Hotspot Definition

Definition:

Wireless (or wi-fi) hotspots are essentially wireless access points providing network and/or Internet access to mobile devices like your laptop or smartphone, typically in public locations. To put it more simply, they're places where you can take your laptop or other mobile device and wirelessly connect to the Internet; some devices and smartphones also act as mobile wi-fi hotspots.

Typical wi-fi hotspot venues include cafes, libraries, airports, and hotels. Though many are free, some hotspots require a subscription or service with a particular mobile provider (e.g., Starbucks has exclusive deals with T-Mobile and AT&T customers).

Connecting to a hotspot and using its Internet connection basically works the same as other home or business wireless connection set up steps: Your wireless-equipped laptop or other device, such as an iPod or smartphone, will typically notify you when it is in range of available wireless networks. (If you don't get the "wireless networks are available" information prompt, you can go into your network settings to find available wireless networks.) You then just accept or initiate the connection to the hotspot's wireless network, which is usually identified in the network name (SSID). Some network cards will even automatically connect to the hotspot once it is in range, but this is generally a bad idea; for security's sake, follow our friend Bradley Mitchell's instructions for turning off automatic connections to unsecured access points.

More: Step by Step Wi-Fi Connection Tutorial

One more connection note: if the wi-fi hotspot network is encrypted or hidden, you would need to get the security key and/or SSID information from the hotspot service provider to be able to locate and properly establish the network connection. Also, before allowing you to use their Internet connection, most hotspots will require you to accept their terms and conditions (which will generally require you to be a decent, law-abiding Internet citizen).

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Mobile Hotspot Definition

Definition:

Mobile hotspots are portable devices or features on smartphones that provide wireless Internet access on many devices (your laptop, smartphone, MP3 player, tablet, portable gaming device, etc.).

Like USB modems from wireless carriers, mobile hotspots typically use mobile broadband service from cellular providers for 3G or 4G Internet access. Unlike those mobile USB sticks, though, mobile hotspots allow multiple devices to connect at the same time.

One of the earliest mobile hotspots was the MiFi (Compare Prices), a small credit-card sized device made by Novatel and offered first by Verizon. It broadcasts the 3G cellular signal that can be shared wirelessly by up to 4 devices. (The MiFi was positively reviewed by About's VoIP Guide and chosen here as a top travel accessory). Besides the MiFi, which is also carried on AT&T and Virgin Mobile, there are other similar mobile hotspots, such as Clear's iSpot for Apple iOS devices and 3G/4G Clear Spot.

Besides portable mobile wi-fi hotspots, some smartphones can act as mobile hotspots, sharing their wireless data connection with several devices. The Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus had this feature built-in and Verizon offered the hotspot service for free (normally hotspot access garners an additional $10-$20 charge, similar to wireless providers' tethering add-on charges). Verizon introduced a unique 3G mobile hotspot feature with its launch of the iPhone 4.

If you have multiple devices that you use on the go, a mobile wi-fi hotspot can be a critical accessory. Rather than using your cell phone as a modem and connecting it to your laptop with a USB wire or via bluetooth for tethering, you can connect to a mobile hotspot (device or your smartphone) for Internet access anywhere you have a cellular signal. The major downside is that you often need to pay an extra fee for mobile broadband service.

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Windows 7 Wi-Fi Hotspot with Connectify

Many of us these days have more than one device that we'd like (or need) Internet connection for -- smartphones and tablets, laptops and mobile Internet devices. Hefty tethering charges and fees for wi-fi hotspot access when you're away from home or traveling can add up for all those devices; it isn't always economical to pay to have all of them connected. Thankfully, there's free software called Connectify that can turn your Windows 7 laptop into a wi-fi hotspot or wi-fi access point of sorts, sharing its Internet connection over wi-fi with any other nearby wireless devices (any wireless-capable device, running Windows 7 or not). Here's how to use Connectify to get wi-fi Internet access on multiple devices through your Windows 7 laptop.

