A 'MiFi hotspot' is a device backconnecting to the cellular 3G network and frontconnecting to local (up to 10m/30ft distance) Wi-Fi devices, creating a local "cloud" of high-speed Internet connectivity that can be shared between users and Wi-Fi devices. MiFi is a small portable wireless device that enables a constant Wi-Fi hotspot wherever it is, continually connected to the internet. Created by Novatel, the MiFi device is currently available only on Verizon and Sprint Cellular Plans in the United States.

Typically, a person has to come within a limited range of a fixed wireless router at a residence, coffee shop, or college campus to gain internet access for their laptop. The MiFi device creates a Wi-Fi cloud wherever the person goes, and does not have to be removed from the person’s pocket or bag.

Depending on the MiFi device, the number of connected devices can be limited up to 5 clients, such as laptops, cameras, gaming devices and multimedia players. Some of these devices can also be connected to a computer via a MicroUSB connection, though most of the time doing so disables the wireless feature.