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Need to know how to setup a WiFi Hotspot

Y

YumaRed

Junior Member
I am getting ready to open a small business location (3500sf, drop ceiling one center divider wall of metal stud and drywall, both sides wide open with no partitions or obstructions)that will have between 5 to as many as 25 people that will need to access the internet thru wi-fi. Don't need blazing fast but don't want things to crawl if a high number of people access simultaneously.

These will independent access, not a peer to peer network. Will be group access to a Copier/Scanner/Printer.

I guess this would be the equilavant to a Starbucks or other WiFi Hotspot. I need recommendations as to the type of service needed, equipment and how best to layout or setup the equipment.

Thanks!

 
It would be best to have two access points. Many these days include the "captive portal" functionality you probably want where when they open a browser they get a disclaimer and need a passcode to access. Plug those into a switch with the copier and the switch into router with internet access and you're all set.

I don't do SOHO stuff but I'm sure linksys or other business line would have captive portal features. The reason I recommended two is 25 is a lot for a single AP. Put them on different channel from 1, 6, 11. A dual band 802.11n standard AP will help.
 
Spidey07..

Thanks but I am not very knowledgeable in the finer points of networking. Is 2 "Access Points" 2 separate feeds or internet connections to your ISP? I'm concerned about not having enough bandwidth to properly connect and service multiple connections.

I do have the best standard service that my provider has but would I need to go as far as T-1? I do realize that this is not your normal area of expertise but do appreciate your assistance.

I will try to contact some hardware mfg's to get their assistance but given todays level of Customer Service I'm doubtful I get much if any information.
 
YumaRed said:
Is 2 "Access Points" 2 separate feeds or internet connections to your ISP? I'm concerned about not having enough bandwidth to properly connect and service multiple connections.

I do have the best standard service that my provider has but would I need to go as far as T-1? I do realize that this is not your normal area of expertise but do appreciate your assistance.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily...you can have a single connection from your ISP split up to multiple wireless APs, it's whatever you want to do (within reason of your TOS and Acceptable Use Policy). That said, if you need more bandwidth, you could buy multiple lines from your ISP (which in turns increases your costs...).

Depending on what your business' network is offering for services (Are you running a gaming cafe? Are you planning on allowing streaming video content? Are you only allowing basic web surfing with minimal or no large file downloads?), these kinds of activities would help you determine if you only need one connection from the ISP or multiple connections.

You don't really need T-1 service (you could get away with using only DSL/cable Internet connections). The only perks of having a T-1 connection is the increased reliability and uptime (I believe you would get a dedicated line from the ISP, instead of a shared line such as cable Internet).
 
Quote: "Thanks but I am not very knowledgeable in the finer points of networking".

Quote: "Need to know how to setup a WiFi Hotspot".

That means that you need a Consultant to come survey the place and make recommendation.


😎
 
Thanks!

Hope to keep it simple enough to avoid having to hire a consultant. But I will do exactly that if I feel that it becomes the better route. I have located "Hot Spot" management company that provides the equipment, software and bandwidth management for a small percentage of the proceeds. Even includes CC processing. I set the fees and terms and they do the rest. Doing my diligence to check them out.

I have contacted both local DSL and Cable providers and both recommend 2 ISP feeds to start with bandwidth monitoring and see what patterns develop.
 
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