Note: If you have a wired Internet connection (e.g., one Ethernet connection in your hotel room) or a 3G cellular data modem for your computer, you can also use Internet Connection Sharing, a built-in Windows feature to share an Internet connection. See How to Share Internet Access (XP), Share an Internet Connection on Windows Vista, or Share an Internet Connection on Windows 7. If you have a Mac, you can Share Your Mac's Internet Connection via Wi-Fi as well.

View the original article here

Mobile Hotspot Definition

Definition:

Mobile hotspots are portable devices or features on smartphones that provide wireless Internet access on many devices (your laptop, smartphone, MP3 player, tablet, portable gaming device, etc.).

Like USB modems from wireless carriers, mobile hotspots typically use mobile broadband service from cellular providers for 3G or 4G Internet access. Unlike those mobile USB sticks, though, mobile hotspots allow multiple devices to connect at the same time.

One of the earliest mobile hotspots was the MiFi (Compare Prices), a small credit-card sized device made by Novatel and offered first by Verizon. It broadcasts the 3G cellular signal that can be shared wirelessly by up to 4 devices. (The MiFi was positively reviewed by About's VoIP Guide and chosen here as a top travel accessory). Besides the MiFi, which is also carried on AT&T and Virgin Mobile, there are other similar mobile hotspots, such as Clear's iSpot for Apple iOS devices and 3G/4G Clear Spot.

Besides portable mobile wi-fi hotspots, some smartphones can act as mobile hotspots, sharing their wireless data connection with several devices. The Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus had this feature built-in and Verizon offered the hotspot service for free (normally hotspot access garners an additional $10-$20 charge, similar to wireless providers' tethering add-on charges). Verizon introduced a unique 3G mobile hotspot feature with its launch of the iPhone 4.

If you have multiple devices that you use on the go, a mobile wi-fi hotspot can be a critical accessory. Rather than using your cell phone as a modem and connecting it to your laptop with a USB wire or via bluetooth for tethering, you can connect to a mobile hotspot (device or your smartphone) for Internet access anywhere you have a cellular signal. The major downside is that you often need to pay an extra fee for mobile broadband service.

View the original article here

Windows 7 Wi-Fi Hotspot with Connectify

Many of us these days have more than one device that we'd like (or need) Internet connection for -- smartphones and tablets, laptops and mobile Internet devices. Hefty tethering charges and fees for wi-fi hotspot access when you're away from home or traveling can add up for all those devices; it isn't always economical to pay to have all of them connected. Thankfully, there's free software called Connectify that can turn your Windows 7 laptop into a wi-fi hotspot or wi-fi access point of sorts, sharing its Internet connection over wi-fi with any other nearby wireless devices (any wireless-capable device, running Windows 7 or not). Here's how to use Connectify to get wi-fi Internet access on multiple devices through your Windows 7 laptop.

Note: If you have a wired Internet connection (e.g., one Ethernet connection in your hotel room) or a 3G cellular data modem for your computer, you can also use Internet Connection Sharing, a built-in Windows feature to share an Internet connection. See How to Share Internet Access (XP), Share an Internet Connection on Windows Vista, or Share an Internet Connection on Windows 7. If you have a Mac, you can Share Your Mac's Internet Connection via Wi-Fi as well.

source from about.com

Wi-Fi Hotspot Security

Many people don't think twice about logging onto Starbuck's free wi-fi or using their hotel's wireless network when traveling, but the truth is, although public wi-fi hotspots like these are very convenient, they also carry a lot of risk. Open wireless networks are prime targetsfor hackers and identity thieves. Before you connect to a wi-fi hotspot, use the security guidelines below to protect your personal and business information, as well as your mobile devices.

Disable Ad-Hoc Networking

Ad-hoc networking creates a direct computer-to-computer network that bypasses typical wireless infrastructure like a wireless router or access point. If you have ad-hoc networking turned on, a malicious user may gain access to your system and steal your data or do pretty much anything else.

