Public Spot scenarios make use of the widespread (W)LAN technologies based on the internationally established IEEE 802.11/802.3 standards:
- Access via WLANs provides fast, uncomplicated network access by radio. The user only needs a WLAN adapter for their mobile device, which, for modern devices, is usually part of the standard equipment or can be inexpensively added, usually with a USB interface. The bandwidth is sufficient for most applications, even when multiple users are simultaneously logged in to a Public Spot.
- With automatic address allocation via DHCP, access via LAN is similarly uncomplicated: In this case, the user only needs a LAN adapter and a suitable cable for their end device, in order to connect their device to the Public Spot network at a wall socket.
However, when accessing via LAN the user loses mobility and uninterrupted flexibility. However, this access – assuming that a corresponding infrastructure is available – also provides stable network operation with the highest network load (for example, for multimedia content such as video-on-demand) and a higher number of users (for example, in a large hotel), where connections via WLAN may reach their limits sooner. It is also possible to add a Public Spot offering to an existing cable infrastructure (for example, in a college) with the use of a Public Spot via LAN.
Noteworthy issues of access using (W)LAN
It is difficult to employ a standard WLAN access point or LAN router as a Public Spot for two main reasons:
- User authentication is only possible by employing RADIUS/802.11x, so requiring the appropriate infrastructure and configuration.
- There is no facility for billing / accounting.
For this reason, the use of devices without the Public Spot function is not practical, since these devices are not able to separate and log the specific network usage of authorized and unauthorized users of publicly accessible networks.