The access points allow for a wireless Wi-Fi network to be connected to the mesh.

It's not uncommon to see a dozen or more Wi-Fi networks in a residential neighborhood.

Another wrinkle is that Wi-Fi networks operate over unlicensed radio spectrum.

Even taking into account the potential for security abuses, a wireless Wi-Fi network is a tremendous convenience for any home with more than one computer.

Conventional Wi-Fi networks are typically based on the presence of controller devices known as wireless access points.

But other schemes to build large Wi-Fi networks have failed.

And so it goes with popular wireless Wi-Fi networks, which already seem overcrowded and slow.

In most cases, the Wi-Fi network and voice components supporting the voice system are privately owned.

In addition, the Wi-Fi network must provide seamless roaming between access points.

Should councils be investing in free public Wi-Fi networks?