What is a hotspot? How it Works ?
By understanding what a hotspot does and how it works, you will be in a great position to access WiFi on your terms. Below we'll answer that question and so much more.
When you're on the go, the last thing you want to run into is a situation where you can't access the internet. This curbs your ability to conduct business or enjoy the perks of accessing the web.
Thankfully, you can access WiFi virtually anywhere when you embrace hotspot technology.
What is a hotspot?
By understanding what a hotspot does and how it works, you will be in a great position to access WiFi on your terms. Below we'll answer that question and so much more.
What Is a Hotspot?
A hotspot is a device that connects you to the internet using 3G, 4G, or 5G cell phone tower technology. This signal is then converted into a WiFi network that you can connect to using your laptop, tablet, cell phone, video game console, or any other internet-enabled device.
You stand to gain a lot when you embrace hotspot technology.
For instance, searching for the best hotspot for travel is a useful endeavor if you're a freelancer who makes their money on the go.
Here's what you should know about using a hotspot:
1. Get to Know the Technology and How it Works
So how exactly does hotspot technology work?
When it taps into the available cell phone networks in the area, it is converted into a WLAN network that you can name and create. This way, no matter where you are, you can connect to that network, and it will be subject to the conditions of the cell phone network in the area.
You'll need to have access to a Wireless Access Point (WAP) device and will have to create an encryption process that allows you to connect on your terms.
2. Check With Your Cell Phone Provider
While many people purchase separate mobile hotspot devices, you may also be able to create a hotspot by using your cell phone. To do this, you should check with your provider to see how much it'll cost to add this connectivity to your monthly subscription plan.
A lot of business cell phone plans are particularly great if you need to pair it with a hotspot.
Make sure that you look into the terms of this plan and figure out which is necessary for your WiFi needs.
3. Figure out What Data Plan and Speed You Need
It's not enough to just have a subscription plan -- you should also choose one that gives you the speed and data that is most useful.
This way, when you browse, you'll be able to conduct whatever business you need without setbacks. For instance, if you know you are going to be watching a lot of video or uploading and downloading data, it would behoove you to buy one of the heftier data plans.
4. Focus on the Security and Encryption That You Need
When you take a mobile hotspot out into public, you'll need to be mindful of the security needs.
If you fail to encrypt your network, anyone nearby in a cafe, library, or anywhere else can tap into your network. Not only will this compromise your data use, but they may also be able to get access to your information.
Choose passwords and encryption methods that will keep your data safe and your network up to par.
5. Research Access Point Hotspots
Aside from having your own subscription plan, you can also connect to access points depending on where you're traveling.
A number of communications companies create access points all over that you can connect to with a one-time fee or subscription plan. For instance, if you travel a lot, you can subscribe to hotspots that allow you always to have WiFi whether you're in the airport, on the plan, or on the go.
Check into these sorts of plans so that you can connect whether you have a third-party device or not.
6. Understand the Limits That Come With Your Subscription
It is particularly important that you read through your subscription plan so that you don't go over data limits.
The last thing you would want is to subscribe to a data plan that you will use up before the month is even out due to the nature of your internet use. You might simply get locked out of internet access, or you may have to pay as you go once the plan's data limit is exceeded.
You should also get to know the battery life and reach of any mobile hotspot device that you invest in.
7. Be Aware of the Coverage Area That You're In
Never forget that you are always subject to the cell phone coverage of the area that you're in.
For instance, if you're in a rural area, you may have to look into certain technology that allows you to connect to the internet in a poor coverage zone.
You can never expect your speeds to be any faster than that, so always be aware of the coverage of where you are as you connect and create WiFi networks.
Connect to WiFi on Your Terms
So what is a hotspot?
The points in this article make it clear what you need to know about hotspots, how they work, how they help you, and what you should understand about connecting.
We specialize in high-speed internet that will keep you in the game no matter what sort of needs you have.
Take the time to contact us online to get a consultation for high-speed internet, or call us at (774)243-0001.