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Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that delivers broadband
capacity over a short-range. It operates within a band of unlicensed
spectrum, very similar to cordless phones. Unlike cordless phones
however, which generally and uniquely pair a base station with
a handset, a Wi-Fi Access Point (base station) can operate with
a volume and variety of manufacturer’s Wi-Fi cards (handset
equivalent) which are either built-in or connected to a laptop
or handheld computer. An Access Point creates a HotSpot and can
accommodate multiple simultaneous users.
Your existing laptop or handheld may already have Wi-Fi wireless
capability built-in. If not, you can purchase a Wi-Fi (802.11b)
wireless networking card at any major electronics retailer. Here
are some retailers close to our HotSpots locations.
Once you have Wi-Fi capability, here's how to get online at one
of our HotSpots.
- Launch an Internet browser and enter any web site address.
Urban HotSpots will automataically recognize your presence and
direct you to a login screen.
- If you now see the Urban HotSpots login screen, skip this
step. If you do not see the login screen, set your Wi-Fi card's
SSID to "hotspot" (no quotation marks). If you are
not sure how to do this, consult the user manual provided by
the
Wi-Fi card's manufacturer.
- Click "Sign Up Now", choose a service plan, and
enter all relevant information. Login and enjoy broadband Internet
access.
If you need help, see our Support
section.
Access Point - Similar to a cordless phone base
station, this small device converts a traditional wired DSL connection
into wireless DSL connection. Using an antenna, it broadcasts/receives
computer data, creating a HotSpot. It works with Wi-Fi cards.
DSL- Short for Digital Subscriber Line, this
technology turns an ordinary phone line into a high-speed Internet
connection. It doesn’t interfere with normal use of the
same line.
HotSpot – Physical area in which an Access
Point and Wi-Fi Card can communicate.
PDA - Short for Personal Digital Assistant, this
is a handheld computer that can access the Internet when equipped
with a Wi-Fi Card. Common PDAs include Palm & PocketPC.
Wi-Fi - Short for “wireless fidelity”,
it refers to any type of 802.11 wireless network.
Wi-Fi Card - This credit card sized device slips
into a laptop or PDA enabling it to connect to an Access Point.
Wi-Fi Card equivalents are increasingly built into computers.
802.11b - The most popular standard, established
by the IEEE, for wireless networking. It provides speeds up to
11 mbps (200x the speed of dialup access).
According to journalist and industry analysts alike, Wi-Fi has
arrived and is poised for more explosive growth. Already shipping
in millions of units, analyst estimates worldwide Wi-Fi unit sales
to approximately double next year. Wi-Fi’s increasing momentum
is regularly reflected in both leading trade and mass-market publications.
New
York Times
USA
Today
C|Net
News.com
Fortune
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