Wireless Internet providers in Illinois commonly use Wi-Fi mesh networking in addition to networks that run high frequencies. Wireless Internet in Illinois usually operates over the 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz bands and may even use the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) or Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) ranges.

Wireless Internet providers in Illinois usually offer Virtual Private Networking (VPN) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP). These services are especially useful in rural areas where wireless networking is common.

Illinois wireless Internet providers are primarily in locations where there are no land-based cables or Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL). Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) uses microwaves and is becoming more common. It will probably become the standard technology in wireless networking which will allow for mobile data transmission.

Users of Illinois wireless Internet service are frequently required to roam between different providers with the Wireless Internet Service Provider radio (WISPr) protocol since individual providers do not often offer global access. The Wi-Fi Alliance currently allows and encourages roaming with WISPr.

In order to best use your wireless Internet service in Illinois:

1. Find a locator service suitable for your needs.

2. Find the hot spots in Illinois so that you can use wireless Internet while traveling.

3. Add value to your business in Illinois by providing wireless Internet to others.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate Illinois Internet providers wireless service areas

Illinois wireless Internet service providers should provide a locator on their website to make it easy for you to see their service area. A technician should perform a site survey to determine if you will be able to use the service from your specific location.

I recommend: Enter your location on a WISP like Surfs Up Wireless. This Illinois wireless Internet provider also has a map of their coverage area which is generally within 15 miles of Freeport. The site map is especially helpful since wireless service has a limited range. Broadband Wireless Exchange Magazine provides a directory of Illinois wireless Internet service providers.

Use Illinois wireless Internet services while traveling

A business traveler will require wireless Internet in Illinois while in airports, hotels or on the road. A larger network should be able to provide access to multiple hot spots for a flat rate without per-minute or for roaming charges.

I recommend: Get a list of hot spots in Illinois at Boingo. They offer packages for worldwide hot spots, just those in North America and customers that require access only on selected days.

Provide Illinois wireless Internet services

You can attract new customers and encouraging repeat business to add value to a venue by joining the growing group of Illinois wireless Internet providers. Wireless customers tend to be high-income and high-loyalty.

I recommend: Sign up to become a virtual wireless Internet provider at HotPoint Wireless. The best businesses for this added service cafes, coffee shops and restaurants and other public places with high traffic.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Higher frequency transmissions are more dependent upon direct access than lower ones. Illinois wireless Internet service providers that use a 900 MHz device may occasionally be able to operate outside of the line of sight but the 2.4 GHz band must have line of sight with the transmission source. Wireless connections are also vulnerable to interference from many sources like solar activity and other radio broadcasters.