Open network
Updated: 05/06/2024 by Computer Hope
With Wi-Fi, an open network is a network without encryption and accessible (without a password) by anyone in range of the wireless router. Because you may be unsure who controls a Wi-Fi network and any data sent is not encrypted, we don't recommend using these networks without additional protection, like a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Today, most Wi-Fi connections are secured, indicated by a lock icon when you look at a list of available networks. In the example image, a lock icon is next to the "hope-5" network, but "xfinitywifi" doesn't have this icon indicating it's an open network.
Tip
If a Wi-Fi network is password protected and has encryption, it's called a closed network.