wifi hotspot solution?

Question

i want to offer wifi connection in my shop (wifi hotspot). how do i do this? i've searched the webpage of d-link and linksys. the info are too techy.

Answer 1

Assuming you already have a broadband connection, then the easiest way would be to obtain a wifi router for use by "external" users. I say "external" because those are the people that are using your wifi but not your network.

Basically, you'll have your broadband modem, an "external" router, and an "internal" router. Both of the routers can be WiFi if you want. The modem connects to the external router through it's WAN port, and then the internal router is connected to the external router.

modem > ext router > int router

What this does is allow people to use your internet connection without the ability to get to your "internal" network devices. This assumes that both routers have the proper firewall settings.

Configure both routers using different networks. For example, the internal may be 192.168.1.1 while the external could be 192.168.0.1. The internal router looks like another device on the external router.

This works well and I've been doing this in my neighborhood for quite some time.

Answer 2

Basically, you need a wireless router, and high send/recieve internet speeds.

I suggest Airport Extreme, if you're looking to provide a secure, consistant wifi location.

Answer 3

Regardless of whether you wish to charge your customers for access or give it freely, please review some of the turnkey solutions for wireless hotspots. You want to avoid having moochers using your wireless, and you definitely want to avoid having bad boys using your wireless to send unsolicited email.