Overview[]
Mobile carriers that provide Wi-Fi access points to their customers can use these access points to determine location. Like cell towers, Wi-Fi access points are fixed locations and send out signals over a limited range. Specifically, Wi-Fi signals are radio waves that provide Internet access to devices equipped with compatible wireless hardware. Each Wi-Fi access point is identified by a unique hardware address. Nearby compatible devices are able to receive this information and use it to request Internet access. Since a Wi-Fi access point's range is limited to a few hundred meters, accurate location data can be determined if a device communicates with the access point.