As Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) becomes more popular so does its need for coverage and its access points. The ‘hot-spot’ as it is referred to, is a WiFi access point connected to the internet that allows users to make a wireless connection (Cringely 2003). Users can now read e-mails and surf the net while enjoying the atmosphere of their local coffee house. Wireless networks are already present in commercial, retail, and other public places, making services available and the physical space more attractive to target publics (Smith 2000). Hot-spots can cover varying distances though it depends on the environment it is in, they generally require a high-speed internet connection to the location and a WiFi base station. Limited range can be improved by hot-spots using high-gain antennas on access points, which are much larger then the short rubber antennas found in the domestic environment (Cringely 2003).
Hot-spots are found in hotels, airports, shopping centres, university campuses, coffee shops, restaurants, office buildings and now sporting stadiums with the list constantly expanding. Corporate America sees hot-spot frequency as a way of boosting worker productivity so their employees can move from office to office without being restricted by availability of phone lines. Work can continue regardless of the office or area an employee is in (Schmerken 2002). In addition, trials are being conducted to incorporate WiFi into university lecture theatres, not just to have connection but to assist in learning to free students from note taking (Maniezzo, Cesana, Bergamo, Gerla and Yao (2003).
Representatives of major hotels view offering wireless internet access as a smart business choice. This allows guests to move between hotel suit, meeting and leisure areas within the hotel without the interruption of internet service. Some hotels distinguish themselves from their competitors by offering free wireless connection to guests. The use of wireless connection in hotels now appears to be a necessity rather than a luxury (Lawlor 2003).
Airports lounges, like major hotels are among the original hot-spot settings catering for the convenience of traveling users. The Ottawa International Airport plans to increase its hot-spot value in response to the demand of the mobile professional community in Canada requiring WiFi connectivity. The airport will operate a commercial wireless access system, allowing all public areas inside and outside the terminal and the surrounding ramps (Airports 2004).
SBC Park, home to the San Francisco Giants baseball team is one of the world’s largest public hot-spots, giving fans access the internet and their ‘digital dugout’ to check gaming information. The stadium is equipped with more than 120 wireless internet access points and the network can handle up to 1,800 people online at once in a park that holds 41,503 fans (Lee 2004).
Setting up a hot-spot creates a new opportunity for businesses, and it seems that the amount of hot-spots will only continue to grow allowing users to roam while staying connected anywhere and everywhere (Lawlor 2003).
Bergamo, P, Cesana, M, Gerla, M, Yao, K & Maniezzo, D 2003, ‘Real-Time Caption Streaming over WiFi Network’, Computer Science Department and Electrical Engineering Department, University of California Los Angeles.
Cringely, R 2003, ‘What’s Next’, Inc, vol. 25, issue. 3, March, p. 55. Lee, D 2004, ‘Professional teams explore fans’ best uses for WiFi in stadiums’, Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, October, p. 1.
Lawlor, M 2003, ‘Web without Wires’, Armed Foreces Communications and Electronics Association, Vol 58, Issue 4, December, p. 39.
Schmerken, I 2002, ‘WiFi hits the street’, Wall Street and Technology, New York, June p. 45.
Jillian Hodgson 09:51, 29 Oct 2004 (EST)
