Wi-Fi Hotspots Setting Up Public Wireless Internet Access

by Geier, Eric

• ISBN13: 9781587052668
• ISBN10: 1587052660
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-10-10
• Publisher: Cisco Press

Summary

Easy to follow instructions for installing and operating public wireless networks.

Author Biography

Eric Geier

is a computing and wireless networking author and consultant. For several years, he has been employed with Wireless-Nets, Ltd., a consulting firm focusing on the implementation of wireless mobile solutions and training. Eric is a certified wireless network administrator (CWNA). He is an author of and contributor to several books and eLearning (CBT) courses. He is a regular contributor at Wi-FiPlanet.com.

For more information about Eric, visit his website at http://www.egeier.com.

 

 

Table of Contents

Part I: The Basics	3	(46)
The Basics of Wi-Fi Hotspots	5	(14)
Bridging the Gap	7	(3)
Wi-Fi Hot Zones	10	(2)
How Users Find Hotspots	12	(2)
How Wi-Fi Works	14	(2)
Chapter Review	16	(3)
The Business Side of Hosting a Hotspot	19	(14)
Benefits of Hosting a Wi-Fi Hotspot	19	(10)
Attract People to Your Location	19	(1)
Generate Additional Revenue	20	(1)
Increased Sales of Products or Services	21	(1)
Hotspot Network Commissions	22	(1)
Fees from an Independent Fee-Based Hotspot	23	(2)
Advertising Revenue	25	(1)
Ability to Create a Private Network	26	(3)
Figuring the Costs	29	(2)
Chapter Review	31	(2)
First Steps to Setting Up a Wi-Fi Hotspot	33	(16)
Step 1: Choose a Hotspot Solution	33	(7)
Solution 1: Simple Free Access Hotspot	34	(1)
Solution 2: Advanced Free Access Hotspot Using ZoneCD	34	(1)
Solution 3: Boingo's Hotspot Network to Provide Paid Access	34	(1)
Solution 4: Free or Paid Access and Private Network Using a Hotspot Gateway	34	(1)
Hotspot Features	35	(3)
Additional Solutions	38	(2)
Step 2: Set Up an Internet Connection	40	(7)
Choosing the Right Internet Connect Type	40	(1)
``Always-On'' Internet Connections	41	(1)
DSL Internet Connections	41	(1)
Fixed Wireless Broadband	42	(1)
Cable Internet Connections	42	(1)
T1 Internet Connections	42	(1)
Satellite	43	(1)
Questions to Ask ISPs	43	(2)
Usage/Legal Terms of Provider	45	(1)
Getting the Internet Connection	45	(1)
Where to Install the Connection	46	(1)
Chapter Review	47	(2)
Part II: Setting Up the Hotspot	49	(84)
Solution 1: Simple Free Access Hotspot	51	(14)
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Items	52	(1)
Step 2: Set Up the Wireless Router	52	(1)
Step 3: Configure Additional Settings	53	(9)
Accessing the Web-Based Configuration Utility	53	(1)
DHCP User Limit	54	(1)
AP Isolation	55	(1)
VPN Passthrough	56	(1)
Access Restrictions	57	(1)
Blocked Services	58	(1)
Remote Router Access	59	(1)
Web-Based Configuration Utility Access Server	60	(1)
Backup Configuration	61	(1)
Chapter Review	62	(3)
Solution 2: Advanced Free Access Hotspot Using ZoneCD	65	(42)
Step 1: Choose the Mode and Service	67	(9)
Open Mode	67	(1)
Closed Mode	68	(2)
Services Overview	70	(1)
Splash Screen	71	(1)
Content Filtering	72	(1)
User Classes	72	(1)
Bandwidth Throttling	73	(1)
Time and Transfer Limits	73	(1)
Open/Close Hours	73	(1)
Walled Garden	73	(1)
Firewall	74	(1)
Reports	74	(1)
Ticket System	74	(1)
Network Availability Hours	74	(1)
Spot Check	74	(1)
Hotspot Directory	75	(1)
Network Printer	75	(1)
Configuration Queue	75	(1)
Templates	75	(1)
Customize E-Mails	76	(1)
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Items	76	(8)
What's Required	76	(1)
Private Wired or Wireless Router	77	(1)
Public Access Point or Wireless Router	78	(2)
Computer	80	(1)
The ZoneCD Disc	81	(1)
Set Up Your Zones (for the Free Service)	82	(1)
Set Up Your Zones (for the Premium Services)	83	(1)
Step 3: Set Up and Configure the Access Points and Routers	84	(4)
Private Wired or Wireless Router	84	(1)
Public Access Point or Wireless Router	85	(3)
Step 4: Perform a Physical Installation	88	(1)
Step 5: Perform ZoneCD Initial Setup	88	(14)
The Boot Process	89	(8)
Open Mode Configuration	97	(1)
Closed Mode (Free Server) Configuration	98	(2)
Closed Mode (Premium Server) Configuration	100	(2)
Check for Proper Operation	102	(1)
What's Next	103	(1)
Using the Online Administration Tools	103	(1)
Getting Help	103	(2)
Chapter Review	105	(2)
Solution 3: Join Boingo's Hotspot Network to Provide Paid Access	107	(10)
Understanding the Solution	107	(1)
Setting Up the Solution	107	(7)
