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Hotspots

19 November, 2015 - 15:26

A hotspot provides wireless Internet access in public areas.  PDAs and laptops are usually the devices used to connect to hotspots.

Hotspots - natures and locations

Some hotspots are free and wide open, while others are free and secured. Yet other hotspots are subscription-based, pay-as-you-go, or a mixture of these. 

Hotspots are found everywhere, from coffee shops to libraries to public parks.

It is important to remember that a hotspot is defined as a wireless network that is intended to give wireless Internet access either free or for a fee. There are many locations where you can connect to a wireless network, but many, if not most, of these are inadvertently giving wireless Internet access.

Specialty devices have been created that can print receipts, authenticate users, and even disconnect users after time limits expire. These devices are often called hotspot gateways. There are many business models associated with the implementation of a hotspot.

Business models associated with hotspots

Following are a few examples business models associated with hotspots:

  • Paid Access — This model profits from the fees for access to the Internet. This is very common today in airports, coffee shop, major shopping centres, etc..
  • Traffic Generation — This model profits from the sales of items like coffee, books, music, and other items to the individual who come to the hotspot location for Internet access. The customers who patronize the shop will be provided a fixed-period of free or discounted access to wireless Internet connection.