Chapter 4: Solution 1: Simple Free Access Hotspot

Cisco Press

By Eric Geier, Network World
March 17, 2008 11:35 AM ET

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As mentioned earlier in the book, a free access hotspot solution is simple and inexpensive, but it does not provide any real "hotspot features," such as user control and management. However, some organizations, like yours, might not need these features. Your business might simply want to provide the public with wireless Internet access without the thrills. By offering a free hotspot, you might attract more customers.

The simple free hotspot solution, as seen in Figure 4-1, is set up just like any other simple wireless network, such as those in homes. A wireless router connects to the Internet via an Internet modem.

Figure 4-1
Solution Network Layout Diagram

The hotspot users wirelessly connect to the wireless router. They are not prompted with a splash or redirection screen with this solution; therefore, the hotspot users have uncontrolled access to the Internet. Most wireless routers, however, let you set some restrictions and filters to help control users, but these functions are not as extensive as those offered by a "real hotspot gateway."

The overall steps to complete when setting up a simple free access solution are as follows:

Step 1 Gather the necessary items.

Step 2 Set up the wireless router.

Step 3 Configure additional settings.

The following sections will help you through each step.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Items

The hardware for the simple free hotspot solution consists of a wireless router.

When looking for the equipment, it is best to stick with the recommended products. These products are used in this book when showing applicable configuration screens, so if you are new to wireless, it is highly recommended that you use this same equipment.

Tip - Most of the equipment that you need for the simple free hotspot should be available at local consumer electronics stores. You might also try searching Internet stores, such as Amazon.com and Buy.com.

No specific features are required for the wireless router; it just needs to be compliant with Wi-Fi.

Figure 4-2 shows the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router, which is the wireless router I recommend.

Figure 4-2
Recommended Wireless Router

The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router (model #WRT54G) typically costs between $25 and $70, depending on where you purchase it.

Step 2: Set Up the Wireless Router

To set up your wireless router, follow the manufacturer instructions that are included with the product. Some vendors might have written guides, and some might want you to use a CD that will help with the wireless router setup. The installation instructions will most likely have you configure some initial settings, but you will need to keep in mind several things, as discussed in the following list. Do not worry if you are not prompted during the setup to configure all these items, because you will have a chance to change all the settings later.

Do not use security or encryption methods.
Use a service set identifier (SSID—network name) that describes your business/organization or attentions. For example, a caf might use "Free Hotspot at Bob's Caf ." If the hotspot is being put in just for the local youth club, you might want to use something such as "Youth Club Hotspot."
Configure a channel that is not being used by other nearby wireless networks. You should also try to use the nonoverlapping channels of 1, 6, and 11. However, try to avoid channel 6, because it is the default channel that most wireless devices use; therefore, it is likely the most congested channel.
Use mixed mode so that users who have either B or G wireless adapters can connect to your hotspot.

Step 3: Configure Additional Settings

We will go through some additional settings that are useful in public hotspot solutions, which you probably were not prompted for during the initial setup. You might need to refer to your wireless router documentation for specific instructions on some of the settings, because all wireless routers work differently.

The following sections go into more detail on these additional settings.

Accessing the Web-Based Configuration Utility

Most wireless routers have a small built-in web server inside the box that enables you to easily access a web-based configuration utility (see Figure 4-3 for an example) to change settings. After connecting to the wireless router, you usually bring up your web browser (such as Internet Explorer) and enter the IP address of the wireless router. For example, 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, and 192.168.2.1 are common default IP addresses for wireless routers. Your wireless router user guide will explain which IP address to use. You then are prompted to log in. Again, the user guide tells you what username and password to use when logging into the router for the first time. After logging into the router, you should see a configuration utility screen similar to Figure 4-3.

Note - Change the default password for your wireless router configuration utility. Most setup wizards prompt you to do so; however, make sure you do it yourself to prevent unauthorized access to the utility.