WiFi Hotspot FAQs and WiFi Connection Internet Access

You'll need a wireless/Wi-Fi enabled laptop or other device like the Palm Tungsten C handheld.("Wi-Fi" is a registered certification mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. For more information about the Wi-Fi Alliance and its certification programs for 802.11-based products and services, please visit www.wi-fi.com) Most recently manufactured laptops are configured for wireless and some may come equipped with a wireless adapter card. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase an adapter card ($35-90).Most hotspots and Wi-Fi-FreeSpots are equipped with 802.11b access points although others may offer 802.11a or 802.11g access points or combinations of two or all three. When purchasing an adapter card for your laptop be sure to read the manufacturers specs for compatibility and interoperability information. If you're using Windows XP it should automatically sniff out the network. Others should consider downloading the Boingo software. You won't need to sign-up for a membership but you can use the software to sniff out any nearby networks. More wireless access point and PC adapter card product information.

What if I need Help connecting?

Most hotspot locations are striving to make the connection process as easy as possible. The goal is to automatically configure your laptop for connection. But, as you can imagine, with lots of different vendors selling access points and cards there could be specific configuration instructions you'll need to follow. By and large do not expect much help from the staff at the hotspot. They are waiters, waitresses or baristas, not tech support people. Hopefully they will at least be able to supply you with an instructional guide but don't count on it. The hotspot aggregators like Boingo, Wayport and T-Mobile (Starbucks) and others have toll free tech support numbers and hopefully the person you talk to has first hand knowledge of connection issues and is not just reading from their instruction guide. If you are using a hotspot that offers free access you won't find any toll free tech support number to call (that's one reason why they are able to offer the access for free). You'll probably be on your own so it would help to familiarize yourself with the instructions for your wireless card beforehand or bring them with you. Some hints that should work in most locations - 1) Be sure to set your TCP/IP properties to "Obtain and IP address automatically" (DHCP). 2) Make sure your computer is not configured to automatically use a dial-up connection. 3) If requested, choose Infrastructure mode rather than ad-hoc mode. 4) Use the SSID name provided by the location or try choosing "any". ( If you use Net Stumbler to find available networks it should tell you the SSID of the network you want to use ) 5) Turn encryption (WEP) off. 6) Make sure your battery is fully charged. Most hotspots will not have many wall plugs available for use by customers.

What can I do at a hotspot or Wi-Fi-FreeSpot?

The Wi-Fi wireless broadband connection allows you to do anything you'd do from home or the office. You can surf the Web, check your e-mail, connect to your Corporate network (be sure to use a secure VPN connection), make free Voice over IP phone calls, play online games, update your blog, and IM with your friends. If you just have a modem dial-up account at home you'll probably end up spending more time at the Wi-Fi-FreeSpot once you see how much faster it is. Who knows, maybe you'll give up your dial-up account and just use the Wi-Fi-FreeSpot when you want to go online.(Your ability to send e-mail from a Wi-Fi-FreeSpot is somewhat dependent on the policy of your local Internet Service Provider(ISP) that provides your home/office internet and e-mail access - some ISPs restrict the ability to send email when not connected to the Internet directly through them. If you have a problem ask the Wi-Fi-FreeSpot location owner for their SMTP server info.)

Is my data and e-mail secure at a hotspot or Wi-Fi-FreeSpot?

You should never conduct unsecured transactions that include any account or password information over public hotspots using FTP, email, or the Web. Try to use SSL for email (POP and SMTP), or read your email with a Web browser using an SSL connection. Ask your ISP if they offer SSL ecure web-based email.

Glenn Fleishman, author of the book The Wireless Networking Starter Kit, sums it up thusly, " When data leaves your computer, if it's not on an encrypted link, anyone can read everything you send and receive."

Here's what the Wi-Fi Alliance says:

Wireless networks in public areas and "HotSpots" like Internet cafes may not provide any security. Although some service providers do provide this with their custom software, many HotSpots leave all security turned off to make it easier to access and get on the network in the first place. If security is important to you the best way to achieve this when you are connecting back to your office is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). If you do not have access to a VPN and security is important, you may want to limit your wireless network use in these areas to non-critical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.

Most corporate IT departments are already skilled with VPN and can modify existing systems to support Wi-Fi networks. A VPN works through the VPN server at the company headquarters, creating an encryption scheme for data transferred to computers outside the corporate offices. The special VPN software on the remote computer or laptop uses the same encryption scheme, enabling the data to be safely transferred back and forth with no chance of interception. HotSpotVPN has a consumer product for public hotspot use.

Here's more info from the NewburyOpen.net security page:

Wireless transmissions, by their nature, can be intercepted very easily. Our wireless network was designed for ease of use, and thus is not encrypted or password protected. You have the responsibility to make sure that your data is kept secure and that you use secure protocols for any sensitive material. We take no responsibility for any information that is compromised by the use of our network. Also, make sure that your computer does not have file sharing active ( for Windows - click on network settings in the Control Panel, then find and uncheck file and print sharing). Other users on the network may be able to access your files if you do. Read the full document here.

In addition, it would be wise to use some kind of personal firewall to further protect against someone at the next table from accessing your files.

Additionally, Julian Bond of Ecademy.com suggests the use of SSL encryption for e-mail connections whenever possible.

Do I need to purchase goods or services before I can get free access in a Wi-Fi-FreeSpot?

A few locations might offer free access in exchange for a purchase but, by and large, it is not necessary but I'm sure it would be appreciated. If you are just on the premises for the Wi-Fi connection and don't intend to make a purchase you should consider limiting your stay to a reasonable time period. Also, be considerate, give up your seat if someone who has made a purchase needs one.

Do I need to be inside a hotspot or Wi-Fi-FreeSpot to pick up the signal?

The wireless signal in most indoor locations has a limited range of approximately 100-300 feet. The placement of the access point and the structure and layout of the locations will impact access to the signal. In some locations the signal probably will be available outside the location as well. Using the Cantenna with your laptop might help to enhance the signal. Cities like Long Beach, California, Gainesville, Florida, Athens, Georgia and St. Louis, Missouri have set up large outdoor downtown Wi-Fi Zones or Clouds where the signal will have a greater range.