Question by Jackie: I have WAN (integrated wireless wide area network) in my laptop, can I use this where and how?
Best answer:
Answer by Joey B
You should be able to use this anytime at any hotspots.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
You have a Wireless Network Interface Card installed in your laptop. You may make use of your WNIC anywhere a “Hot Spot” is available. A “Hot Spot” is a wireless networking “Epicenter”. Like a radio station, a Wireless Access Point (WAP) broadcasts its identity to your WNIC, depending on the security posture, you will either be allowed access to the wireless network without a password or (Most typically) you will be required to provide a simple password to gain access to the wireless network. Many coffee shops provide free wireless Internet access and will gladly provide you a password to access their wireless LAN. Many airports also provide this convenience as well. There are WAP finders sold now in key chain form that allow you to press a button at any given place where a WAP might be likely. This will allow you to determine if you’re in range of a usable WAP. Otherwise, you can simply turn on your computer and allow your WNIC to tell you what networks are in range, you may select a preferred network and then connect. You can also prioritize your list of networks in the order in which you use them most.
Welcome to the wonderful world of WiFi!