Blimpie - WiFi Hotspot?

Question

We have just bought a Blimpie franchise and are trying to get some new ideas and things in there to make it better...one thing I was thinking was a Wi-Fi hotspot...is there anyone else out there who has done this in a restuarant or cafe type place and can tell me how they did this and any good ideas they might have.

Answer 1

Since I have done these, I will tell you the safe way, its not using your off the shelf devices.

Get a dsl line, use an internet gateway that contains user validation, you can even sell time if you want to but you don't have to sell it you can make it free. You setup usernames/passwords in the gateway and let the users who want to connect have one of the names. You can even set time limits etc.

One of the ones I have used for this is the AirEpoch unit
http://www.echotechwireless.com/AirEpoch_HGW210_E_Hotspot_Gateway_p/hgw210-e.htm
its very easy to setup and makes you look professional. It also keeps out freeloaders and isolates wireless users from each other and from the wired network!

Or you if you can still find one use Proxim/ornioco's 2500. It is a little more trouble to setup but is a great unit for hot spots as the control is built into it also.

Found one on ebay for 109.00!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/PROXIM-ORINOCO-AP-2500-HOTSPOT-GATEWAY-GOLD-CARD-NEW_W0QQitemZ110177681439QQihZ001QQcategoryZ58327QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This way you have control and users who should connect can connect, all others are locked out, all are isolated from each other and from your wired network!
When a user connects, he is "redirected" to a sign in page. Once he enters a username and password he is connected. Just like at the airports, etc.

Good Luck

Answer 2

well, you need to sign up with your local internet service provided for a high speed connection. a router is also needed, it will serve as your access point.

Answer 3

Just get your Internet access and install a wireless router (that easy) !!