• Turn off ad-hoc networking in Windows XP by going to your Wireless Network Connection's properties and make sure you have "Access point (infrastructure only)" as the one option selected for type of networks to access. Kenyon College has visual instructions for turning off ad-hoc wireless for Windows XP, Windows 7, Vista, and Mac operating systems.

Do Not Allow Automatic Connections to Non-Preferred Networks

While you're in the wireless network connection properties, also make sure the setting to automatically connect to non-preferred networks is disabled. The danger if you have this setting enabled is that your computer or mobile device may automatically (without even notifying you) connect to any available network, including rogue or bogus wi-fi networks designed only to lure unsuspecting data victims.

• In Windows XP, make sure the checkbox that says "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks" is not checked (About's Wireless/Networking Guide has steps for disabling auto-connect for Windows XP); Windows 7 and Vista by default prompt you to approve new connections. Also make sure you only connect to known, legitimate networks (ask the hotspot provider for the SSID if you are unsure).

Enable or Install a Firewall

A firewall is the first line of defense for your computer (or network, when the firewall is installed as a hardware device), since it's designed to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Firewalls screen incoming and outgoing access requests to make sure they are legitimate and approved.

• Both Windows and Mac operating systems have built-in firewalls that you should make sure are enabled, especially before connecting to a public wi-fi hotspot. You can also install third-party firewall software if you need more granular control of the firewall settings or rules.

Turn file sharing off

It's easy to forget that you have file sharing turned on or files in your Shared Documents or Public folder that you use on private networks but wouldn't want shared with the world. When you connect to a public wi-fi hotspot, however, you are joining that network and may be allowing other hotspot users to access your shared files.

• Before connecting to a public hotspot, make sure you disable file and printer sharing (disable sharing in XP in the network connection's properties; Windows 7 and Vista will turn off discovery for you if you specify the network is a public one, but you can check the Network and Sharing Center to make sure).

Log On Only to Secure Websites

The best bet is not to use a public, open wi-fi hotspot for anything that has to do with money (online banking or online shopping, for example) or where the information stored and transferred may be sensitive. If you need to log in to any sites, though, including web-based email, make sure your browsing session is encrypted and secure.

• Check the address bar to see if it starts with HTTPS (encrypted) rather than HTTP (not encrypted) and/or if there is a padlock in your browser's status bar. Note that some webmail programs encrypt the login page but not the rest of the browsing session -- make sure the setting in your email program requires using HTTPS or SSL encryption for the entire interface; Gmail has this option.


• Most instant messaging programs are also typically not encrypted; Aim Pro is one business-friendly IM program that can send instant messages over a secure connection.

Use VPN

VPN creates a secure tunnel over a public network, and therefore is a great way to stay safe when using a wi-fi hotspot. If your company provides you with VPN access, you could, and should, use the VPN connection to access corporate resources, as well as create a secure browsing session.

• Remote accesss solutions such as LogMeIn can also create a secure tunnel to a second computer at home, from which you can access files or use do other computing.


• You can also use a free personal VPN service like Hotspot Shield, designed specfically to protect you when using an unsecured network.

Beware of Physical Threats

The risks of using a public wi-fi hotspot aren't limited to fake networks, data intercepted, or someone hacking your computer. A security breach could be as simple as someone behind you seeing what sites you visit and what you type, a.k.a. "shoulder surfing." Very busy public locations like airports or urban coffeeshops also increase the risk of your laptop or other gear getting stolen.

• For these reasons, you need to also keep in mind physical security measures like laptop security cables and laptop privacy screens.

Note: Privacy Protection Isn't the Same as Security

One last note: There are many applications that help you mask your computer address and conceal your online activities, but these solutions are only meant to protect your privacy, not encrypt your data or protect your computer from malicious threats. So even if you use an anonymizer to hide your tracks, the security precautions above still are necessary when accessing open, unsecure networks.

source from about.com