A Wi-Fi hotspot is a physical location where people can obtain internet access, typically using Wi-Fi technology, via a wireless local-area network (WLAN) using a router connected to an internet service provider. Hotspots are wireless access points that allow you to connect phones, tablets, computers, and other devices to the internet when you’re on the go. They can be built into most smartphones, but you can also get dedicated mobile hotspot devices that deliver faster speeds, connect more devices, and have a longer battery life than your phone.

Hotspots can be public or private. Public hotspots may be created by a business for use by customers, such as coffee shops or hotels. Public hotspots are typically created from wireless access points configured to provide internet access, controlled to some degree by the venue. Private hotspots, on the other hand, are created by individuals using their own devices to share their cellular data connection with other devices.

Hotspot 2.0, also known as HS2 and Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint, is an approach to public access Wi-Fi by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The idea is for mobile devices to automatically join a Wi-Fi subscriber service whenever the user enters a Hotspot 2.0 area, in order to provide better bandwidth and services-on-demand to end-users and relieve carrier infrastructure of some traffic.

In summary, a Wi-Fi hotspot is a wireless access point that allows you to connect devices to the internet when you’re on the go. They can be public or private, and can be built into most smartphones or purchased as dedicated mobile hotspot devices.