Public Spots, also called hotspots, are places where users can connect their terminals – such as smartphones, tablet PCs or laptops – to a publicly accessible network. Normally, these networks provide connections to the Internet; however a Public Spot can also be limited to a local network in order to offer extra information to users visiting a museum or a trade show, for example. The term is usually synonymous to the devices with which the user can connect to the network, which is also why this manual does not differentiate between the location and the device.
Access via wireless LAN is widespread, however, it is also possible to access a Public Spot using a cabled LAN connection. The most popular demand for these services originally came from business travelers at airports, in hotels, or at other locations where their end devices require access to online content. The public rarely has access to modems, ISDN or broadband connections in areas like this. However, the recreational use of Public Spots by private persons has become very popular.