What do I need to use the Wi-Fi connection at a hotspot or FreeSpot such as Cianfrani?

You'll need a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or other device. Most recently manufactured laptops are configured for Wi-Fi and some may come equipped with a Wi-Fi card. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter card ($35-90). If you're using Windows XP it should automatically sniff out the network. Others should consider downloading the Boingo software. You won't need to sign-up for a membership but you can use the software to sniff out any nearby networks.

What if I need Help connecting?

Most hotspot locations are striving to make the connection process as easy as possible. The goal is to automatically configure your laptop for connection. But, as you can imagine, with lots of different vendors selling access points and Wi-Fi cards there could be specific configuration instructions you'll need to follow. By and large do not expect much help from the staff at the hotspot. They are waiters, waitresses or baristas, not tech support people. Hopefully they will at least be able to supply you with an instructional guide but don't count on it. The hotspot aggregators like Boingo, Wayport and T-Mobile (Starbucks) and others have toll free tech support numbers and hopefully the person you talk to has first hand knowledge of connection issues and is not just reading from their instruction guide. If you are using a hotspot that offers free access you won't find any toll free tech support number to call (that's one reason why they are able to offer the access for free). You'll probably be on your own so it would help to familiarize yourself with the instructions for your Wi-Fi card beforehand or bring them with you. Some hints that should work in most locations - 1) Be sure to set your TCP/IP properties to "Obtain and IP address automatically" (DHCP). 2) Make sure your computer is not configured to automatically use a dial-up connection. 3) Choose Infrastructure mode. 4) Use the SSID name provided by the location or try choosing "any". 5) Turn encryption (WEP) off.

Is my data and e-mail secure at a hotspot or FreeSpot?

Glenn Fleishman, author of the book The Wireless Networking Starter Kit, sums it up thusly, " When data leaves your computer, if it's not on an encrypted link, anyone can read everything you send and receive."

Here's what the Wi-Fi Alliance says:

Wireless networks in public areas and "HotSpots" like Internet cafes may not provide any security. Although some service providers do provide this with their custom software, many HotSpots leave all security turned off to make it easier to access and get on the network in the first place. If security is important to you the best way to achieve this when you are connecting back to your office is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). If you do not have access to a VPN and security is important, you may want to limit your wireless network use in these areas to non-critical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.

Most corporate IT departments are already skilled with VPN and can modify existing systems to support Wi-Fi networks. A VPN works through the VPN server at the company headquarters, creating an encryption scheme for data transferred to computers outside the corporate offices. The special VPN software on the remote computer or laptop uses the same encryption scheme, enabling the data to be safely transferred back and forth with no chance of interception. HotSpotVPN has a consumer product for public hotspot use.

Here's more info from the NewburyOpen.net security page:

Wireless transmissions, by their nature, can be intercepted very easily. Our wireless network was designed for ease of use, and thus is not encrypted or password protected. You have the responsibility to make sure that your data is kept secure and that you use secure protocols for any sensitive material. We take no responsibility for any information that is compromised by the use of our network. Also, make sure that your computer does not have file sharing active (for Windows - click on network settings in the Control Panel, then find and uncheck file and print sharing). Other users on the network may be able to access your files if you do. Read the full document here.

In addition, it would be wise to use some kind of personal firewall to further protect against someone at the next table from accessing your files.

Additionally, Julian Bond of Ecademy.com suggests the use of SSL encryption for e-mail connections whenever possible.

Do I need to purchase goods or services before I can get free access in a FreeSpot?

A few locations might offer free access in exchange for a purchase but, by and large, it is not necessary but surely would be appreciated.

Do I need to be inside a hotspot or FreeSpot to pick up the signal?

The Wi-Fi signal has a limited range of approximately 100-300 feet. The placement of the access point and the structure and layout of the locations will impact access to the signal. In some locations the signal probably will be available outside the location as well. Check out the Cantenna.

Special contributions by Jim Sullivan of wififreenet.com.

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