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) that describes your business/organization or attentions. For example, a café might use “Free Hotspot at Bob’s Café.” 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 non-overlapping 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.

Following the post, To Build Simple Free Wireless Access Hotspot, here the first step is to get the Necessary hardware.

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

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.

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

Most recommended wireless router are Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router.

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 small setup might not need these features. Your small free wireless hotspot might simply want to provide the public with wireless Internet access without the thrills. By offering a free hotspot, you might attract more customers to your business.

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

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. Get a Wireless Router

Step 2. Set up the wireless router.

Step 3. Configure additional settings.

Hosting a hotspot does not come cheap, yet the benefits usually outweigh the costs. Typical operating costs you should anticipate while deploying your Wi-Fi hotspot are as follows:

• Internet service
• Equipment
• Installation
• Ongoing support

Internet Service Provider

If you do not already have an Internet connection available for the hotspot, that will be one of your first expenses. Business-class Internet service prices and terms depend on the type of service and features among the various ISPs.

If you are deploying a small hotspot, as in a small café or office that will not have loads of users, you will likely get away with paying around $100 per month for an Internet connection. However, if you are setting up a hotspot in a large hotel or community center, you will probably have a great deal of users, which would require a higher-quality Internet connection that might cost more than $300 a month.

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Many Wi-Fi accessories are available that do some pretty neat things, and they are useful in many businesses and organizations. Again, you could supposedly use these accessories on your public hotspot, but the data would not be protected.

Wireless media adapters also called Wireless Media Players or Entertainment Center Extenders such as D-Link DSM-320 Wireless Media Player, can stream digital audio and video files from computers on the network to your TV and stereo. In a corporate setting, this is a great way to display your company logos, photos, and slide shows to customers and visitors. In cafés, you can use the remote control of the media adapter to browse and choose your media files, all from a TV. Some even support Internet radio, giving you a chance to listen in on a variety of music from around the world.

Wireless presentation players are extremely valuable for interactive presentations and conferences. One of the simpler advantages of this device is that it enables you to wirelessly connect to a projector or monitor from your computer to display to everyone your computer screen or your presentation. Some presentation players might even allow other wireless users to connect to the device and take over the presentation or display their screen on the monitor. This allows a group of people to quickly and clearly share their ideas and notes. With internal memory or removable storage, such as a USB flash drive, you could load the PowerPoint or other presentation files onto the player and make a presentation without a computer.

Wireless video cameras, such as Linksys Wireless-G Internet Video Camera WVC54GC, are useful for video-conferencing and surveillance. You and other authorized users can “see what it sees and hear what it hears” from anywhere in the world via the Internet. Most cameras have a motion detection feature, which sends you an e-mail when the camera view experiences activity. Some Wi-Fi cameras even have a remote-control feature whereby you can change the camera view using its web-based utility. The quality of these Wi-Fi cameras differs greatly among manufacturers. Among other accessories, vendors might offer outdoor and ceiling enclosures for their cameras.

The overall benefit or goal of hosting a Wi-Fi hotspot at your location is being able to offer high-speed wireless Internet access there. In addition to satisfying the needs of connectivity for your customers and visitors, you and your staff can take advantage of having the Internet readily available.

Other benefits of hosting a Wi-Fi hotspot include these:

• Attract people to your location
• Generate additional revenue
• Create a private network for your own use

Attract People to Your Location
Hosting a Wi-Fi hotspot, in any type of business, should attract new people to your location and entice them to return and stay longer. For retail stores such as cafés and bookstores, this access helps fill empty seats. For businesses such as hotels, having Wi-Fi Internet access available for guests might be essential to prevent losing potential customers.

Obviously, for people to find your hotspot in directories, you must submit your information. If you set up your hotspot to be part of a network, your information would likely be listed automatically in their directories. You can also submit your hotspot to universal directories that list any hotspot, free or fee-based, whether it is independent or part of a larger network.

The best way to attract users to your hotspot is to display signs advertising that you have a hotspot at your location. These signs could simply say “Wi-Fi Hotspot Here” or “Wireless Internet Access Available.”

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People find hotspots in many different ways:

• Online directories
• Software directories
• Display signs
• Wi-Fi finders
• Laptops/PDAs

People who want Internet access while traveling can find hotspots in particular areas by searching online directories. They can view pertinent details of the hotspots, such as the service set identifier (SSID), also referred to as the hotspot’s network name, and whether the network is free or fee-based. The following are a few websites offering online directories that people can use to find hotspots:

• www.jiwire.com
• www.wi-fihotspotlist.com
• www.wifinder.com
• www.hotspot-locations.com

Many of the major hotspot networks and online directories also offer a free software program that people can download and install on their computers. This allows travelers who are on the go even in the car or airport to quickly find hotspots without an Internet connection. Following are a few websites that offer offline or downloadable software directories

• www.jiwire.com
• www.boingo.com
• hotspot.t-mobile.com

Many businesses and organizations display signs throughout their facility indicating that they host a public hotspot. The display of door, counter, and street signs helps notify people passing by or through the location of the Wi-Fi hotspot.

Wi-Fi finder such as Kensington WiFi Finder Plus, which provides a way for gadget lovers to find hotspots. This immediately lets someone know if a wireless network is nearby, without the hassle of the user taking out and booting up his laptop. The features and functionality of these devices differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer. Some finders notify the user of Wi-Fi networks just by illuminating a certain light. More advanced finders might have a small screen that displays important information about the detected network, such as the SSID, security level, and signal strength.

Wi-Fi finders are convenient; however, they might notify you of every wireless network nearby, not just the public hotspots. Wireless networks that are intended for private use can be secured so that the public cannot connect. Nevertheless, a good percentage of businesses and consumers do not fully understand the security risks and do not properly secure their network. If a private wireless network is not properly secured, anybody can potentially connect and access the Internet and files on the network. Thus, some people think that just because they can connect to a network, it is a hotspot and it is open to the public. Instead, some of these Wi-Fi networks belong to private citizens and businesses. They might not be intended for public use and might even be unlawful to use.

Many people find Wi-Fi hotspots simply by booting up their laptop or PDA and viewing the available wireless networks in the area. This also brings up the issue that some networks might not be intended for public use. Users should look for networks that are clearly identified for public use.