A hotspot may refer to any of the following:

  1. A hotspot is a clickable section in an HTML document or image map that forwards a user to a new page.

  2. A hotspot is a visible location on a screen that is linked to perform a specified task. Hotspots are located by moving the mouse over an area of the screen. When the mouse cursor changes or an area of the screen lights up, a hotspot is detected.

  3. A Wi-Fi hotspot or wireless hotspot is a location where users can connect to a Wi-Fi network with a laptop or mobile device.

Most smartphones today can be configured to create a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing computers and tablets to connect to the Internet using the Wi-Fi signal generated by the smartphone.

Some mobile phone carriers also offer a device called a Mobile Hotspot, which allows users to connect non-phone devices to the data network of the mobile phone carrier. Carriers, such as Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon offer a mobile hotspot for an additional monthly fee, starting around $29 a month.

The mobile hotspot connects to the carrier’s data network, either a 3G, 4G, or 5G network. This turns the signal into a Wi-Fi signal that another device, like a computer or tablet, can connect to and use for Internet access. The mobile hotspot can run on a battery or can be plugged in to a power outlet.

Evil twin, Image map, Internet terms, Link, Network terms, Phone terms, Wi-Fi

  • How to turn your smartphone into a Wi-Fi hotspot.