The following are the overall steps to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot:
Find and purchase equipment.
Configure the equipment.
Physically install the equipment.
Test the hotspot.
This chapter explains how to complete Steps 1 and 2. After you complete the first two steps, you should continue with the chapter corresponding to the hotspot solution you choose so that you can complete the remaining steps.
Of course, you can research the many different hotspot solutions yourself; however, this book will save you some time by discussing four possible solutions in detail. At least one of these solutions should work well for your business or organization. If not, you can refer to the “Additional Solutions” section of this chapter, which lists more solutions; however, these solutions are not covered in detail in this book.
The following Wi-Fi hotspot solutions are described in the next few sections and also are covered in Part II, “Setting Up the Hotspot”:
Note
Part II of this book walks you through the entire process of installing and setting up the four solutions for a small indoor coverage area. If you need to provide coverage for a larger area, such as a hotel, refer to Chapter 12, “Increasing Your Hotspot’s Wireless Coverage,” after setting up the main components.
This is the simplest and least expensive of the four different solutions. The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router (WRT54G) used in this setup is the same type of equipment used in wireless home networks. This solution does not actually have true hotspot features, such as user control and management.
This solution is good if you do not want to require the users to log in and do not want to display a splash screen. This solution allows you to provide simple wireless Internet access to your visitors.
If you want to give away free access and desire neat hotspot features, this might be the right solution for you. You will need to dedicate a PC to this setup; however, if you have an extra PC, this solution is cost-effective. The software that does the “work” is actually free. To get the premium or advanced hotspot features, you sign up for a service plan, which ranges from $7.95 to $15.95 per month. It is free to use the basic features, though, such as the splash screen and content filtering.
Want to be part of a huge hotspot network and provide paid access? If so, this is the solution for you. Boingo, one of the biggest hotspot networks, provides service to thousands of users all over the world in airports, cafés, hotels, retail locations, and more. Setting up the equipment is fairly simple and does not require many technical skills. You actually set all this up through an off-the-self product, the Linksys Wireless-G VPN Broadband Router (WRV54G).
This solution is the most expensive option and provides an easy way to integrate or create a private network using the same Internet connection. You can provide either free or paid access with this solution. The D-Link Airspot Wireless G Public/Private Hot Spot Gateway (DSA-3200) has both public and private ports to ensure that your private and confidential information is secured from the public.
The easiest way to provide paid access with this solution is to use the Airspot Ticket Printer (DSA-3100P). You can use your existing cash register or credit card processor to take payments and then print and physically hand out the login information to your customers.
You can also set up a credit card processor for on-demand, online payments from hotspot users via the splash screen. However, this requires the use of an external RADIUS server, which is discussed in Chapter 7, “Solution 4: Free or Paid Access and Private Network Using a Hotspot Gateway.”
Table 3-1 provides an overview of the features that each solution provides.
Table 3-1. Overview of the Hotspot Solution Features
Solution 1: Simple | Solution 2: ZoneCD | Solution 3: Boingo | Solution 4: D-Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Access Type | Free | Free | Paid | Free/paid |
Estimated Minimum Cost | $40 | $70 | $160 | $500 |
Estimated Installation Time | 1 hour | 3 hours | 2 hours | 2 hours |
Hotspot Network | ✓ | |||
Roaming for Multiple Locations | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Built-In Private Ports | ✓ | |||
Splash (Redirection) Screen | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Customizable Splash Screen | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Ticketing System | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Remote Admin Access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Content Filtering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Port Filtering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Open/Close Hours | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Customizable User Time Limits | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Bandwidth Throttling | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Detailed Usage Reports | ✓ |
To give you a better idea of the hotspot features, the following list that each feature in greater detail:
Estimated minimum cost—. This is the minimum cost for each solution for a small hotspot that does not require extra access points.
Estimated installation time—. The installation times also apply only when setting up a small hotspot. This is because the time involved in installing extra access points to provide more coverage varies greatly.
