To set up your wireless router, follow the manufacturer instructions that are included with the product. Some vendors might have written guides, and some might want you to use a CD that will help with the wireless router setup. The installation instructions will most likely have you configure some initial settings, but you will need to keep in mind several things, as discussed in the following list. Do not worry if you are not prompted during the setup to configure all these items, because you will have a chance to change all the settings later.

• Do not use security or encryption methods.

• Use a service set identifier (SSIDnetwork name) that describes your business/organization or attentions. For example, a café might use “Free Hotspot at Bob’s Café.” If the hotspot is being put in just for the local youth club, you might want to use something such as “Youth Club Hotspot.”

• Configure a channel that is not being used by other nearby wireless networks. You should also try to use the nonoverlapping channels of 1, 6, and 11. However, try to avoid channel 6, because it is the default channel that most wireless devices use; therefore, it is likely the most congested channel.

• Use mixed mode so that users who have either B or G wireless adapters can connect to your hotspot.

The hardware for the simple free hotspot solution consists of a wireless router.

When looking for the equipment, it is best to stick with the recommended products. These products are used in this book when showing applicable configuration screens, so if you are new to wireless, it is highly recommended that you use this same equipment. (more…)

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. (more…)

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. (more…)

Hosting a hotspot does not come cheap, yet the benefits usually outweigh the costs. Typical operating costs you should anticipate while installing and hosting your Wi-Fi hotspot are as follows:

• Internet service $60 or more per month

• Equipment $40$500 one time

• Installation 12 days of your time

• Ongoing support A few hours each month

If you do not already have an Internet connection available for the hotspot, that will be one of your first expenses. Business-class Internet service prices and terms depend on the type of service and features among the various ISPs. (more…)

The overall benefit or goal of hosting a Wi-Fi hotspot at your location is being able to offer high-speed wireless Internet access there. In addition to satisfying the needs of connectivity for your customers and visitors, you and your staff can take advantage of having the Internet readily available.

Other benefits of hosting a Wi-Fi hotspot include these:

• Attract people to your location

• Generate additional revenue

• Create a private network for your own use

(more…)

Wireless networks use a technology that is specified within a standard called 802.11. The standard is basically written documents formed by members of the IEEE. These documents help manufacturers develop wireless products so that they will work together with wireless products from every vendor that follows the standard. (more…)

People find hotspots in many different ways:

• Online directories

• Software directories

• Display signs

• Wi-Fi finders

• Laptops/PDAs

People who want Internet access while traveling can find hotspots in particular areas by searching online directories. They can view pertinent details of the hotspots, such as the service set identifier (SSID), also referred to as the hotspot’s network name, and whether the network is free or fee-based. The following are a few websites offering online directories that people can use to find hotspots: (more…)

Wi-Fi hot zones, also known as Wi-Fi clouds, provide public Internet access, just like hotspots, but they cover a larger area, such as that shown in Figure 1-4, and they are typically for use outdoors. These hot zones might cover anywhere from a city block to an entire city, commonly referred to as a muni or municipal network, or even a whole county. (more…)

Wi-Fi hotspots bridge the Wi-Fi connectivity gap between wireless networks in homes and businesses. People can access e-mail and other online services between home and work or while traveling. This allows them to keep up with customers, associates, and family members (more…)