Perimeter 2min de Leitura - 09 de August de 2016

What is hotspot? Concept and terminology

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The internet, which started in the governmental and academic segment (universities), soon were spread to companies, and is now in a good number of homes, being very difficult to imagine day by day without this resource.

Over time, many physical services have been migrated to the virtual environment, as new services and products, never before thought, were developed due to the facilities and proximity that Internet allows.

Faced with the challenge of staying connected, the term hotspot has emerged, which allows users to use the internet in public places (more common) or private, through wireless technology. These accesses are operated in a different way, since they can be charged, or made available free of charge.

It is common for malls, cafes, public spaces, airports, hotels, hospitals, restaurants and other establishments to offer Internet access to their customers, in order to provide virtual comfort to users who visit their environments.

Therefore, in a clear definition, hotspot is the name used for a physical location where people can have access to the internet. Continue reading this article to better understand what hotspot is, as well as its concept and terminology. Check out!

Security for hotspots

The greatest aspect to be considered when using a hotspot is security. This is because the one that offers this type of service has access to all traffic carried out by a device, and often there is no guarantee of suitability, or even if you do not have some third party controlling the environment in an unauthorized way.

Many security incidents occur with users after using the internet in public places; this is because there are malicious people who seek vulnerabilities in these networks, collecting information used to promote illicit activities, through the Internet.

That way, when using a hotspot, beware of the type of use that will be made, avoid connecting to banks and other applications/websites that may be very important to you. The perception of value is relevant, because for some people the use of social networks can be fundamental, and the commitment of this can cause representative disorders.

However, if access is only for checking news, using an application to call a taxi, watching a video, or anything else of minor importance, the hotspot can be an interesting alternative, especially if the user does not have a data plan contracted with a cellular operator, or if it is limited.

Hotspot availability formats

Hotspot does not necessarily have to be free, the greatest example is in hotel networks, airports, etc., which offer access by purchasing vouchers, limiting it by time, or making associations with third parties, especially internet providers, ensuring access for customers and people interested in the service.

Many people confuse hotspot with free internet access point, especially since most of their accesses should be associated with public places that offer this type of service to attract more visitors, especially malls.

This post is also available in: Português English Español