Hotspot network—. This identifies whether the hotspot solution would be part of a large hotspot network. As you see in Table 3-1, the only solution that belongs to a hotspot network is Solution 3, where you would be a part of the Boingo Wireless network. This would allow your subscribers to access a Wi-Fi network at a different location, which could entice people to join your network. In addition, people who already have Wi-Fi service with Boingo might be attracted to your location, which improves the marketing of your company or organization.
Roaming for multiple locations—. This indicates that the solution somehow supports roaming or management of multiple hotspot locations.
Built-in private port—. This helps you easily integrate or create a private network using a single Internet connection and without the use of other equipment. The private port would securely separate the networks.
Splash (redirection) screen—. The splash screen provides a way to let users know of any terms and conditions of using the hotspot, the consequences of using unsecured networks, and a way to collect payment or login information before the user accesses the Internet.
Customizable splash screen—. This simply means you can customize the splash screen by adding things such as text and images.
Ticketing system—. Ticketing systems are used in conjunction with both free and fee-based hotspots. Ticketing systems enable the hotspot owners to physically hand out unique usernames and passwords to customers or visitors.
For example, you could give out free Internet access to only paying customers. Suppose that a visitor sat down at your café, pulled out a laptop, and connected to the hotspot. The splash screen would stop the visitor from accessing the Internet. It would say that hotspot access is given only to customers, and he must get the login information from the cashier. After purchasing something, the visitor would ask for the login information. With a few clicks from the cashier, a username and password would print and be handed to the customer. The visitor would sit back down, open his laptop, access the hotspot, enter the login information, and be able to use the free Wi-Fi Internet service.
Remote admin access—. This feature allows you to access your hotspot’s web-based configuration utility when you are away from the location. This can be handy when you are checking on your hotspot status. You can view connection logs, Internet connection status, and more anywhere via the web.
Content filtering—. Content filtering allows you to block specified websites or web pages containing defined keywords. The content filtering works differently for each hotspot solution.
Port filtering—. This allows you to block specific ports, which in turn prevents the usage of certain Internet applications.
Open/close hours—. This allows you to specify the times you would like your hotspot to be active. For example, you might not want to have the hotspot on while your business is closed.
Customizable user time limits—. Applying time limits to users can be useful, especially when you are providing free access. For example, you can limit each user to one hour of access per day or over a specified amount of time.
Bandwidth throttling—. With this feature, you can control the amount of bandwidth that is available to users. You could set an upload and download throttle limit.
Detailed usage reports—. Usage reports tell you how much your hotspot is being used, when it is being used, and how it is being used. This can let you know some important information about your hotspot users.
If you are looking for specific features and functionalities in your hotspot solution and they are not supported in the four solutions discussed in detail in this book, do not worry; many other solutions exist.
Even though this book does not step you through the installation and setup of these additional solutions, you can still benefit from this book.
Following are several other solutions that you should consider implementing:
Use low-cost wireless routers with replacement firmware.
You can use a Linksys Wireless Router (WRT-54GL or other support models and brands) that is loaded with open source firmware, such as DD-WRT or Sveasoft. These replacement firmwares give you many neat and usually expensive features, such as a splash screen (also known as captive portal), multiple service set identifiers (SSID), VLANs, and repeater mode, all at no or low additional cost.
For easy remote administration, better usage reports, the ability to accept payments, or when deploying and managing multiple hotspot locations, you can use a service such as SputnikNet with a supported wireless router and the DD-WRT replacement firmware.
For more information about DD-WRT replacement firmware, visit http://www.dd-wrt.com.
For more information about Sveasoft, visit http://www.sveasoft.com.
For more information about SputnikNet service, visit http://www.sputnik.com.
Use low-cost wireless routers and software on a PC.
Similar to ZoneCD, which is one of four step-by-step solutions in this book, the following software titles act as the wireless controller, or hotspot gateway, used in conjunction with a basic wireless router, such as the Linksys WRT-54GL:
Less Networks’s Hotspot Server—. For more information, visit http://www.lessnetworks.com.
