WiFi Clarifications.

[WiFi.com]

This is a basic description of how wi-fi is used by the end user, you! I will not discuss how to setup a wifi network or give details of how it works. This will be an aid for you to determine how relevant or valuable WiFi might be for you.

1) Home-based wifi: You pay for a an Internet Service; whether it be cable, dsl, satellite, or even dialup (yes you can wifi a dialup connection - just not the way I will describe). So, you have Internet but you want to be able to have other computers in the house access the connection; i.e. a laptop you can move from room to room. To do this you need a wireless router and all computers must have a wireless NIC (Network Interface Card). You can have a router which is not wireless, but then you need to wire the home or keep the computers in the same relative location to access the router (wired). Anyhow, the wireless router and wireless nic will allow you to setup "WiFi."

2) Hotspots: There are areas outside your home like; hotels, coffee shops, bookstores, airports, etc which offer a wifi connection. Basically the given location already has the wireless network in place (much like a home-based network mentioned above). The only thing you need is a laptop with wireless nic. Some locations offer wi-fi service free of charge, if you are purchasing products from their store. However, in many cases there is a charge and it aint cheap.

3) Municipal WiFi: This is the new booming industry, in which cities and large metro areas are having outside businesses (like Earthlink) hardwire their cities so a wi-fi signal can be accessed anywhere within the whole area (yes, the whole city gets wified!). Think of the infrastructure; your wifi home setup versus miles of wifi! Cities such as; Glasgow (Scotland), Anaheim (CA), Philadelphia (PA), and San Francisco (CA) are either already setup and beta testing the system or they are currently building the infrastructure. Many more cities will be following suit in the next couple years. What does this mean? How about forget your current Internet Service, pay one service a lesser charge than dsl or cable and get similar speeds without the Installation or hardware (i.e. modems, routers, etc). Plus, grab your laptop, go to a city park and use that same Internet connection! Brilliant.

You may post here or send an email to info at wifi dot com with questions or thoughts.

Regards,
Stuart.