Chapter 9. Wi-Fi and Hotspots A Wireless Primer


Wi-Fi is a specific type of wireless network that is very common. Wi-fi and hotspots are two factors that contribute most to making mobile computing convenient, useful, and fun. If your Mac laptop has an AirPort Card installed, it can detect any Wi-Fi network.

Hotspots are public Wi-Fi networks, most commonly found at Internet cafes, coffee shops, and hotels. A hotspot can be an open or closed network.

An open network is accessible and doesn't require a password. Sometimes it's planned that way with Internet access provided as a service. In other cases, it may be a private network that just hasn't been secured with a password. You can use any open network that your Mac laptop detects, but you may get scolded by the owner when she sees you sitting on the front steps of her office.

A closed network is password-protected. It might be a private network for one person, a group of friends, or an entire office. Or it might be a paid membership network that you can subscribe to by the hour, day, or month such as the TMobile HotSpots found at many Starbucks coffee shops. Just order a latte and do the Road Warrior thing.




Macs on the Go!(c) Guide to Mobile Computing for Mac Laptops Using Mac OS X
Macs on the Go
ISBN: 0321247485
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2006
Pages: 119

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