Add-on applications and products
Add-on applications and products can be added to most core solutions in order to develop and augment the customer experience.
Wireless USB adapter
This is a piece of equipment which plugs into your USB port allowing wireless internet access to your desktop or notebook PC. This adapter supports untethered mobility without unsightly wires. Adapters can be bought or hired by guests as a regulated and secure means for them to access the wireless network. They can also be branded at minimal cost to act as an advert for your hotel or guesthouse.
Solution examples:
Netgear 108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0
Canyon 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter Full Specs
Terminals
In addition to offering a wireless network for guests travelling with WiFi enabled equipment, many accommodation providers may choose to also provide an access terminal for guests to access the Internet for those without their own equipment. There are many types of public access terminals from a basic PC offering unmetered internet access to a dedicated terminal or e-box which can be free or coin operated. Many companies now offer the opportunity to rent or lease terminals rather than paying outright for the equipment. You will need to secure the terminal in some way – this can be done by ‘locking down’ so that only a browser can be used. There are also a number of software solutions used by internet cafes that will be able to give you the appropriate levels of security.
Solution examples:
South West based company who develop and promote a range of touch-screen and keyboard operated internet and Information Terminals.
UK based business offering a range of bespoke professional kiosk and touch screen information systems.
Power Line Networking
With the use of special adapters it's possible to create a network in your home or business using the existing power lines. The special Ethernet adapters are simply plugged into any normal plug socket and the data is carried over the mains lines. Any of the adapters conforming to HomePlug industry standards will provide a network connection of anything up to 85Mbps (HomePlug 1.0 Turbo standard, HomePlug AV standard offers up to almost 200Mbps) which is comparable to normal Ethernet LAN speeds. An example of the use would be taking a broadband feed from a router to the other side of a building, perhaps to provide access for an office or to be connected to a Wireless Access Point to provide Wi-Fi services for guests. They are simple to set up and offer encryption for security. Two variations are those that provide a means of extending a wired network over the power line and those that extend the wired network and provide a remote wireless point.
Wired to wired solutions:
Wired to Wireless solutions:
