Wireless internet transfers digital data using radio frequency. Wi-Fi is the leading wireless technology based on the IEEE 802.11 specifications. It allows a person with a Wi-Fi device, such as a laptop or personal digital assistant (PDA) to connect to the internet via access points (AP). The region covered by one or several access points is called a hotspot.

Wi-Fi is useful for business travelers who need to get access to the internet in cafés, hotels and airports. For home users, a wireless router can connect a group of Wi-Fi enabled devices (e.g. multiple computers) to an adjacent wired network (such as a DSL or cable modem) to establish home networking.

Wireless internet service providers offer Wi-Fi hotspot network in many locations. The users can get online with a broadband speed up to 100 times faster than dialup. Free Wi-Fi networks are also available in many municipalities providing free hotspots and hotzones but these open access points may pose great security risks to novice users.

Advantages of Wi-Fi internet access:

1) A network can be set up without cabling and wiring

2) Economical networking solution

3) Provides access to the internet in outdoor areas

4) Roaming is supported. A user can move from one access point to another.

5) A large number of hotspots are available worldwide

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi internet access:

1) High power consumption rate for laptop computers

2) Wireless encryption standard is easy to break

3) Wi-Fi network has limited range

4) Overlapping access points can interfere signal transmission

5) Subject to security risks if wireless encryption is not enabled

6) Internet connection speed of wireless network is lower than that of wired network

Wireless ISP