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Items	108	(1)
Step 2: Set Up the Equipment	109	(1)
Step 3: Join Boingo's Hotspot Network	110	(1)
Step 4: Perform the Physical Installation	111	(1)
Placing the Wireless Router	111	(3)
Check for Proper Operation	114	(1)
Getting Help	114	(1)
Chapter Review	114	(3)
Solution 4: Free or Paid Access and Private Network Using Hotspot Gateway	117	(16)
Understanding the Solution	117	(1)
Setting Up the Solution	118	(12)
Step 1: Choose the Particular Solution	118	(1)
Free Access Options	118	(1)
Paid Access Options	119	(1)
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Items	120	(1)
Hotspot Gateway	120	(1)
Ticket Printer	121	(1)
Radius Server	122	(1)
Step 3: Set Up the Equipment	122	(1)
Hotspot Gateway Setup	122	(3)
Ticket Printer Setup	125	(1)
Radius Server Setup	126	(1)
Step 4: Configure Additional Settings	126	(1)
Step 5: Perform the Physical Installation	127	(1)
Placing the Gateway	128	(2)
Check for Proper Operation	130	(1)
Getting Help	130	(1)
Chapter Review	130	(3)
Part III: After Your Wi-Fi Hotspot Is Alive	133	(86)
Getting the Word Out	135	(8)
Signage	135	(2)
Advertisements	137	(1)
Online Hotspot Directories	137	(4)
Chapter Review	141	(2)
Fending Off Freeloaders	143	(8)
Physically Hand Out Login Information	143	(1)
Apply Usage Limits	143	(3)
Open/Closed Times	143	(2)
Bandwidth Limits	145	(1)
Spell Out Usage Terms	146	(1)
Monitor Your Hotspot	147	(2)
Chapter Review	149	(2)
Wi-Fi Safety and Security	151	(12)
Understanding Everyone's Responsibilities	151	(1)
Hotspot Administrator/Owner Responsibilities	151	(7)
Inform Users of the Risks	152	(2)
Give Users Safety and Security Tips	154	(1)
Enable VPN Passthrough	155	(1)
Isolate Clients	155	(1)
Filter Hotspot Content	156	(2)
Secure User Information	158	(1)
User Responsibilities	158	(2)
Beware of the Risks	158	(1)
Follow the Safety and Security Tips	159	(1)
Use VPN Connections	159	(1)
Use Secure (SSL) Websites	159	(1)
Disable File Sharing	160	(1)
Use a Personal Firewall	160	(1)
Keep an Eye on Valuables	160	(1)
Chapter Review	160	(3)
Common Problems and Fixes	163	(8)
Unable to See/Connect to the Wi-Fi Hotspot	163	(1)
What the User Should Do	163	(1)
What You Should Do	163	(1)
Frequent Disconnections	164	(1)
What the User Should Do	164	(1)
What You Should Do	165	(1)
Poor Performance	165	(1)
What the User Should Do	165	(1)
What You Should Do	165	(1)
Internet Connection Unavailable	166	(2)
What the User Should Do	167	(1)
What You Should Do	167	(1)
Where to Find More Help	168	(1)
Chapter Review	169	(2)
Increasing Your Hotspot's Wireless Coverage	171	(26)
Higher-Gain Antenna	171	(4)
Purchasing	174	(1)
Installation	175	(1)
Wireless Repeaters	175	(3)
Purchasing	177	(1)
Installation	178	(1)
Adding Access Points	178	(17)
Preinstallation Site Survey	179	(1)
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Items	180	(1)
Step 2: Define the Network Requirements	181	(1)
Step 3: Mark Up the Building Diagram	182	(1)
Step 4: Determine the AP Locations	183	(6)
Network and Power Connection Options	189	(1)
Power Lines	190	(1)
Running Ethernet Cable	191	(1)
Choosing and Purchasing Your Equipment	192	(1)
Access Points	192	(1)
Power Line Devices	192	(1)
Ethernet Cable	193	(1)
PoE	193	(1)
Configuring the APs	194	(1)
Physical Installation	194	(1)
Chapter Review	195	(2)
Using Wi-Fi Networks	197	(22)
Keeping Your Operating System Up-to-Date	197	(1)
Enabling and Disabling Your Network Adapter	197	(2)
Using the Start Menu	197	(1)
Using the System Tray	198	(1)
Toggling Between Windows XP and the Manufacturer Utility	199	(3)
Enabling/Disabling the Windows XP Utility	199	(2)
Starting/Stopping the Wireless Zero Configuration Service	201	(1)
Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network Using the Windows XP Configuration Utility	202	(1)
Checking the Connection Status	203	(2)
Using the System Tray	203	(1)
Using the Status Window	204	(1)
Editing Your Preferred Network List	205	(5)
Accessing the Preferred Network List	205	(1)
Changing the Preferred Order	206	(1)
Adding a Preferred Network	207	(3)
Advanced Options	210	(1)
Sharing Files	210	(4)
Enabling Shared Folders	211	(1)
Accessing Shared Folders	212	(2)
Sharing Printers	214	(3)
Enabling Shared Printers	214	(1)
Adding Shared Printers to Computers	215	(2)
Chapter Summary	217	(2)
Part IV: Appendix	219	(18)
Appendix A Understanding Wi-Fi Signals	221	(16)
Glossary	237	(3)
Index	240