Managing a WiFi Hotspot - A Guide to Hotspot Systems480490

Just what is a Free Wifi? A WiFi Hotspot can be an area which has WiFi internet access. The term Hotspot is now used interchangeably for your both area the location where the signal is available and also the device (WiFi Router or WiFi Access Point) that is certainly broadcasting the signal. Likewise the terms "WiFi Router" and "WiFi Access Point" (AP) tend to be used interchangeably.

Simple Hotspot - The or Unencryped Router. The easiest way to run a Hotspot would be to obtain a domestic WiFi router, hook it up to the net and hang up the wireless security settings as "Disabled" or "Open". This may allow that you access the Internet and potentially also access other computers connected to the router. You'd have little control of who connects and how much bandwidth is used. For those who have no security concerns and are not considering making any money this is the simple way to go. Cost ~$50-100 Simple Hotspot - The Encrypted Router with WPA or WEP An alternative choice would be to enable security around the router, there are 2 forms of WiFi security WEP and WPA - WPA is the newer and much more secure. With both types you specify a "key" the code you'll want to connect. You can inform your customers what the WPA or WEP secret is and they could connect. This provides some security i guess you could customize the WPA or WEP key on a daily basis, however you'll find nothing to stop someone telling their friend the main element so it's not suitable for earning cash. The Captive-Portal. Nearly all commercial Hotspots are Captive Portals, this appears as a or Unencrypted WiFi signal but then redirects any people to a unique web page referred to as a "Splash Page" where your often motivated to login or purchase internet access. It is a clever way of doing things since many laptops will automatically connect with a wide open WiFi signal, when a person runs Internet Explorer (or which ever Internet browser they'll use) they are provided for your splash page regardless of what site they fight to connect to. Walled Garden. When discussing Captive Portals the definition of "Walled Garden" is usually used. This is a website or websites that the customer can hook up with without having to pay. Such as a customer connecting in your Hotspot is going to be diverted towards the Splash Page. They will then obtain a range of spending money on internet access or accessing free websites you've selected, for example your Hotel website or local attractions websites. Hosted Hotspot Services. There are many companies offering business people a hosted hotspot service. These services normally involve installing an altered Linksys WRT54GL router around the customer premises that redirect visitors to a splash page hosted with the hotspot company. The host normally also processes payment for Internet connection. These services normally work with an income sharing basis the place that the hosting company spend the money for hotspot owner a portion with the income from the hotspot. Some companies also charge the hotspot owner a month-to-month fee for making use of their professional services.