Do you need to be in a Wi-Fi zone? Amazon just launched the newest Kindle for under $150, the only catch is you must be in a Wi-Fi zone for it to work. Well, many of you may be asking what is a wi-fi zone, do I have to buy one? Where do they come from? Well, I’d like to explain a little bit about this and hopefully clear up some questions. Here are 10 basic things to know about Wi-Fi and what it is, to determine if you need it.
1) Wi-Fi is actually trademarked by the Wi-Fi Alliance
2) Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) devices are certified products that are based on the IEEE 802.11 standards
3) Wi-Fi networks are not the same as having cell service for your mobile phone
4) When in a Wi-Fi zone, devices such as personal computers, iPads, Kindles and others can connect to the internet with a range of wireless networks, also called “hotspots”
5) Hotspots are not just found in people’s homes, many restaurants, cafes and even metropolitan areas are adapting to open Wi-Fi networks through routers
6) WEP, Wired Equivalent Privacy, can protect users from hackers, however people need to configure their systems when using public Wi-Fi to enhance security
7) Security must be taken seriously on an open network, don’t look at bank accounts of other sensitive information without ensure you’re on a reliable network
8) Each device connects differently, some you have to turn on the Wi-Fi, others automatically search for the bet signal and will connect when found
9) Some public places will charge you a fee to join their networks such as airports, hotels and coffee shops
10) To add more confusion, people will talk about Wi-Fi and 3G networks, good luck!
