Jan/Feb 2004

The evolution of a coherent, usable network of Wi-Fi hotspots providing Internet access to mobile workers could be given a boost by a deal between BT Openzone, the UK's biggest public Wi-Fi hotspot operator, and HotSpot Hotel. This organisation operates what is described as the premier worldwide directory of hotpots.

Under the deal, BT Openzone and HotSpot Hotel intend to use "push" technology to allow mobile users to obtain detailed directions of the nearest three hotspots to a particular location, using the Web, SMS messaging or MMS (multimedia services).

BT Openzone customers can also purchase access vouchers through the HotSpot Hotel Web site, and browse for a listing of BT Openzone Hot Spots and Streetzone kiosks. BT says it is on target to have 4,000 hotspots open by this summer.

Meanwhile, it's getting easier all the time for businesses to set up their own wireless hotspots. One of the latest products to smooth the process is a "hotspot in a box" - or at least, that's the description given by Gemtek Systems to its new P-560 scalable 5-in-1 IP router and Wi-Fi access point.

 

This is similar to devices now being sold into the consumer market for private wireless networking, but is also being pitched as suitable for public and hybrid networks.

It includes an access controller, a VPN gateway for virtual private networks and a four-port 10/100 Ethernet local-area network switch - and it can all be managed remotely if required. It conforms to the new IEEE 802.11g as well as 802.11b, the original Wi-Fi specification.