Wi-Fi is short for wireless fidelity and is another name for IEEE 802.11b. It is a trade term promulgated by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA). "Wi-Fi" is used in place of 802.11b in the same way that "Ethernet" is used in place of IEEE 802.3. Products certified as Wi-Fi by WECA are interoperable with each other even if they are from different manufacturers. A user with a Wi-Fi product can use any brand of access point with any other brand of client hardware that is built to the Wi-Fi standard.

How do businesses set up wireless access?

Wireblast supplies businesses with a plug and play HotSpot Controller to allow users wireless access to the internet. Once the HotSpot Controller is turned on, it coordinates all wireless access within a 1000 foot radius. WireBlast manages the billing, authentication and authorization processes and coordinates all local and regional branding.

How do end-users access your HotSpot?

End users need a browser and a PCMCIA slot with a wireless 802.11B card attached. Wireblast's Portal page is delivered and an account set up or login is required.Users decide how they want to pay, what types of services they require and how they wish to be billed. Once this is set up, users have total wireless access at the HotSpot site.