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As one of the oldest big cities in all of the United States, Chicago has long been on the forefront of innovation, albeit more quietly than other cities like San Francisco and New York. As a major seat of public art, forward-thinking universities, fabulous architecture, and big politics, Chicago is perhaps the most cosmopolitan spot in the midwest. It’s no wonder, then, that tourists and new residents alike are flocking to the city in growing numbers. Whether it’s to enjoy the big-city wonders of the loop, the chance to stroll on a lakeside beach just steps away from a bustling financial district, or to tuck into one of the incredible restaurants or world-class boutiques, Chicago definitely has everything from old-world delights to new-school touches like wireless internet around the city and speedy public transportation.

For those exploring Chicago who are more attune to things like checking one’s email on the go and taking laptops into coffeeshops  to get a little bit of web surfing or freelancing done, rest assured that you are in good company. Whether it’s a growing population of twenty-something freelancers who spend their days wearing carefully distressed jeans and scowling over their MacBook Pros or the 30-something well-coiffed yuppies who take their lunch breaks in downtown restaurants, enjoying salad while recapping the morning’s deals and transactions, laptops are a big part of life in the windiest of cities.

One of the reasons that so many people are wired is because the city has definitely been forward-thinking when it comes to things like wireless internet. Many of the public buildings have been wired longer than other spots around the country, and Wi-Fi is practically ubiquitous. However, everyone is aware of the shortcomings of Wi-Fi connections. Sometimes, the password doesn’t work, even though the barista swears she gave you the right one. Other times, your favorite table at a restaurant is too far away from the router, meaning that your connection is lagging. And of course, if every broke college student living in Wrigleyville is poaching your wireless internet connection, it’s going to move as slow as molasses.

However, since Chicago is so forward-thinking when it comes to technology, it’s no surprise that it is one of the first cities in the United States to really get on board with WiMax. Unlike Wi-Fi, which depends on a router that basically magnifies a regular broadband connection to cover a couple of feet, this version of wireless is known for sending its signals via towers. The towers can actually provide a solid amount of coverage to numerous people for an area of over 30 miles, and towers can bounce signals from one to the other. This means that it would be possible for you to get all the way from the heart of Chicago’s south side to the leafy suburbs of the north side and not have to worry about dropping your internet connection once along the way.

With WiMax, it’s possible to be truly wireless while exploring Chicago. And in a city with so much to do, and so much thought towards technology, there’s never been a better spot to get along, knowing full well that your wireless connection will be there with you no matter where you choose to head next.

Tags: Chicago, Easier, Exploring, WiMAX

admin  Dec 24 technology