- Copyright 2007
- Edition: 1st
-
Book
- ISBN-10: 1-58705-266-0
- ISBN-13: 978-1-58705-266-8
Wi-Fi Hotspots
Setting Up Public Wireless Internet Access
Installing and operating a Wi-Fi hotspot allows you to attract customers and differentiate your business. Deploying even a small wireless network has proven to be a difficult task for the average consumer, however. With this book as your guide, you can painlessly figure out the requirements for your Wi-Fi hotspot, how to properly set it up, how to operate it, and how to optimize it for the needs and security of your customers.
Wi-Fi Hotspots helps you throughout the entire process of setting up a hotspot to offer free or fee-based Internet access to the general public:
- Understand the benefits to your business of hosting a hotspot
- Decide what type of hotspot you should implement
- Examine what equipment is best suited for your hotspot
- Follow step-by-step procedures for setting up your hotspot
- Get the word out about your hotspot availability
- Ensure your hotspot is not used improperly
- Evaluate Wi-Fi security concerns
- Fix common problems hotspot users face
- Increase the coverage area of your Wi-Fi hotspot
Whether you are a small business owner looking to attract customers and distinguish your business or you are an IT professional at a larger organization looking to establish hotspot connectivity, this book provides you with everything you need to know in order to provide public wireless Internet access.
Eric Geier is a computing and wireless networking author and consultant. For several years, he’s be 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 and contributor of several books and eLearning (CBT) courses. He is a regular contributor at Wi-FiPlanet.com.
For more information about Eric Geier, visit his website at http://www.egeier.com
Companion CD-ROM
The companion CD-ROM contains two software utilities, ZoneCD and NetStumbler, to help you implement and manage your Wi-Fi hotspot.
This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from
Cisco Press®, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.
Category: Wireless Networking
Covers: Wi-Fi Hotspots
Online Sample Chapter
The Business Side of Hosting a Hotspot
Downloadable Sample Chapter
Download - 4.56 MB -- Chapter 2: The Business Side of Hosting a Hotspot
Table of Contents
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Part I: The Basics
Chapter 1 The Basics of Wi-Fi Hotspots
Bridging the Gap
Wi-Fi Hot Zones
How Users Find Hotspots
How Wi-Fi Works
Chapter Review
Chapter 2 The Business Side of Hosting a Hotspot
Benefits of Hosting a Wi-Fi Hotspot
Attract People to Your Location
Generate Additional Revenue
Ability to Create a Private Network
Figuring the Costs
Chapter Review
Chapter 3 First Steps to Setting Up a Wi-Fi Hotspot
Step 1: Choose a Hotspot Solution
Solution 1: Simple Free Access Hotspot
Solution 2: Advanced Free Access Hotspot Using ZoneCD
Solution 3: Boingo's Hotspot Network to Provide Paid Access
Solution 4: Free or Paid Access and Private Network Using a Hotspot Gateway
Hotspot Features
Additional Solutions
Step 2: Set Up an Internet Connection
Choosing the Right Internet Connect Type
Usage/Legal Terms of Provider
Getting the Internet Connection
Chapter Review
Part II: Setting Up the Hotspot
Chapter 4 Solution 1: Simple Free Access Hotspot
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Items
Step 2: Set Up the Wireless Router
Step 3: Configure Additional Settings
Accessing the Web-Based Configuration Utility
DHCP User Limit
AP Isolation
VPN Passthrough
Access Restrictions
Blocked Services
Remote Router Access
Web-Based Configuration Utility Access Server
Backup Configuration
Chapter Review
Chapter 5 Solution 2: Advanced Free Access Hotspot Using ZoneCD
Step 1: Choose the Mode and Service
Open Mode
Closed Mode
Services Overview
Step 2: Gather the Necessary Items
What’s Required
Set Up Your Zones (for the Free Service)
Set Up Your Zones (for the Premium Services)
Step 3: Set Up and Configure the Access Points and Routers
Private Wired or Wireless Router
Public Access Point or Wireless Router
Step 4: Perform a Physical Installation
Step 5: Perform ZoneCD Initial Setup
The Boot Process
Open Mode Configuration
Closed Mode (Free Server) Configuration
Closed Mode (Premium Server) Configuration
Check for Proper Operation
What’s Next
Using the Online Administration Tools
Getting Help
Chapter Review
Chapter 6 Solution 3: Join Boingo’s Hotspot Network to Provide Paid Access
Understanding the Solution
Setting Up the Solution
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Items
Step 2: Set Up the Equipment
Step 3: Join Boingo’s Hotspot Network
Step 4: Perform the Physical Installation
Getting Help
Chapter Review
Chapter 7 Solution 4: Free or Paid Access and Private Network Using Hotspot Gateway
Understanding the Solution
Setting Up the Solution
Step 1: Choose the Particular Solution
Step 4: Configure Additional Settings
Step 5: Perform the Physical Installation
Getting Help
Chapter Review
Part III: After Your Wi-Fi Hotspot Is Alive
Chapter 8 Getting the Word Out
Signage
Advertisements
Online Hotspot Directories
Chapter Review
Chapter 9 Fending Off Freeloaders
Physically Hand Out Login Information
Apply Usage Limits
Open/Closed Times
Bandwidth Limits
Spell Out Usage Terms
Monitor Your Hotspot
Chapter Review
Chapter 10 Wi-Fi Safety and Security
Understanding Everyone’s Responsibilities
Hotspot Administrator/Owner Responsibilities
Inform Users of the Risks
Give Users Safety and Security Tips
Enable VPN Passthrough
Isolate Clients
Filter Hotspot Content
Secure User Information
User Responsibilities
Beware of the Risks
Follow the Safety and Security Tips
Use VPN Connections
Use Secure (SSL) Websites
Disable File Sharing
Use a Personal Firewall
Keep an Eye on Valuables
Chapter Review
Chapter 11 Common Problems and Fixes
Unable to See/Connect to the Wi-Fi Hotspot
What the User Should Do
What You Should Do
Frequent Disconnections
What the User Should Do
What You Should Do
Poor Performance
What the User Should Do
What You Should Do
Internet Connection Unavailable
What the User Should Do
What You Should Do
Where to Find More Help
Chapter Review
Chapter 12 Increasing Your Hotspot’s Wireless Coverage
Higher-Gain Antenna
Purchasing
Installation
Wireless Repeaters
Purchasing
Installation
Adding Access Points
Preinstallation Site Survey
Configuring the APs
Physical Installation
Chapter Review
Chapter 13 Using Wi-Fi Networks
Keeping Your Operating System Up-to-Date
Enabling and Disabling Your Network Adapter
Using the Start Menu
Using the System Tray
Toggling Between Windows XP and the Manufacturer Utility
Enabling/Disabling the Windows XP Utility
Starting/Stopping the Wireless Zero Configuration Service
Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network Using the Windows XP Configuration Utility
Checking the Connection Status
Using the System Tray
Using the Status Window
Editing Your Preferred Network List
Accessing the Preferred Network List
Changing the Preferred Order
Adding a Preferred Network
Advanced Options
Sharing Files
Enabling Shared Folders
Accessing Shared Folders
Sharing Printers
Enabling Shared Printers
Adding Shared Printers to Computers
Chapter Summary
Part IV: Appendix
Appendix A Understanding Wi-Fi Signals
Glossary
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Index
Download - 71.2 KB -- Index