A Network Without Wires
WiFi stands for "Wireless Fidelity." Many business and home PC/PDA users use it to network computers, printers and other office equipment. WiFi runs at 11 megabits per second (Mbps) and can be affected by exterior and interior walls, distance from the signal, trees, and trucks going by. That is why it is a "Best Effort Service" - just like cellular phone service.

Once your computer/PDA is enabled with WiFi, your device simply grabs a WiFi signal when it is within range. Should you receive more than one signal, that's not a problem: You simply select the signal you want. WiFi is not the same as telephone standards.

So what's the big difference between WIFI and telephone standards? Speed! It's faster, you won't tie up your telephone line and it's wireless. The download speeds are several times faster than traditional dial-up.

Several of our local RSP's operate WiFi networks in the Tri Cities. Why doesn't everyone use WiFi? Despite the growth of the networks, access can still be a problem. Once you get outside airports, restaurants, coffee shops and hotel lobbies, there isn't much service. The telephone-based systems are much more widely available, so, if you're at the airport, you probably will have access to WiFi - To locate national Hot spots when you travel look at WIFI Zone or IPass.

That is why Franklin PUD Broadband is deploying wide area WiFi coverage in Pasco at this time. The Franklin PUD Broadband WiFi service is provided by your RSP under its own brand name WiFi product. Your RSP can provide levels of security to your broadband service - please contact them for details. View the listing of WiFi Service Providers in the Pasco area.