Do Wi-Fi Hot Spots Require a DSL Service Provider?

A Wi-Fi hot spot is a location in which you can wirelessly access an Internet network. A Wi-Fi hot spot can be created from any type of Internet connection, including DSL, cable, satellite and even dial-up service. To access a public Internet hot spot from your portable device, you're not required to have your own Internet service provider. All you need is a Wi-Fi-capable device, such as a laptop or smartphone, as well as access privileges to the specific hot spot network.

Wi-Fi Hot Spot

The term Wi-Fi stands for wireless fidelity. It's a signal standard used by virtually all devices capable of wireless Internet access. The term "hot spot" is used to describe a location where you can access a Wi-Fi network. Due to the limited range of Internet broadcasting devices, such as wireless routers, you must be at a relatively close proximity to the broadcasting device to access the network.

Accessing Hot Spots

Even if you lack an at-home Internet connection, you can still access Wi-Fi hotspots. Many public businesses such as restaurants and cafes provide open Wi-Fi networks for their patrons to use. However, many Wi-Fi networks require you to enter a password before you're allowed access. Furthermore, Wi-Fi networks can be configured to only allow certain listed wireless devices to connect. You must contact the administrator of the Wi-Fi network to have your device listed and to receive the network password.

Broadband Internet Types

DSL service is one of several types of broadband Internet service. DSL uses a conventional phone line to connect to the Internet. However, unlike dial-up Internet service, DSL utilizes a signal with a broader wavelength. This allows for substantially increased Internet speeds compared to dial-up. Other types of broadband connections include cable Internet, which connects using a coaxial cable, and satellite Internet, which uses a dish to wirelessly receive a satellite Internet signal.

Create a Hot Spot

No matter which type of Internet you have at home, you can create your own Wi-Fi hot spot with a wireless modem, which automatically broadcasts your Internet signal wirelessly. Alternatively, you can hook a wireless router up to a conventional modem to create a Wi-Fi network. There are also various mobile hot spot services offered by cellular and Internet service providers. These services use a plug-in card or smartphone adapter to provide your computer with a wireless Internet signal anywhere within the provider's network.

References

• Wi-Fi Hotspot List: FAQ

About the Author

Alexander Eliot has been a professional writer since 2006. He holds a B.A. in English literature from the University of Cincinnati. His academic background allows him to write articles in all fields of education, as well as science and philosophy. Eliot once worked for a performance auto center, an experience he draws from to write informative articles in automotive theory, maintenance and customization.

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