Large scale wireless networking?

Question

I would like to create a large scale wireless network in my apartment building. Then, when a user clicks on my wireless signal they come to my homepage (just like starbucks, panera, or caribou). I would then like them to be able to create a user name, password, and pay a small monthly fee. What type of "back end" equipment do I need to make this happen. I have experience launching websites so i think i have the front end side of it figured out. I appreciate any insight. Thank you.

Answer 1

What you require in terms of back end equipment is a wireless LAN "controller" and the wireless management software that goes along with it, and then however many access points you need to cover your apartment building. You question was specific to wireless so I won't get into the other back-end equipment you'll need such as switches and a router and maybe a security server and your Internet connectivity.

So let's talk equipment, Cisco is the market leader and has the best WLAN offerings by far, especially since thier acquisition of AireSpace last year. Going with a Cisco lightweight WLAN architecture will get you the ultimate in features, support, security, integrated IDS, WiFi guest access options including a captive portal like you mentioned, dynamic RF management including self healing around a failed AP and auto channel/power selection, scalability and availability. Also, by going Cisco you'll be comfortable with the fact that 90% of WiFi devices/chipsets on the market are Cisco compatible certified.

I believe this will mostly be an indoor WLAN since you said apartment "building", so you're not really looking for a WiFi mesh solution. WiFi mesh solutions are typically outdoor solutions built with Cisco's ruggedized outdoor 1500 series access points.

For your apartment building, I'd suggest either the 1130AG series access points (integrated antennas, about $700 list) or 1242AG series access points (more expensive and with external antenna options). Have someone who knows wireless do a walk-thru site survey to check coverage in your building. Depending on the size of each floor and building materials, you might need 2 or 3 access points per floor or you might need 8 or 12. Add up your total # of APs and that decides which controller to get. Cisco offers controllers for 6, 12, 25, 50 and 100 APs. You can deploy them in load sharing and/or redundant pairs, triplets, etc. You will also want to purchase WCS, Wireless Control System for the management software, location tracking, etc. The controllers themselves also have great GUI interfaces but WCS gives you a lot more.

Also, if you do have some outdoor areas you need to cover, you can use (where required) a 1242 AP and patch antennas for example.

I'll put some links below, hope this helps.

PS: Do NOT let anyone talk you into building this with SOHO wireless like Linksys or NetGear or Dlink. You'll save money but you'll be sorry. I can give you about 2 dozen reasons why... but that's another topic entirely. Post another question if you want more on that.

Answer 2

no longer 1000's, perchance 1000's, more desirable likely tens of 1000's first of all, noticeably if going 5 miles. to do this, you want instantaneous get admission to factors or element to point bridging. the concern is, getting a reliable region - you could't without both figuring out to purchase area on the right of a tower or construction, or placed up your own towers. once you ought to placed up your own towers, assume tens of 1000's per tower... it must be perchance more desirable effective to purchase a commercial account from an ISP, placed instantaneous units at each region, then connect by using some VPN to the needed website - ignore lengthy haul instantaneous. if you're searching at some thing like a cellular community, examine with the cellular telephone agencies, they'd have some commercial equipment.

Answer 3

Google the term "WiFi mesh network".

Answer 4

huh