Linksys Brews Up Hotspot To Go

When you're on the road, the hunt for an Internet caf? can be wearing, and occasionally fruitless. So the next time you pack up and go, consider taking your own hotspot with you.

Travelers can now set up their own portable Internet cafes with an 802.11g travel router offered by Linksys. Announced Monday, Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems, said the compact-sized WTR54GS router will have an estimated street price of $99.99.

Using the travel router, multiple Wi-Fi equipped computers can share a single Internet access account. For instance, the WTR54GS could be wirelessly connected to a wireless Internet service provider and then be opened up for linking by additional users.

The device has a built-in power supply, wireless signal antenna, and a WAN port to connect a cable or DSL connection. "Users simply plug the router directly into the wall with the built-in retractable two-prong power adapter, and establish either a wired or wireless connection to the Internet access offered by (a) hotel or other venue," Linksys' announcement stated.

What about interference problems?The firm said that wireless notebook adapters with SecureEasySetup (SES) technology, which automatically implements security features, work effortlessly with the WTR54GS. Other security features can be implemented, but with more effort.

Linksys noted that PCs without wireless capability can connect to the network via an Ethernet port in the WTR54GS. The device is backward compatible with older 802.11g and 802.11b (2.4GHz) standards.