Can I Connect to Free Wireless Internet Anywhere?
Many private homes and public locations have a broadband Internet connection linked to a wireless or Wi-Fi router. The Wi-Fi router broadcasts a low-powered radio signal that allows nearby authorized computers and other devices to access the Internet and other computer networks. Some Wi-Fi signals, however, are encrypted or contain other security features, so connecting to a wireless hotspot may require coordination with the owner or an electronic payment.
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How Wi-Fi works
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Wi-Fi is a set of closely related technologies that enable computers to communicate and access networks over short-range radio signals, without needing to use Ethernet cables or other wires. In a typical arrangement, a wireless router will be plugged into a broadband modem that provides Internet access via DSL or cable. The wireless router broadcasts a wireless signal that can be accessed by other computers and serves as an access point to the internet connection.
Accessing the Access Point
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Connecting to the wireless signal requires an adapter that can interact with it. A wireless adapter is a small device containing an antenna and digital radio circuits that transmit and receive data, and an interface that lets the adapter plug into the computer. A wireless adapter can be external -- plugging-in via USB or ExpressCard -- or internal, which is permanently installed in the computer. Whether your adapter is internal or external, it should be able to detect nearby networks as long as the signals are sufficiently strong.
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Types of Adapters
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Wireless routers can operate according to one or several closely related protocols. The oldest Wi-Fi protocol is formally known as 802.11b. It was followed in the mid-2000s by the speedier 802.11g and then by 802.11n. The less-popular 802.11a protocol is mainly used in businesses and colleges. The key point is that adapters for older wireless technologies may not be compatible with newer technologies. Whether internal or external, for example, older "b" adapters may not be able to detect networks operating with the newer "g" or "n" technologies. "G" adapters may not detect "a" networks. Connecting to a wireless network requires an adapter that's compatible with the local network type.
Encryption and Security
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The risks of eavesdropping and hacking, and a general concern for privacy, motivate many hotspot owners and administrators to place an encryption "key" on their network. This key prevents unauthorized parties from connecting to the network, or reading data transmitted on it. If your Wi-Fi adapter reports WEP or WPA security on the signal, it means the network uses an encryption key. While this protects user privacy, it means you'll need to request the password key from the administrator. If for any reason you aren't given the key, you won't be able to access the network.
Access Control
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Many commercial locations, like hotels, airports or restaurants, restrict their wireless internet signal to verified customers, or even earn revenue by selling access to it. Even a hotspot without an encryption key can restrict you to a "walled garden," unable to browse the normal Internet until you enter an authorization password. Customers or other permitted users can often request this password from a front desk or employee.
Commercial Wi-Fi access sold by subscription requires a credit card payment. These services allow prospective users to connect to the network itself, but they don't allow internet access until payment is completed.
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