WiFi Hotspots: Accessing Internet Wirelessly

As we know, there are many ways one can access the internet, both wired and wireless. In the wired realm, DSL and ADSL lines are most popular, and modems are readily available to support these connections.

On the wireless side, many systems have evolved rapidly, such as GPRS, HSPA, CDMA, LTE, and so on. Unlike these cellular technologies which have wide coverage, WiFi also provides internet access facility within the home or office premises with limited coverage.

Where laying down wires or cables is cumbersome, WiFi offers a quick solution. A WiFi link can be established in no time with the help of a WiFi modem or WiFi router.

Figure-1 depicts wifi hotspot schematic. As shown in the figure, wifi hotspot hardware is interfaced one side with LAN and the other side with internet through firewall. LAN is connected with multiple access points which in turn provides connectivity to end user wifi compliant devices. Internet is connected with billing/roaming server as well as authentication server.

Figure-2 depicts one of the hotspots installed in germany. This hotspot kiosks is very useful for people to pay and use wifi based internet services. It also has video calling support from this wifi kiosk.

In the future, you’ll likely find these types of kiosks everywhere across the world. Advancements in WiFi based on WLAN standards will enable faster internet connectivity and increased coverage. Devices like WiFi boosters and WiFi repeaters are already available to help extend WiFi coverage.