiwave site survey version 1.5. At first, I don't buy this since I have the pro version and I've read from the internet reviews that they're almost the same. But my brother persuaded me to buy this product by explaining it's benefits in layman's terms. He told me that visiwave site survey version 1.5 can actually make me see in full view my network coverage. I can also see some interference in my network and discover some routes for access areas. With these information, I finally agree to buy this product.

I'm really interested in wifi hotspots and wifi technologies. My friends even teased me as a wifi addict. It's a habit of mine to update myself with the latest news in wifi. Recently, I found out at the Emerging WiFi Technologies' website that they released BA24 - 500mW Booster Antenna. I've heard from my other wifi addict pals that it's a good device that enhances the signal and range of your 2.4 GHz ISM band. With this cool feature I would never definitely leave my computer with wifi.

I want to buy the newest baby of Emerging Wifi Technologies, BA24 - 500mW Booster Antenna since I like its features. I also think that I could benefit a lot from using this functional antenna since most of time, I bring my laptop with me during work. Before one of my main concern in wifi is its limited range. But with BA24 - 500mW Booster Antenna, the range and ability of my wifi device will definitely boost. The best thing about this is you can use it in the latest Bluetooth technology, wireless routers and P2P, P2MP, 802.11b, 802.11b+, 802.11g, and 802.11b+g access points.

I admire EWT or Emerging WiFi Technologies, the creator of BA24 - 500mW Booster Antenna because of their innovative ideas. They always invent wifi technologies that they know are functional and multi-tasking. One of the goals of EWT is to create and provide the best and the latest products in the market. As of now, I've heard that Emerging Wifi Technologies is focusing on Wireless fidelity. The people behind these companies are experts and specialists in the field of computer technology and marketing. This is the reason EWT only creates and sells creative and high-performance wifi products.

It's reasonable enough: We pay for cheap broadband access, or we use the internet almost anywhere in the state of New York. Maybe even at Central Park, while feeding the pigeons. At least, this is what I've acquired from the latest Apple Podcast brought to us by no other than Dana Spiegel, a wifi buff like anyone of us, and the high chief of NYC Wireless. Basically, the project will examine the state of broadband in NYC and the possibility of setting up wireless hotspots everywhere.

There had been news of the same endeavors in Santa Clarita, California, but so far, the NYC is the first to break ground. This July alone, there will be meetings held for all the volunteers whose agenda is to follow through a pilot project called Wifi4NY. Led by Andrew Rasiej, the event aims to begin doling out free routers at East Village. People in the neighborhood will be asked about their opinion on this, the technical matters will be tackled, and the group will have to address the number of routers that would be needed to make East Village virtually wireless.

These high-tech volunteers are out to do their jobs for the day. NYC Wireless is non-profit, and most other volunteers would set up wifi hotspots at cafes, day care centers, and restaurants from Brooklyn to Bronx in order to let New Yorkers know how wifi has been changing the way people are doing business and communicating. Is this the end of broadband? At about the same time I'm writing this, elsewhere in the US, a great number of residents are still getting internet access from dial-up. How ironic.

Whenever I'm in the comfort room doing my "business" I always wished that somebody would install a small television so I can relax while dropping my 'bomb' in the toilet. Sometimes, I read all the graffiti on the walls and doors of the comfort room.

JiWire, one of the leading providers for directory in hotspots, has launched it's own Hotspot Advertising Network. This is good because as an online shopper slash wi-fi addict, I really want to see more advertisements of the latest products and services straight from the advertisers. The good thing about Jiwire is that while surfing the hotspots you can still view these advertisements. News has spread that titans of home appliances Toshiba and Sony have joined this network. The advertisements include a simple pop-up and log-in screen ad. I think the reason why Jiwire has also entered networking is because of the potential market in it just like in domain name registration.

Upgrade is an infamous term in the world of cyberspace. Everywhere I go, I can hear systems, programs and software updates. Since everybody's in the mood for improving their services, PanGo Networks won't allow itself to be left behind as it upgrades the PanOS Platform and PanGo Locator to it's latest version 4.0. To people who don't know what this system does, this software can actually track your location and everything that revolves around position and location functions. This is great. It actually reminded me of the first Charlie's Angels movie where the antagonist was able to trace Charlie through a similar system like this.

When I was young, I told my dad that I want to work in Intel. My dad was so shocked that at a young age, my mind was already set to work and I chose a very high-profile company like Intel. But who would not want to work in a company that is a world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products, and initiatives to continuously improve our work and life? Isn't it fulfilling to be able to help the society on how to alleviate its level of technology? What about working with the best in the field of technology, isn't that very rewarding?

Have you heard of the WiMAX or World Interoperability for Microwave Access, Inc? In case you haven't been heard of this acronym, World Interoperability for Microwave Access, Inc. is a network of technologies based on the IEEE 802.16 wireless standards. Today, there are two main types of WiMAX. The first one is known as fixed WiMAX (802.16d-2004). The second is what we call as mobile WiMAX (802.16e-2005). These two types are created to bring broadband wireless services in a very low price.

If you're an Intel subscriber, you should know that WiMAX is a key component of Intel’s broadband wireless strategy. It is the main factor why Intel can deliver innovative mobile platforms for Internet connectivity anytime, anywhere. Since there is a much-needed amount of wireless technology service in our society, Intel employs WiMAX. Through this technology, Intel is able to provide a better mobile wireless broadband Internet experience for its customer as our world goes more wireless today. As of today, Intel is working on other technologies that can better serve the public.

I had my first LinkPlayer ethernet converter set up by a geeky buddy who works for Dell. Not that it has anything to do with how high-tech he is or how long he's been employed, but he has managed to install a fairly working wifi antenna that gives me exclusive WiFi access right at the comfort of my cozy studio apartment. Dennis (my geeky buddy) lives in the next block. Suffice it to say that he's also interested about creating a WiFi hotspot whose source comes from my own room.

It was easy to set up the Linksys WiFi system. We could've chosen other products, of course. He was able to acquire a switching hub that's powerful such as the 1000Base-T. UHDL series helped linked the wired network from the LinkPlayer to the database storage. Funny, because this stuff can be really expensive, especially when it runs on 100/10Base speed. Dennis says though, that you could buy cheap and standard quality if you know how to shop with the right vendor.

Any radio wave can interrupt the reception of WiFi system. If the data that's being transferred hits a wall, I could go all day without a signal, and Dennis' experiment would halt, too. When the downtime happens, I'd have to move elsewhere. One thing that's highly noticeable about this system is that the video frames seem to disappear at downtime. Dennis checks the Linksys router manual. He sets up all over again, this time with a better layout. He has the repeater or the antenna always ready.

If I were to discuss or even bug everyone about WiFi help in the forums, it would always have to be about the topic of security. For one, sometimes it's not cool for me to allow other users to do some snooping on my network, especially back in LA, where the neighborhoods are pretty high-tech enough that there's a geek in every corner ready to snap at your advertised network. There are lots of solutions to this type of dilemma, though, but they have their own pros and cons.