PatronSoft’s FirstSpot Windows-based Wi-Fi hotspot management software—. For more information, visit http://www.patronsoft.com.
Antamedia’s HotSpot Software—. For more information, visit http://www.antamedia.com.
Use a hotspot gateway.
Using hotspot gateways is more expensive than the other methods; however, this method also offers advantages, such as the ability to use hotspot ticket printers. In addition, hotspot gateways provide a more plug-and-play installation and are typically better suited for enterprise-type environments.
The following are hotspot gateways, other than the D-Link solution that is discussed in detail in this book, that you might want to use for your hotspot:
Versa’s 802.11b/g Multifunction Hot Spot Subscriber/Gateway (Model #VX-HG11G) with optional ticket printer
The gateway has separate public and private Ethernet ports, allowing easy integration of your public and private networks.
For more information, visit http://www.versatek.com.
SMC’s EliteConnect Wireless Hotspot Gateway (model #SMCWHSG44-G) with optional ticket printer
Multiple WAN ports can pump up to four Internet connections into your network to create a super-fast hotspot or to guarantee an always-on connection.
For more information, visit http://www.smc.com.
Airepoch’s 802.11 b/G High-Speed Feature-Rich Indoor HotSpot Access Gateway with optional ticket printer
This also has multiple WAN ports that can pump two Internet connections into your network to create a fast hotspot or to guarantee an always-on connection.
For more information, visit http://www.echotechwireless.com.
ZyXEL’s 802.11g Wireless Hot Spot Gateway (model #G-4100R) with optional ticket printer
This gateway provides outgoing Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) server redirection to help control and eliminate spam from your hotspot.
For more information, visit http://www.zyxel.com.
Typically, to remotely manage your hotspot(s), to view better usage reports, to accept online payments, or when deploying and managing multiple hotspot locations, you should use a hotspot billing service. Following are a few companies that offer these types of RADIUS service:
WirelessOrbit—. http://www.wirelessorbit.com/
ALEPPOE—. http://www.alepo.com/
Pronto Networks—. http://www.prontonetworks.com
You might already have an Internet connection established in your home. That is not much different from the Internet connection you could have for your hotspot. Whether or not you have experience with various Internet connections, you need to pay a little more attention to the features and choose a type of connection that will satisfy the needs of your hotspot users.
Internet connections are of many different types. Table 3-2 shows several that you can use with your hotspot.
Table 3-2. Overview of Internet Connections
Type | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Suggested Hotspot Size | Start-Up Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ADSL | 1500–8000 kbps | 64–640 kbps | Small | $0–$100 | $35–$100 |
SDSL | 128–1500 kbps | 128–1500 kbps | Small/medium | $0–$300 | $80–$300 |
Fixed wireless broadband | 768–2000 kbps | 256–2000 kbps | Small/medium | $0–$300 | $80–$200 |
Cable | 400–4000 kbps | 128–4000 kbps | Small/medium | $0–$100 | $60–$150 |
T1 | 384–1500 kbps | 384–1500 kbps | Large | $500–$2000 | $300–$2000 |
Satellite | 600 kbps | 128 kbps | Small | $800–$1000 | $125–$300 |
The download and upload speeds are approximate speeds that the particular Internet connections should operate within. The exact speeds, however, differ depending on the Internet service provider (ISP).
When looking for Internet service for your hotspot, keep in mind that the bigger your hotspot is, the bigger and better your Internet connection should be. This is because you will likely have more users actively using the Internet simultaneously with a larger hotspot; thus, you need to be able to support these users with reasonable speeds. Table 3-2 shows hotspot sizes that should work well with each Internet connection type, and Table 3-3 defines the hotspot sizes.
Evaluating the hotspot size and figuring out the necessary Internet connection usually depends on the number of concurrent, or simultaneous, users. Of course, you do not know exactly how many users your hotspot will receive and when; however, you should be able to estimate a range, such as those defined in Table 3-3.
