A device that lets a person access the Internet on a laptop virtually anywhere is now available. Companies like Kyocera, Top Global and Junxion all have products that allow multiple users to access the same connection anywhere where there is wireless.

"The product basically allows you to create a mobile hotspot," Alan Zhou, chief technology officer of Top Global, said. "You don't need to have DSL or cable."

Zhou said the product, called a mobile router, is similar to cable or DSL, but is much faster and more convenient. It takes a couple of minutes to download, but it is much faster than dial-up Internet.

"You can plug it in to any power supply, and multiple people can get online," he said. "For regular office use, about 10 people can use it at a time."

The number of people who can use it at a time depends on how they use the Web.

"If everyone is downloading music and movies, it takes up more power than sending e-mails," he said.

Kyocera recently started selling its version, the Kyocera KR1 Mobile Router, over the last couple of months. Representatives said many people have shown interest in the product.

The top features of this product enable broadband wireless with a card or phone connection. The router supports up to 2.4 megabytes per second, has four Ethernet ports for wired connections, has advanced firewall and security control, and supports current technology and future releases of technology, representatives said.

The mobile router enables users to set up the WiFi hotspot virtually anywhere, but they need to refer to their service providers for detailed information on that feature.

The Kyocera KR1 Mobile Router costs $299.99 if purchased directly through Kyocera.

However, it can also be bought through service providers.

"This product is sold everywhere where Sprint and Verizon Wireless have networks," Zhou said. "It is all over the place and has a 3G cellular network."

Zhou said there aren't many restrictions to the mobile router.

"You can use it like any other network, but you can take it with you," he said.

Because this device is so new, many businesses and institutions don't have access to it.

At Penn State, students can use cellular cards or wireless adapters, which students can plug into the laptop, and it connects them to service, said Robin Anderson, director of customer communications for the university's Information Technology Services.

Penn State has the Virtual Private Network (VPN), which protects students' files. Anderson said a person needs a user ID in order to access it. This network keeps outside citizens from accessing services such as eLion, WebMail and the Angel course management system.

"Digital identity is the way into Penn State services," she said.

Many places on campus have wireless, including the HUB-Robeson Center, the Information Sciences and Technology Building and the Kern Building.

Places with wireless tend to be gathering places for students, Anderson said.

The HUB has plug-in ports and wireless. With a port, the laptop must be plugged in to be used, but with wireless, there is no visible wire and users can move around freely, Anderson said.

Panera Bread, 148 S. Allen St., is equipped with outlets and has wireless access so anyone who has the necessary equipment to hook up his or her computer can use it.

Panera General Manager Monica Selvaggi said that although the restaurant currently has wireless access, she doesn't know if any changes will be made in the future.