A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a computer, cell phone or PDA can connect to the Internet when in proximity of an access point. The region covered by one or several access points is called a hotspot. Hotspots can range from a single room to many square miles of overlapping hotspots. Wi-Fi can also be used to create a mesh network. Both architectures can be used in community networks.

Wi-Fi also allows connectivity in peer-to-peer (wireless ad-hoc network) mode, which enables devices to connect directly with each other.

Wireless networks can be used to distribute Internet access, or simply expand existing private networks to include added offices, different buildings/areas within corporate offices, or residential campus. If a broadband Internet connection exists Wi-Fi can redistribute it, or provide an alternative.

Mesh boxes can link together and route encrypted traffic to the nearest uplink using routing software to enable the quickest path. Several Mesh boxes can be used to create large areas of coverage, based on the 500m radial range of each mesh box.