The start-up costs include the fees for equipment, such as a modem, and installation services necessary to get your Internet connection up and going. Monthly costs are what you should expect to pay on a continual basis.
Broadband Internet services, such as digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, and T1 lines, provide an “always-on” connection. Unlike dialup service, the modems for these connections do not need to dial a phone number; you do not have to wait and listen for the connection to be established. You are always connected to the Internet when you need it.
When looking at DSL Internet service, keep in mind that several versions exist. The most common is Asymmetric DSL (ADSL), which is often found in homes and small businesses. Its bandwidth is devoted mostly to the downstream, giving much faster download speeds than upload speeds. However, the upstream speeds provided are usually adequate for small businesses and hotspot applications. For example, when you are downloading music files, watching a video stream, and browsing websites, the data is moving mostly downstream from the Internet to your computer.
Symmetric DSL (SDSL) is commonly found in small- or medium-sized businesses. This connection can provide the same amount of bandwidth for the up and down streams, thus allowing a much greater upload rate than ADSL. This is beneficial if your Wi-Fi hotspot users need to send e-mails with large attachments.
The quality of DSL service you experience is usually related to how close your location is to the telecom facility. Therefore, not all areas have DSL service, especially in rural areas, or you might get DSL service, but the performance might not be very good.
Companies called wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) deliver Internet connections to homes and businesses via radio waves instead of physical lines. Therefore, fixed wireless broadband Internet access is typically located where DSL or cable Internet service is absent. WISPs typically use high mounting places—such as cell phone, radio, and cell towers—for their radios to achieve a widespread coverage area.
The quality and speeds of these Internet connections vary greatly depending on the location of your facility within the WISP coverage area.
Cable Internet is generally available in residential areas, but you should still check the accessibility at your location. Unlike other Internet services, cable connections are shared among users in your area. Therefore, the speeds you experience will vary, depending on the overall usage at that moment. However, cable Internet connections generally provide overall better performance than DSL. If you have a choice, go with a cable connection.
T1 lines are dedicated Internet connections commonly found only in large businesses where guaranteed bandwidth, or speed, is required. T1 lines offer good, reliable performance, but they are expensive. A more affordable solution is to lease a fractional T1 line. Large hotspots that need to support loads of concurrent users, such as in larger hotels, should have a T1 line or similar fast and high-quality Internet connection.
If your facility is in the “digital darkness,” or in a place devoid of high-speed Internet services, you are most likely a candidate for satellite Internet service.
Satellite Internet service is available in most places; however, because of the delay of the signals transmitting such far distances, certain applications, such as voice over IP (VoIP) or virtual private networks (VPNs), might not work well. Satellite Internet service also usually requires a one- or two-year contract, and it is typically more expensive than the other options, which might be a roadblock.
When searching for an ISP, ask many questions, such as these:
What package discounts are being offered?—. The majority of telecom service providers, such as telephone, cellular, and cable companies, offer package discounts when you sign up for multiple services. Keep this in mind when you are looking for your Internet service. For example, some cable companies offer Internet and digital phone service along with their regular services.
Will you have to sign a contract?—. Be careful, because some ISPs require you to sign a one- or two-year contract when signing up for Internet service. It is a good idea to look into any money-back guarantees that these ISPs might offer before signing a contract.
Will you receive a static or dynamic IP address?—. Residential-class Internet services typically provide you with only a dynamic IP address, which changes periodically. However, most business-class ISPs give you the option of a static IP address. This helps if you will remotely connect, via the Internet, to your hotspot, or network, when you are away from the actual hotspot location.
Note
Your Internet IP address is a series of numbers (such as 66.249.64.14) that identifies and points to your specific Internet connection at your location. IP addresses can easily be logged when visiting websites. This helps identify people who commit fraud and other illegal activities on the Internet.
