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Find and Connect to Hotspots

Linkr makes it easy to find verified wireless hotspots wherever you are. This guide explains how to use the app to discover nearby hotspots, evaluate their quality, and connect.

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Using the Coverage Map

The Linkr app displays a real-time map of all available hotspots in your area.

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Opening the Map

1. Open the Linkr app
2. The map view loads automatically, centered on your current location
3. Hotspots appear as colored circles indicating their coverage area

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Understanding the Map

Circle size indicates approximate coverage radius. Overlapping circles mean you may be able to connect to multiple hotspots.

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Map Controls

• Pinch to zoom: See more or fewer hotspots
• Tap a hotspot: View details and connection options
• Search: Find hotspots by name or address
• Filter: Show only hotspots matching specific criteria

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Finding Nearby Hotspots

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Automatic Discovery

When you open the app, it automatically shows hotspots near your current location. The list view (swipe up from the bottom) shows hotspots sorted by distance.

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Search by Location

To find hotspots in a different area:

1. Tap the search bar at the top of the map
2. Enter an address, city, or landmark
3. The map centers on that location and shows nearby hotspots

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Filtering Results

Tap the filter icon to narrow results:

• Availability: Show only online hotspots
• Quality: Minimum signal strength or performance tier
• Type: Home, business, or public hotspots
• Features: Specific amenities (outdoor, 24/7, etc.)

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Evaluating a Hotspot

Before connecting, tap a hotspot to see its details:

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Basic Information

• Name: The operator’s chosen name for the hotspot
• Type: Home, business, or public location
• Distance: How far you are from the hotspot
• Status: Current availability

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Quality Indicators

• Signal Strength: Estimated signal at your location (Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor)
• Performance Tier: Standard, Enhanced, or Premium based on historical performance
• Current Load: How many users are currently connected
• Uptime: Reliability percentage over the past 30 days

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Additional Details

• Operating Hours: When the hotspot is available (if restricted)
• Description: Notes from the operator about the location
• Last Seen: When the hotspot last checked in (useful for checking freshness)

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Connecting to a Hotspot

Once you’ve found a suitable hotspot:

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Quick Connect

1. Tap the hotspot on the map
2. Tap Connect
3. Wait for the connection to establish
4. You’ll see a confirmation when connected

The app handles all authentication automatically. You don’t need to enter any passwords.

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Connection Process

Behind the scenes, the app:

1. Requests a session token from the Linkr Network
2. Configures your device to connect to the hotspot’s network
3. Authenticates using the session token
4. Establishes your connection and starts tracking the session

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Connection Status

Once connected, the app shows:

• Connected to: The hotspot name
• Signal: Current signal strength
• Speed: Estimated bandwidth available
• Session Time: How long you’ve been connected

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During Your Session

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Monitoring Connection Quality

The app displays real-time connection metrics:

• A persistent indicator shows when you’re connected to a Linkr hotspot
• Tap the indicator for detailed session information
• Get notified if connection quality drops significantly

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Switching Hotspots

If you move to a different area or want to try a different hotspot:

1. Tap Disconnect on the current session
2. Find and connect to a new hotspot
3. The app handles the transition seamlessly

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Automatic Reconnection

If you temporarily lose connection (e.g., you walked out of range briefly):

• The app attempts to reconnect automatically
• You’ll receive a notification about the reconnection
• Session continuity is maintained when possible

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Ending Your Session

When you’re done:

1. Tap the connection indicator
2. Tap Disconnect
3. Confirm by tapping Yes, Disconnect

Your session ends and you’re disconnected from the hotspot.

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Offline Mode

If you don’t have an internet connection to load the map:

• Recently viewed areas are cached locally
• You can browse the cached map and see hotspot locations
• Connection requires an active internet connection (to authenticate)

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Tips for Best Experience

1. Check uptime: Higher uptime percentages indicate more reliable hotspots
2. Consider load: A less busy hotspot may offer better speeds
3. Read descriptions: Operators sometimes include helpful notes about their location
4. Report issues: If a hotspot isn’t working as expected, report it through the app

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Next Steps