WiFi Internet Hotspots

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.

By configuring your router to allow only access to few users, you can acquire a little bit of security, but not enough, since your own AP is still open for snoops if one of your PCs are turned off. A lot of WiFi users do away with MAC filtering, since AP won't be able to connect on a non-listed address. A great alternative is the WEP, but it takes longer to crack the encryption code if it's 64bit and not 128. Another way is to use encrypted tunnels on your wireless links - but there's a caveat to this, as it can halt your network to a slower data transfer time.

You'd be lucky to use WiFi on a rather low-tech neighborhood, as folks around you won't have the tech savvy to sniff your network data or take advantage of your WiFi access. Some WiFi users secure their networks by preventing it to get advertised, and sure this is one of the best ways. It's still very experimental though, and quite difficult to configure. The best way to find WiFi help over security is to check out the forums each time, in case someone has a particularly bright idea.

Wireless technology has invaded the hotel industry. A lot of hotels today use Wi-Fi technology to better serve their customers. One of the hotels that uses this technology is the Kimpton Hotels. According to Hotelchatter, Kimpton Hotels top the survey as the undisputed WiFi hotel king. Their brand improved their legendary free wireless internet connection service in the past years. Now, they extend their fast and reliable service to the rooms upstairs. At most Kimpton hotels, any guest can just set his laptop in bed and enjoy the service. Hotelchatter also mentioned that most of the hotel advertise this, but only Kimpton Hotels have actually lived up to the promise.

Actually, the hotels do not depend on their lobby WiFi connection. They have two separate WiFi networks , one for the lobby and the second one for the guest rooms. These networks are accessible by clicking on a standard terms and conditions. During the Hotelchatter visit in the hotel, there were hotel staff who asked them if they are getting a good and reliable signal in the lobby as well as in their room. When Hotelchatter checked it, they were having a fine signal from the two areas. This explains why Kimpton hotels appeal very much to the businessmen, travelers, and globe -trotting bloggers. Meanwhile, the famous Hilton Hotels have also improved its WiFi service according to the survey.

Wireless technology is very in demand in society today. There are a number of commercial wireless fidelity services in places like restaurants, coffee shops, and airports around the world. These different hotspots include Ozone and OzoneParis in France and Belgium, T-Mobile, Starbucks in the US and UK, Pacific Century CyberWorks in Hongkong, Vex in Brazil, Netstop in New Zealand, and Globequest in the Philippines. Canada has FatPort as its oldest independent Wi-Fi HotSpot operator with coverage from coast to coast. On the other hand, BT Openzone provides many hotspots across the United Kingdom, notably in most McDonalds restaurants.

Also, WiFi has invade some gaming consoles and handhelds. Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo, has announced that they will be Wi-Fi compatible. Nintendo DS handheld is also WiFi compatible but it does not support WPA encryption. The Sony PSP also includes WLAN to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots or make wireless connections. The Xbox 360 features 1 Wi-Fi accessory which is a wireless network adapter while the PlayStation 3 premium model features built-in Wi-Fi. These are just proofs that wireless technology has definitely invaded our world already. Whether we like it or not, our world is getting smaller and smaller.

Proudly embracing my newly-bought laptop on a cold, lazy afternoon of December, I decided to stop by a nearby Starbucks chain to have my all-time favorite grande brewed coffee with two espresso shots and publicly display the newest addition to my "tech" collection. Excitedly falling in line, one of the tenders asked me if I wanted to get on-line. Cheerfully explaining to me that their chain is already a wifi hot spot, the tender said that they have a promo during that season that entitles all their customers of free wifi connection. Eager to try the specs of my laptop, I immediately said yes to the offer. I have been an avid internet user for most of my life but that was my first encounter to the wifi technology. The tender politely guided me in getting my laptop ready for the wireless fidelity that has hit the city like a storm. About three or four other customers were also surfing, all are enjoying the wifi connection.

Wifi system enables a wifi-enabled device to get connected to the internet even in the absence of telephone connection. Wifi works in wifi hotspots where invisible cords connect a user in the information superhighway. Simply said, wifi makes internet surfing a lot easier and a lot more accessible for everyone who is always on the go. But this ground-breaking technology is not an omnipresent entity. Wifi connection can only be done in wifi zones or what others popularly call as hotspots. It's not for us to burden ourselves in finding a hotspot, most commercial establishments that are hotspots proudly advertise that theirs is a wifi capable location. Some are free of charge, while some have reasonable charges. However, I think the technology is yet to see the light of its day. There are still some issues that have to be clarified to the general public such as privacy, security, and dependability. But just like any other technology that has come our way and we have accepted despite initial cynicism, wifi will one day flourish even more and shall benefit us in more ways than we can think of.

Kyle is a computer dummy! He doen't know anything about computers, internet, ipod, etc. His college report cards can prove that. He's very much aware of that fact and he does not want to do something about it. He's stacked with the old-fashioned way. He's such a crap! But that was before, but the discovery of wireless internet or commonly known as WiFi changed everything.

