What is a Hotspot?
WHAT IS A HOTSPOT?
A hotspot is the name given to areas where public internet service is provided. It is also known as Wi-Fi in the world of information technology. Not only internet access but also network services are included in this coverage. Parks, university campuses, and corporate buildings are some of the places where hotspot systems are used.
In everyday life, millions of individuals utilize hotspot services in public areas to meet their internet needs. According to a study, as of 2021, there are approximately 200 million hotspot locations worldwide. Considering these figures, it is possible to say that it plays a significant role in the digital world. Source
Wi-Fi connections transmit internet signals through wireless modem or router devices. For detailed information about the working principles of these devices, you can refer to our article titled ‘What is a Modem?’. Internet signals can be transmitted to long distances thanks to these devices. Additionally, each hotspot access point may have differences in signal quality.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HOTSPOTS?
Hotspots are divided into two categories: paid and free. These locations mostly operate on the principle of free service but can be offered as paid in some cases. So, what are the general features of these types of hotspots? Here are the details…
Free hotspots are publicly accessible internet providers. No fee is required to connect to these networks and use the internet. All you need to do is to be within the range of the hotspot and connect to the network. In the past, no identification was required during the connection process. However, with the recent law, it became mandatory for users to enter their identification information when connecting to free hotspots.
On the other hand, corporate network usage can be given as an example of free hotspots. Employees can use the company’s established shared network structure within designated areas without paying any fees.
The main distinction of paid hotspots from free ones is that they require a certain fee for usage. In other words, they can be considered as commercial internet points. Users are required to enter their payment information during the system login process. PayPal and credit cards are some of the payment methods used in paid hotspot networks. Examples of usage areas include hotels or airports.
