Configure Multiple Access Points on Netgear Switch?

Question

I am trying to setup and configure multiple access points with Netgear Switch for motel business. Currently the business has one modem and one Wireless Netgear WPN824 Router. I was told you would need a server to setup and configure multiple access point. but i do not understand why you would need a server? Is possible to setup and configure multiple access points on Netgear Switch? If not possible, what is another way to setup and configure multiple access points?

Answer 1

Like the first answer, most hotels will use some sort of validation to be sure only "guests" are allowed on the system. That is generally done with "Hot Spot" software which does run on a "server" of some sort. The server can be the router itself if it is so equipped. (Check out the AirEpoch unit which has internal radius and user database - http://www.echotechwireless.com/AirEpoch_HGW210_E_Hotspot_Gateway_p/hgw210-e.htm
) these have another advantage which HAS TO BE OF MAJOR concern.
These units ISOLATE ALL WIRELESS USERS. Meaning no one will "join" any other units on the network they are all kept on seperated connections to the internet! That keeps one of the main concerns about being on a PUBLIC system. No one within the network can see any other "shares" they just dont exist.

Proxim/Orinoco used to make a 2500AP which had these same internal controls and "client isolation". You can still find them on Ebay and using three or four of them within a hotel is very common. Many WisPs use them or have used them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PROXIM-ORINOCO-AP-2500-HOTSPOT-GATEWAY-GOLD-CARD-NEW_W0QQitemZ110169158032QQihZ001QQcategoryZ58327QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
only 109.00 but well worth it for a "REAL" commercial application! These even allow external antennas for wide area coverages. You might find that one unit with a good antenna can cover the entire installation! (All depends on the construction and lay out of the building.)

Answer 2

It depends on what you mean by "Multiple Access Points"
If you mean "allowing multiple users to share an Internet connection" then:
The router you have is a wireless router that can accept multiple computers connected to it to share a single Internet connection.

Connect you system

Internet => Modem => Wireless Router

Configure your router using the standard recommended setup

Assuming your router is up , a customer turning on his laptop should be able to see the name you gave your router (sleepylandmotel). When he attempts to connect to it, he should be asked for the security code given to him at check in. Entering the security code should allow him to access the Internet through the router

If you mean " I have multiple wireless access points, and want to connect them to one modem" then:
you will need one standard wired router and your wireless access points and connect them like this

Internet =>Modem =>Router => Access Point 1
Router => Access Point 2
Router => Access Point 3

The Netgear Router you have can act as an "access point only" by turning off the router feature using the setup screens

Set up your network this way

Router - Standard setup for WAN - let it get the IP address from the provider
- Set up fixed addresses for the Access points (like 192.168.100.101 , .102 , 103)

Access points - Configure the WAN addresses for the fixed addresses you selected
- Let the access points assign the IP addresses to the wireless computers.

Your customers will connect to the wireless access point in their area the same was as described above

Answer 3

I wonder if they are talking about a radius server? Often this is required to maintain order and keep freeloaders out.

The problem you will have with multiple home grade WAP devices is conflict. I suggest you procure devices designed for the job. Check out the Proxim web site for their "mesh" products. They are designed to do this; they can be PoE driven which greatly simplifies install because you just run CAT5 to them (but you need a PoE injector or PoE capable network switch). These units find each other and avoid conflict as well.

Home grade devices are not suitable for this application.

Answer 4

I work at the IT department at a hotel and we pay 120 per hr to configure a cisco router.. thakes about a hr per access point... a swich should take about 45 min. (still a hr woth).