WiFi Hotspot Freespot

[PorterComp]

We are looking to sell/offer WiFi Hotspot service to local businesses. We set it up, have a splash screen for advertising and local signage so people know it's there. We intend to offer it in three ways 1. Sell equipment, labor and maintenance to client, they advertise the "provided by" and get foot traffic. 2. We sell equipment to client, labor for free, we "share" advertising on splash screen and signage. 3. We Install equipment and maintain for free...they get foot traffice, we get all the advertising.

I know I can put in Watchguard wireless routers and setup a wifi hotspot with a splash screen that way, manage, maintain etc...however, that's $400+...most clients don't want that just for a little extra traffic in their shops...

Alternatives? I'm looking for simple and secure...What have you guys/gals done...suggestions? It worked, didn't work?

Ready..
Steady...
Go!!!!

 

[14049752]

DD-WRT with Chillispot

 

[Holzster]

I have use http://www.publicip.net/ - "ZoneCD" open source app - bu chillspot is nice!!

 

[PorterComp]

Wow, I thought more people would have something to say about this. Thanks for the two responses I got though. I must assume that DD-WRT is the way to go then? I'll test it out and see how it goes.

 

[Alan22]

Wow, I thought more people would have something to say about this.

It's been discussed quite a few times before. Search the forum for Hotspot

 

[TechOneCS]

Sputnik w/ DD-WRT. Monthly or annual fee, but low up-front cost and you don't have to install/maintain a RADIUS server.

 

[vdub12]

DD-WRT with Chillispot

I have to agree DD-WRT is the way to go. Get yourself some WRT54G routers and flash them with the DD-WRT firmware and your done. Well configure your hotspot of course.

I have used DD-WRT for years on my home router and love it. It makes most supported consumer routers as powerful as there high dollar big brothers.

Make sure you buy a router that will support multiple virtual access points that way you can create an alternative access point that does not display advertising.

 

[minc3d]

Anyone on here use an Engenius WAP with DDWRT installed? I've personally never played with DDWRT on such a box because they charge the premium enterprise license fee for these units to get the software onto, but I love the quality of signal the boxes provide and would therefore start recommending them with DDWRT if anyone could provide a positive experience by chance.

I've also been questioned about setting up wifi hotspot with simple login that could be changed by the store owner whenever they like (say every month, and that months password would be printed on the receipt, to keep out strangers).

 

[Eddie]

Check out CoovaAP, I've been playing around with it lately.

 

[BDPCR]

Another vote for DD-WRT setup with VLAN isolation. You can purchase the WRT54GL routers at newegg and install DD-WRT on them.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124190&Tpk=wrt54gl

Many of the newer routers available at big box stores are not easily flashed like the wrt54gl is, so do some research.

 

[vdub12]

Another vote for DD-WRT setup with VLAN isolation. You can purchase the WRT54GL routers at newegg and install DD-WRT on them.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124190&Tpk=wrt54gl

Many of the newer routers available at big box stores are not easily flashed like the wrt54gl is, so do some research.

Be careful and try to get the right version. Some wrt's are not compatible but most are. Also many of the wrt's can't run multiple access points because of a limitation in the wifi controller. Just make sure you do a little research before you decide on the exact model you want to use.