Tip
If you have a dynamic IP address (which changes frequently), you can use a service such as Dynamic DNS through DynDNS, which gives you a domain name (such as yourname.getmyip.net) to use instead of your Internet IP address. This domain name automatically points to the current IP address of your Internet connection or network. You can sign up for the service at http://www.dyndns.com and then make any required changes on your network.
Linksys wireless routers typically have a special section in their web-based configuration screens to input your DynDNS account information.
Will you receive free dialup Internet access?—. Many ISPs offer complimentary dialup Internet access to their high-speed Internet customers so that they can have an Internet connection while they are away from their main location. This can come in handy while traveling if your hotel does not have free Internet access available. In addition, you can use the dialup access during outages of your main Internet connection.
How many e-mail addresses will you receive?—. Most ISPs provide you with POP3 e-mail accounts. This can be useful if you do not have a good e-mail account already. Some ISPs also provide a web-based e-mail system; that way, you can easily view your e-mail through a web browser, rather than using a client software program.
Note
POP3 e-mail accounts are different from other e-mail systems used by some ISPs, such as America Online (AOL). When you get a POP3 account, you are given mail server addresses, a username, a password, and other information. You can then input this information into e-mail client programs, such as Microsoft Outlook. After you set up the system, you typically press a button to synchronize, or send and receive, your e-mail. The addressing methods, though, are the same as with other e-mail services. For instance, you will still get an e-mail address similar to [email protected] when using a POP3 e-mail account.
Will you receive website space?—. Various ISPs might furnish you with web space for your own website. If your business or organization does not already have a presence on the web, this can be useful. Some ISPs give you a virtual domain name, such as yourname.yourisp.com. On the other hand, some even pay for a domain name registration so that you can get your own domain, such as yourname.com.
Make sure that the Internet service you choose allows you to set up a hotspot and share the Internet connection with others. For instance, in homes it is usually illegal to let others outside your home use your network, even when you are not charging them for use. Most business-class Internet services do allow you to share the Internet connection; however, double-check to make sure you are good to go. You certainly want to avoid legal issues and heavy fines!
If do not already have an Internet connection at your location that you will try to share or use for your hotspot, you need to set one up. Many ISPs are available. To start the search, you could check with your local cable and telephone providers, because they likely offer some type of Internet service plan. They will either schedule an appointment to come out and do the installation, or they will provide a self-installation kit.
Note
You can refer to the following website when searching for a WISP:
http://www.bbwexchange.com/wisps/
Following are a few websites of satellite Internet providers that you might want to check out:
A convenient list of these websites is available at the companion website:
Make sure the Internet connection device, or modem, is installed where you want to put the wireless router or hotspot gateway. During the installation, you have to physically connect these two pieces of equipment. Remember, it is best to put these components as close as possible to the intended coverage area. In some cases, such as in installations for larger hotspots that require more than one access point, you might install this equipment in a back office or utility closet.
Note
If you are installing a larger hotspot, you might want to refer to Chapter 12 before deciding where to install the Internet connection. This will help you better understand how these larger hotspots are set up and where it is ideal to place the Internet modem with each type of approach.
You will probably be limited to where you can hook up the modem, because it will connect to a cable outlet for cable Internet or to a telephone jack when using a DSL Internet connection. If these outlets are not in a good spot, you can have your cable or phone company install a more convenient outlet. The installation of a new outlet will probably cost you $100 or more, however.
As stated in this chapter, the main steps of starting a Wi-Fi hotspot are as follows:
Find and purchase equipment.
Configure the equipment.
Physically install the equipment.
Test the hotspot.
After reading this chapter, you should know what hotspot solution you want to deploy and what Internet connection you will be using. Therefore, you can mark Steps 1 and 2 as done.
If you choose one of the four hotspot solutions covered in detail, you can continue with the applicable chapter in Part II of this book to complete the remaining steps. Otherwise, follow the vendor or manufacturer installation and setup instructions, keeping in mind that you can still refer to other chapters, such as in Part III, “After Your Wi-Fi Hotspot Is Alive,” during the installation and administration of your hotspot.