by Bob van Wyk
Hotspots make connecting to the internet from any location simple; whether that means checking emails at an airport or streaming your favorite movie. Before using these networks, though, it's essential that you understand their technology and its components.
Mobile hotspots are small devices that act as routers, connecting to your wireless carrier's network and sharing an Internet connection with nearby devices. You can purchase standalone units or have them built-in into smartphones.
Wifi vs. Hotspot
A hotspot is a device that converts mobile broadband signals into WiFi connectivity for laptops, tablets, and phones. Typically portable and accommodating up to several users simultaneously; hotspots use cellular data so a valid data plan from a cellular carrier must exist in order to use one effectively.
Connect to any hotspot by selecting its service set identifier (SSID) from your Wi-Fi dropdown menu on your device. For speed testing purposes, take our speed test.
Mobile hotspots can provide temporary Internet needs while traveling or during short-term rentals or vacations; however, they should not be seen as an ideal replacement for home Internet since cellular data networks often offer slower speeds than DSL or cable connections.
Wifi is a family of protocols
Wifi (Wireless Fidelity Interoperability Protocol) is a wireless technology that enables digital devices to communicate wirelessly using radio waves. This communication protocol can be used in a home, office building or public area and by mobile hotspot devices to access the internet. WiFi exists as a family of protocols with various standards and speeds - the latest generation being WiFi 6, offering speeds of up to 9608 Mbit/s; additionally there are features such as Beamforming and MU-MIMO technology which expand the signal coverage area further still.
Security for hotspots depends heavily on how they're configured and the network provider. Some networks offer port filtering to limit hackers' ability to gain entry. Other solutions such as end-to-end encryption protect data against theft while providing forward secrecy.
Wifi is more secure
Wi-Fi technology uses radio waves to transmit data between wireless routers and WiFi-enabled devices like TVs, smartphones, tablets and laptops. While providing fast Internet connections, this method may also expose it to hackers and other potential security risks.
An attacker could create a wireless network with the same name as an existing network and use it to collect user data - this practice is known as honeypot attack and allows the attacker to witness everything sent between devices and websites, including login details for financial, email and social media accounts.
Modern public WiFi networks can protect users from these risks by using Wi-Fi CERTIFIED open authentication and device provisioning solutions, along with encryption technology to safeguard data security and flag unauthorized attempts at connection.
Wifi is open
Wi-Fi connections allow devices to access the Internet wirelessly; however, to ensure optimal use, devices must first connect to their router before being allowed online - as the Internet is an interconnected global communications network made up of thousands of networks.
WiFi relies on radio signals for device connectivity and uses frequencies shared with Bluetooth, remote controls, electric meter readers and weather sensors - meaning it competes for bandwidth with these technologies and may lead to lags. LTE on the other hand utilizes dedicated frequency bands with a moderating protocol designed specifically to optimize speed for optimal speeds resulting in faster speeds and better performance.
Wifi is less secure
Network choices can have a major effect on any business. When security is of primary concern, LAN connections may be best; but wireless networks might offer more convenience.
However, when devices connect to a public Wi-Fi network without using adequate encryption measures, malicious actors could potentially gain access to sensitive data on your devices through what's known as piggybacking.
Open Wi-Fi networks do not require password authentication, meaning attackers can use brute force attacks or fake hotspots that appear legitimate to trick users into signing on and gain access to data. Furthermore, the DHCP lease time can be decreased to reduce opportunities for an attacker.