WiFi Guide - Learn About WiFi

What is Wi-Fi hotspot?

Wi-Fi is the wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to offer wireless high-speed Internet access. Wi-Fi is the technology that allows electronic devices connected through provider’s network to reach the Internet. That means anyone entering the hotspot with a Wi-Fi-based laptop, smartphone or tablet can connect to the Internet.

How to get free Wi-Fi Hot Spot?

With free Wi-Fi you won’t have to pay your cellular provider for data. If you’re travelling, you can stay connected on public Wi-Fi and reduce your data usage. Free Wi-Fi Hotspots are often found at airports, hotels, coffee shops, bookstores, libraries and other public places. Also restaurants, grocery stores and department stores offers their own Wi-Fi hotspots and you generally don’t have to buy anything to access Wi-Fi internet. But some independent coffee shops and restaurants may require to purchase something before getting a login code. If you’re walking down a street looking for Wi-Fi, keep an eye on for the Wi-Fi logo sign and see whether that business has free Wi-Fi.

How to connect your device to a Wi-Fi network?

Windows 10

Click the network icon in the system tray and you will see list of available wireless network.
Select from one of the available networks and type password for authentication if require.
Select the Connect automatically option if this is a network you'll be frequently connecting to on a regular basis.

Mac

Click the Wi-Fi menu icon and select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks.
If prompted, enter the password for your Wi-Fi network.
Check "Remember this network" to have your Mac automatically join your home network.

Android

Open up the settings on your android device.
Go to Wireless & Networks
If Wi-Fi is unchecked, tap the empty box to turn on Wi-Fi.
Select from one of the available networks and type password for authentication if require.

iPhone/iPad

Tap settings on your apple device
Select Wi-Fi, and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
Select from one of the available networks and type password for authentication if require.

If you are unsure which access point to use, ask staff member for help. After you're on the right network, open your browser and check the box that says you agree to provider’s Terms and Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy, now click connect.

Can any device connect to the internet using Free Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Yes, any Wi-Fi enabled computer, phone, tablet or other device can connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi network.

How many devices can be use at the same time with free Wi-Fi?

There is no limit on how many devices you can connect to free Wi-Fi. You can connect all your laptops, tablets and mobile phones at the same time.

Are there any limitations when using a free Wi-Fi hotspot?

Free Wi-Fi unlimited access may vary by locations. Most of the free Wi-Fi hotspot you visit will have some limitations. Many Wi-Fi hotspots give you free access, but only for a few minutes or hours. Sometimes you may have to watch advertisement every few minutes to stay connected. You might have to pay and upgrade to premium access for longer time. Also you’re not secured on public network. It's easy for anyone with right software to see what you are doing. Though you can use free VPN software to connect Wi-Fi network using VPN and hide or protect your device.

What can interrupt your Wi-Fi connection?

Some cordless phones or microwave ovens within the frequency range of wireless networks can interfere the connection. Also the objects containing metal and water like people, fish tanks, large plants, energy-efficient windows, appliances, cabinets, walls can interrupt the connection signal. If you are having a trouble with signal, try to move to a different area or within sight of the Wireless Access Point.

Is public Wi-Fi Hotspots secure?

Most of free Wi-Fi hotspot networks are secured with encryption. Different types of encryption standard for Wi-Fi network are WEP, WPA and WPA-2. For secure connection, make sure you connect Wi-Fi network that shows “Secured with WPA”, “Secured with WPA2”, “Secured with WPA/WPA2” or “Secured with WEP”. You should avoid connecting network that shows “Unsecured”.

Whether or not public Wi-Fi network require password to connect, you should avoid mobile banking or financial transaction. Whenever you connect public Wi-Fi network, you’re sharing a network with other user connected on the same network. It is easy for a hacker to steal someone’s login credential or see what they doing on public networks. A virtual private network (VPN) is the best option to protect your device when using a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Will you get any virus from connected Wi-Fi hotspot?

Viruses are transmitted through the Internet, often as attachments to email. A virus or spyware can harm any computer connected to the Internet. You should have antivirus installed on your computer or device for protection. McAfee Wi-Fi Scan can test your current Wi-Fi® connection to assess security risks introduced by your wireless network.

How to safely disconnect your device from Wi-Fi network?

You can remove a free Wi-Fi network from your device to prevent accidental connection. To remove connection, go to Wireless & Networks having list of wireless connections. Select the name you want to remove and click ‘Forget this Network’.

How to use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot?

If your friend don’t have data plan and couldn’t find free Wi-Fi, You might want to share data connection so anyone can connect the Internet using your phone’s data plan. It is also called Tethering – sharing the Internet connection. If your device support tethering then you can enable “Personal Hotspot” option on your phone. Make sure you setup strong Wi-Fi password for wireless connectivity. Once setup, you can connect your tablet or any other device to the wireless network setup on your phone and access the Internet.

Wi-Fi abbreviation you should know

Wi-Fi - Wireless Fidelity

AP – Access Point

WAP- Wireless Access Point

WEP- Wireless Encryption Protocol

ISP – Internet Service Provider

SSID – Service Set Identifier

VPN – Virtual Private Networking

WEP – Wired Equivalent Privacy

WI-FI – Wireless Fidelity

WISP – Wireless Internet Service Provider

WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network

WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access

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