So . . . what, no disadvantages?
Well, yes, I have to admit that for all its affirmative attributes, Wi-Fi does have
a few disadvantages. Among them, the following three are primary:
Range: Because of federally mandated power limitations -- as well as
the attributes of a high-frequency radio signal -- Wi-Fi has a limited
range. Another factor influencing range is interference; in a truck stop or
RV park, that's the usual result when signals are blocked or bounced by
trucks, trailers, and other RVs. I discuss increasing effective range in
Chapter 3.
Roaming: Unlike cellphone providers, most of those providing wireless
Internet access have no roaming agreements. When, for example, you
sign up for service with Flying J, you need to be in or near a Flying J
facility in order to access the Internet. Flying J and others do provide
access in areas other than their own facilities -- and they're working on
other solutions as well. You get a look at the details of connecting to
hotspots (and examples of different plans) in Chapters 6.
Security: Okay, you're sending data using a radio signal, which means
someone could intercept your transmissions. It is possible, but in Part
IV, I discuss in detail methods of maintaining security and privacy.
Examining your options
If the allure of an untethered connection to the Internet beckons you forward,
you might wonder about your choices and options. Currently, the primary
methods of connecting to the Internet that are free from the tether of a phone
cord include the following:
Wi-Fi: Believe it or not, even though it's fully functional -- and its use
and availability are rapidly expanding -- this technology's still in devel-
opment. Wi-Fi uses a high-frequency, low-power radio signal to transmit
and receive data. To use Wi-Fi, you must be within range of the access
point transceiver, which is known as a hotspot. I tell you more about this
in the next few sections.
High-speed cellular: On a cellphone, data's often carried separately
from voice; usually you need a data-service subscription in addition to
your voice-service subscription. I tell you more about cellular data ser-
vice in Chapter 7.
Satellite: Requiring the use of some fairly expensive and specialized equip-
ment (not to mention a commitment to a hefty monthly subscription), this
option is most popular with those living full-time in their RVs. I tell you
more about satellite Internet in Chapter 9.
Chapter 1: Taking the Wi-Fi Highway
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