Users of wireless networks at home and work can move about their office or home with their laptops and
PDAs, checking e-mail, browsing the web, and swapping files between PCs. Wi-Fi hotspots fill in the gaps
away from the home and office. They allow people to keep up-to-date with their digital world wherever a
hotspot might be, whether it is in an airport, café, restaurant, or hotel.
Installing and operating your own Wi-Fi hotspot at your business or organization allows you to be a part of this rapidly growing technology. Even installing a small wireless network has proven to be a difficult task for the average consumer. With this book acting as your guide, you can painlessly figure out what is required for your Wi-Fi hotspot, how to properly set it up, and how to operate it.
The goal of this book is to help people, such as small business or location owners, set up a Wi-Fi hotspot to offer free or fee-based Internet access to the public. Not only does this book offer valuable tips on installing Wi-Fi hotspots, but it also walks you through four different hotspot solutions. The step-by-step procedures used in the solutions simplify the process of setting up a hotspot and ensure that you always know what you need to do.
This book provides information in a simple manner so that even nontechnical consumers can understand the
necessary technical information to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Author(s): Eric Geier
Publisher: Cisco Press
Year: 2006
Language: English
Pages: 204
• Part I, "The Basics"
• Chapter 1, "The Basics of Wi-Fi Hotspots"This chapter heightens your understanding of Wi-Fi hotspots and how they fit into everyday life. It serves as an introduction to hotspots to ensure that you have a basic understanding before you proceed with installing your own.
• Chapter 2, "The Business Side of Hosting a Hotspot"This chapter explains the benefits of hosting a hotspot, including generating additional revenue and attracting more people to your business or organization. This chapter helps you decide which type of hotspot you should implement by factoring in the associated costs, revenue, and benefits.
• Chapter 3, "First Steps to Setting Up a Wi-Fi Hotspot"This chapter explains the overall steps of setting up your Wi-Fi hotspot so that you know exactly what to do. You get started with Steps 1 and 2, learning about the specific hotspot solutions that are covered in this book and picking one based on your situation. Then you learn about the different Internet connections and which types are best for your hotspot.
• Part II, "Setting Up the Hotspot" (Chapters 47)The chapters in Part II cover the specific hotspot solutions discussed. Each chapter contains step-by-step instructions to set up the solutions to cover a small area, such as a café or lobby. If you are not satisfied with the coverage area after completing the initial setup, or if your plans are to cover a large area, such as a hotel or motel, you should refer to Chapter 12 after completing one of these solutions.
• Part III: After Your Wi-Fi Hotspot Is Alive
• Chapter 8, "Getting the Word Out"This chapter discusses how to get the word out about your Wi-Fi hotspot so that you can start attracting more people to your business or organization.
• Chapter 9, "Fending Off Freeloaders"This chapter explains how people can take advantage of free wireless Internet access and gives you ways to fend them off to ensure that your Wi-Fi hotspot is not used improperly.
• Chapter 10, "Wi-Fi Security"This chapter covers security issues relating to Wi-Fi hotspots. Hotspots cannot be secured like homes and businesses, because they are for public use. You learn what you need to know to ensure that everyone has a good hotspot experience.
• Chapter 11, "Common Problems and Fixes"This chapter explains common problems you or your users might experience while using your hotspot and steps to take to fix them.
• Chapter 12, "Increasing Your Hotspot's Wireless Coverage"This chapter introduces you to a few ways that you can increase the coverage area of your new or existing Wi-Fi hotspot and step-by-step instructions for each method.
• Chapter 13, "Using Wi-Fi Networks"This chapter contains step-by-step procedures for common tasks when using Wi-Fi networks. If you are new to using wireless networks, this chapter enables you to use your Wi-Fi hotspot by teaching you the basics, such as connecting and sharing files.
• Appendix A, "Understanding Wi-Fi Signals"The appendix discuses many topics; such as wireless signals and interference, which helps you during the installation and administration of your Wi-Fi hotspot. This information also instills you with some common sense that's helpful when dealing with problems that may arise.