During the time that wireless fidelity is booming, Kyle is also a struggling businessman who needs to communicate with his colleagues regarding their latest deal. He was so broke when he found out that his colleagues had to attend a conference in France. During that time, they also have a deal to accomplish locally. He was trying all ways to communicate with them, but it was limited. He consulted some friends to help him until Henry came. Henry, the Information Technology Head in their company advised him to employ wireless internet connection so that they can still communicate even inside a plane. He had no options left, so he followed Henry's idea.

Now, Kyle is an accomplished WiFi subscriber. He takes advantage of the exciting features and benefits that this technology offers. After that incident, Kyle's life has never been the same again.

Everything in this world has its good side and bad side. For example, playing computer games like Nintendo is very entertaining. You can play it when you are relaxing after studying or working. At the same time, it is entertaining and fun. However, there are times when playing these kind of games can be addicting. Even if you need to do something important, you still choose to play computer games. There are cases wherein children skip their meals just to play. Obviously, that's the bad side of it. This is not different in the case of WiFi or Wireless Fidelity.

The great help of WiFi in our lives is already a given. However, this mode of communication is very easy to penetrate. It can easily be accessed by anyone who has the knowledge about its weakness. Can you imagine this scenario? Two businessmen are talking to each other about a certain code to transfer big amount of money to the bank account of the first businessman. Unfortunately, an intruder is also listening to their conversation. It was all too late as the two businessmen find out that the money was gone. If this thing happens to you, would you still be happy that WiFi was invented? I doubt it! So, be careful when you are communicating using wireless connection, because someone might be listening.

You don't have to worry anymore because wireless fidelity, or simply WiFi, is here. It is really a great help that we have wireless internet connection nowadays. Imagine, you can now transact business while in on a plane or in any part of the world.

That was exactly what happened between me and Arnold one time. He was on a trip to Germany when I needed to contact him for a very important business matter. It was too late when I found out that he headed for Berlin early in the morning. So, I immediately checked and I found out that he's online. I can't imagine what would happen to our business that time if WiFi is not yet discovered. I tell you, it was a matter of life and death.

When he came back from that trip, he immediately told me three words "thanks to WiFi." And then we both laugh and continued working. I would never forget that day because that day reminded me of how WiFi changed my life forever. WiFi is the solution to all our worries. We can still communicate even if one of us in the other part of the globe. And that's because of the Wireless Fidelity.

Honestly, I can't believe how many people do not know what WiFi means. I was sitting in a cafe and this group of yuppies entered arguing loudly about the Dallas game they saw on TV. One was bragging he saw the game on his new Panasonic HDTV when a guy piped in and said he saw the game in the internet through WiFi. They all try to look like they understand, you know nodding and mumbling. But I distinctly heard and saw one guy nudge and ask his friend what WiFi is. I mean, almost all people know WiFi, even kids in middle school. But hey, no use griping about it. So out of the goodness of my heart, let me fill you in about WiFi.

WiFi is a contraction of the term Wireless Fidelity. Generally, it refers to all types of 802.11 network (dual-band, 802.11a, 802.11b, etc.). The WiFi Alliance popularized the term to lessen confusion with LAN networks. In addition, products tested and approved as WiFi-capable are inter-operable with each other regardless of their manufacturer or brand. This means that in a media center (a network of WiFi-capable electronics with DVD, TV, and computer) it doesn't matter if your TV is Sony and you're a Mac user. The TV can still be used to Net surf, the same way that the Mac can be used to watch a TV game or show. All this flexibility is possible with minimum effort and no unsightly wires (wireless, duh).

WiFi has become one convenience most people cannot do without. For others, WiFi has become a nuisance because new technology means new parts or even new equipment. How many times have we heard people junking their old personal laptops just to get ones that are WiFi-enabled? Or how many of our friends actually have queued in those dead-air toll-free lines just to avail of those wireless cards for their thingamijigs? The WiFi phenomenon has become too ridiculous!

But then, here's a breath of fresh air from those so-called conveniences: WiFi systems are reported to be beneficial for third-world countries. Say what?! Most of them cannot even afford to have WiFi, for goodness' sake! Not that I blame them, but you know how much technology costs. Anyway, WiFi systems are being used in hospitals and clinics in India to treat patients with eye disorders. The technology is aimed to help rural villagers to get in touch with eye doctors for diagnosis, even when the doc is ten miles away! Imagine that. Well, if you take the case of India, one country not very keen on using birth control, the reach of this kind of technology certainly is amazing -- picture about more than a thousand patients per month lining up at these vision centers! Actually, ten percent of these people (examined, diagnosed, treated) are already reported to have significant improvements in their vision, thanks to WiFi. With these advantages, shall I say, "ka-ching" once more for these tech makers?