Wi-Fi hot zones, also known as Wi-Fi clouds, provide public Internet access, just like hotspots, but they cover a larger area and they are typically for use outdoors. These hot zones might cover anywhere from a city block to an entire city, commonly referred to as a muni or municipal network, or even a whole county.

Even though end users in these hot zones connect using Wi-Fi, these systems typically use a different design approach, called mesh networking, instead of the traditional wireless LAN infrastructure, such as in Wi-Fi hotspots.

Along with giving citizens and visitors convenient Internet access, these wireless networks might provide a concurrent private network and Internet connections over the same system. Companies might be able to purchase a secure Internet connection for their business, and government departments could support communication services such as parking and utility meters and city cameras.

More and more cities are hopping on the muni Wi-Fi bandwagon, trying to keep up with the digital world and wanting to attract people and businesses to their area.

These hot zones are convenient, allowing people to check their e-mail and browse the Internet pretty much anywhere outdoors within the coverage area. In some cases, users can even access the Internet in moving vehicles, where traditional hotspots do not cover.