wavelinx * wi-fi

Q. What is Wi-Fi?

A. Wi-fi is short for wireless fidelity, or wireless Internet. Wireless Internet uses a signal that connects a person’s computer or laptop to the Internet without any wires. The benefit of wireless Internet is being able to log on to the World Wide Web from anywhere within the signal’s reach without any disconnects, busy signals or having to stay at one location plugged into the wall.

Q. How does Wi-fi work?

A. An Ethernet or wireless card is required in the computer as well as Internet service from a provider to enable the Wi-Fi service. Wi-Fi service is growing in popularity across the country in schools, restaurants including Starbucks and McDonalds, RV parks and recreational areas as well as office parks.

Q. How do I get Wi-Fi service?

A. To obtain Wi-Fi service, four elements are needed. First, a computer, desktop or laptop and an Ethernet or wireless card. Second, an access point box. Third, the Internet service.

Q. How much does Wi-Fi cost?

A. Typically there is a one-time fee for the “box” from which the signal terminates. The wireless card for the computer normally starts at around $50.00 depending on the type of card needed and the type of computer or laptop it is going into. Finally, the monthly service fee for the Wi-Fi ranges from provider to provider, but normally starts at $39 per month for residential and $59 per month for commercial. Costs are for the area covered and not for the number of computers used.

Q. How is Wi-Fi better than dedicated or dial-up service?

A. The biggest difference in Wi-Fi and dedicated or dial-up service is the mobility it allows the user. Wi-Fi does not require being tied to a phone jack in the wall, meaning you can put your computer where you want it, or if you use a laptop, can use it anywhere in your home or office. Wi-Fi is also a dedicated connection so the user is “always on” so there are no busy signals or disconnects as are sometimes experienced with dial-up service.

Q. Who uses Wi-Fi?

A. Anyone who uses the Internet can use Wi-Fi service, from kids researching homework or playing games online to senior citizens. Wi-Fi is used in office settings, home settings, RV parks, retail locations and the hospitality industry.

Q. What is a hotspot?

A. A hotspot is an area covered within the signal of the Wi-Fi satellite. Anywhere there is a hotspot, the user will be able to log on if you have the right components on your laptop. Some hotspots are free (typically a marketing lure to get visitors into an area) or for a small fee.

Q. Where can I find hotspots?

A. Hotspots are normally promoted with signage at the location or on the website for that location. For example, McDonald’s hotspots can be found on their website as well as in-stores with an @ symbol on signage. Many locations are now including that information in ads and brochures.

Q. What is “lighting” an area for Wi-Fi?

A. Turning up or establishing service.






				Q. What is Wi-Fi? A. Wi-fi is short for wireless fidelity, or wireless Internet. Wireless Internet uses a signal that connects a person’s computer or laptop to the Internet without any wires. The benefit of wireless Internet is being able to log on to the World Wide Web from anywhere within the signal’s reach without any disconnects, busy signals or having to stay at one location plugged into the wall. Q. How does Wi-fi work? A. An Ethernet or wireless card is required in the computer as well as Internet service from a provider to enable the Wi-Fi service. Wi-Fi service is growing in popularity across the country in schools, restaurants including Starbucks and McDonalds, RV parks and recreational areas as well as office parks. Q. How do I get Wi-Fi service? A. To obtain Wi-Fi service, four elements are needed. First, a computer, desktop or laptop and an Ethernet or wireless card. Second, an access point box. Third, the Internet service. Q. How much does Wi-Fi cost? A. Typically there is a one-time fee for the “box” from which the signal terminates. The wireless card for the computer normally starts at around $50.00 depending on the type of card needed and the type of computer or laptop it is going into. Finally, the monthly service fee for the Wi-Fi ranges from provider to provider, but normally starts at $39 per month for residential and $59 per month for commercial. Costs are for the area covered and not for the number of computers used. Q. How is Wi-Fi better than dedicated or dial-up service? A. The biggest difference in Wi-Fi and dedicated or dial-up service is the mobility it allows the user. Wi-Fi does not require being tied to a phone jack in the wall, meaning you can put your computer where you want it, or if you use a laptop, can use it anywhere in your home or office. Wi-Fi is also a dedicated connection so the user is “always on” so there are no busy signals or disconnects as are sometimes experienced with dial-up service. Q. Who uses Wi-Fi? A. Anyone who uses the Internet can use Wi-Fi service, from kids researching homework or playing games online to senior citizens. Wi-Fi is used in office settings, home settings, RV parks, retail locations and the hospitality industry. Q. What is a hotspot? A. A hotspot is an area covered within the signal of the Wi-Fi satellite. Anywhere there is a hotspot, the user will be able to log on if you have the right components on your laptop. Some hotspots are free (typically a marketing lure to get visitors into an area) or for a small fee. Q. Where can I find hotspots? A. Hotspots are normally promoted with signage at the location or on the website for that location. For example, McDonald’s hotspots can be found on their website as well as in-stores with an @ symbol on signage. Many locations are now including that information in ads and brochures. Q. What is “lighting” an area for Wi-Fi? A. Turning up or establishing service.