> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.linkrmap.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Hotspots

> The fundamental unit of connectivity on Linkr.

A hotspot is a wireless access point that has been shared with Linkr. It is the
fundamental unit of connectivity on the network.

## What qualifies as a hotspot

Almost any wireless access point can become a Linkr hotspot:

* A home router with a guest network enabled
* A phone sharing its cellular connection
* A dedicated access point at a business
* An outdoor installation in a public space

The only requirement is that it provides wireless internet access and is shared through
the Linkr app.

## What a hotspot record holds

Each hotspot on Linkr carries:

* A **name**: how it appears on the map
* A **location**: where it physically exists
* A **network type**: Wi-Fi, mobile data, or router
* **Access settings**: whether it is public, and whether international access is allowed
* Descriptive fields: signal, security, speed, and a contributor note

The public preview dataset also includes illustrative values such as `uptime` and
`rating`. See the [API schema](/docs/api-reference/list-hotspots#hotspot-schema) for the
exact shape of a record.

## What makes a hotspot useful

Not all hotspots are equally valuable. The most useful ones tend to be:

* **Available**: online when people need them
* **Well-placed**: located where connectivity is actually needed
* **Accessible**: configured to allow connections

## Lifecycle

A hotspot's lifecycle in the beta app:

1. **Create**: the contributor shares the hotspot in the app
2. **Discover**: it appears on the map and in the contributor's list
3. **Manage**: the contributor can toggle its visibility or remove it

<Note>
  Automatic uptime measurement and reliability scoring are on the roadmap. Today the app
  records what you share; it does not yet monitor hotspots in the background.
</Note>

## Why hotspots matter

A single hotspot might seem small. But many hotspots, contributed by many participants,
create infrastructure that did not exist before.