A hotspot is a location that offers Internet access over
Wi-Fi through the use of a
router. Public establishments, such as coffee shops, have 'free-to-access' hotspots for their customers
all over the world.
Hotspots can be found using
crowdsourced online
mapping databases - allowing mobile applications to use this data to provide location-based hotspot finding. Most large establishments provide a free wireless network
infrastructure throughout franchises and brands.
Origin - 'hot' as a metaphorical use, 'spot' as a known/identifiable location.
