Internet Cafe Networking Wisdom

[gba]

I was wondering what the best way to go setting up approximately ten computers running Windows 7 for an internet cafe most cost effectively. Does anyone have experience they would care to share? I know it is a broad question but I am just starting to brainstorm.

TIA

 

[BriGy86]

Laptops or desktops? I would suggest wired if possible.

 

[gba]

Thanks for the response. Desktops. We would prefer wireless. Is there that much of a down side? These machines are going to be used strictly for public internet access.

 

[imagoon]

Originally posted by: gba
Thanks for the response. Desktops. We would prefer wireless. Is there that much of a down side? These machines are going to be used strictly for public internet access.

I would expect those ten machines would easily overload a wireless AP. Besides at that 10 wireless nics, paying a company to run the cables would barely cost more.

Personally I feel there would be a need for a more business like AP which will further up the cost.

Is there any reason you prefer wireless other than the "it seems cheaper" reasons?

People will be unwilling to pay for poor service. Wireless has so many potential problems I wouldn't even consider it.

 

[gba]

-

 

[gba]

Originally posted by: imagoon

Originally posted by: gba
Thanks for the response. Desktops. We would prefer wireless. Is there that much of a down side? These machines are going to be used strictly for public internet access.

I would expect those ten machines would easily overload a wireless AP. Besides at that 10 wireless nics, paying a company to run the cables would barely cost more.

Personally I feel there would be a need for a more business like AP which will further up the cost.

Is there any reason you prefer wireless other than the "it seems cheaper" reasons?

People will be unwilling to pay for poor service. Wireless has so many potential problems I wouldn't even consider it.

Thanks for the response. No, we are not locked into going wireless.You are right, why invite problems? Can anyone recommend a good AP solution that would provide the most bang for the buck? Thanks again for the help.

Message edited for clarity.

 

[JackMDS]

May be you should start by explaining what type of Internet cafe you plan/envision, who are you prospective clients, and what you think they would look for in Internet cafe.

As an example, it is one thing if you are planning to provide them with Torrent and gaming Capacity. It is another thing if they just come to drink coffee and keep themselves busy with some online activities.

 

[BriGy86]

If it is desktops you're going with I would go with a wired network since the computers wont be moving. You can then provide a wireless AP for people that bring in their laptops. I've noticed just on my home network that download speeds are faster on my wired connection than my wireless.

 

[gba]

Thanks for the input... and please excuse that lack of necessary detail... Let me try to be more precise:

We expect our clientele to rent time on the ten desktop computers to do basic internet activities like email and Websurfing. We are not concerned with providing blazing download speeds and will be using a basic cable internet connection. We are in a poorer neighborhood and are mostly concerned with providing the basics to people who cannot afford their own computers/internet access. We would like to have a shared printer. We will also need to research software to administer the billing, as we would like to charge for each customers' session. We do not expect many people to bring laptops, but would like to consider providing access to those who do. In fact, this is not really a Cafe at all, I am just not sure what you call this sort of business. I guess a "multi-service facility" that provides shipping and check cashing services, as well.

Thanks again to everyone for the help.

 

[JackMDS]

As a first step you have to establish the way the log on is done and how you excute the billing.

There are few ways to go about it and it is your call what you do.

It is a long story so best thing to do is to Google for the term Internet Cafe and see what is available.

You can find some info here, http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2344686&enterthread=y

As for the actual LAN.

I would wire any thing that is easy to Wire, and the rest probably can work of two regular Wireless Routers (one as a Router and the second as an Access Point).

Using a Wireless Router as a switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

If it is Not enough you can add as needed more Wireless Router configured as Access points. For your purpose a $20 Wireless Routers like this should work OK.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833156038

For printing get a Network Printer (you can find decent one for $100 - $150).

 

[gba]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
As a first step you have to establish the way the log on is done and how you excute the billing.

There are few ways to go about it and it is your call what you do.

It is a long story so best thing to do is to Google for the term Internet Cafe and see what is available.

You can find some info here, http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2344686&enterthread=y

As for the actual LAN.

I would wire any thing that is easy to Wire, and the rest probably can work of two regular Wireless Routers (one as a Router and the second as an Access Point).

Using a Wireless Router as a switch with an Access Point - http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

If it is Not enough you can add as needed more Wireless Router configured as Access points. For your purpose a $20 Wireless Routers like this should work OK.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833156038

For printing get a Network Printer (you can find decent one for $100 - $150).

Thank you so much, Jack. Your post should give me plenty to chew on this evening...