The Demo Site

Whether you are a business professional, a student, or just someone who likes to stay connected, accessing the Internet and e-mail servers while away from your home or office is becoming more and more popular. While you can purchase an Internet card from your cellular provider or hook up at a pay-for-time hot spot, another solution on the market is the Autonet, a wireless Internet hub designed for use in your car, truck, or SUV.

Chrysler was one of the first manufacturers to offer wireless Internet as an option with its UConnect product, currently offered as an option on many vehicles. The same device is also available for use in any vehicle as the Autonet.

The Autonet Internet hub can be placed under a seat or in a cargo bin.

(Credit: Al & Ed's Autosound)

We installed the Autonet in a Honda belonging to our outside sales rep, but it can go into any car. It's a two-wire hook-up (power/ground), and can be placed under a seat or in a storage compartment. Once powered up, multiple users can surf the Net, check e-mail, download files, or do whatever they need to do online. It has a range of about 100 feet, so it can provide a wireless network away from the vehicle, too. It can be set up as a secured or unsecured network. You could also wire the unit up to a cigarette lighter-type plug and use it in multiple vehicles by plugging in to a 12v power supply.

The system works pretty well. It takes about 30 seconds to boot up and access the network. During this time, you see a flashing blue indicator light, which goes solid blue once an Internet connection is established. Then, you simply log on the way you would to any available wireless network.