Solutions under £500
The owner managed hotspot-in-a-box solution:
A dedicated wireless router is located in a central area for guests to use, additional access points can be added to increase the range and coverage area.
The equipment will offer simple on the spot billing for the desired period with user configurations built into the equipment. This is a more robust solution than the router on it’s own as it means the owners will have control over access and billing and will retain 100% of revenue generated.
The Hotspot has a built-in authentication and accounting server this validates the customer login and monitors usage. It enables you to enforce usage limits based on predefined quotas. There are also the options to have a customised subscriber login page to the users, which is an ideal revenue generator as you can sell the advertising space
Pros
- Easy connection to the Internet for anyone who brings in his or her own laptop.
- Freedom for your customers; no dial-up, no plugs, no wires enables roaming, across rooms, bars, restaurants and conference rooms.
- Improved return on resources: share your existing broadband access with your customers and generate extra income whilst providing a valuable service.
- Owner retains all of the revenue generate from the hotspot or can offer free access if required.
- Revenue can be generated for the owner via advertising with within the walled garden – a collection of web pages that can be freely accessed and used to, for example, advertise local attractions, restaurants etc.
Cons
- Someone needs to be there to take billing and issue access codes
- Initial lay out of capital is larger than with an affiliated managed solution
- Guests may feel they have to restrict their usage because of the ticking clock billing method.
Solution Examples:
UNeedus.co.uk
UNeedus is Cornish wireless installer offering accommodation providers managed wireless solutions which will allow their guests secure broadband access. Their tailored solution would be a value added service for your guests offering flexibilty and above all security, using WEP (Wireless Encryption Protocol) technology. This offers you the reassurance that only the people that you allow to use the service may do so.
UNeedus are also able to offer wireless coverage for larger scale projects and will be happy to arrange a site visit and discuss suitable solutions for your needs.
For more information www.uneedus.co.uk
BYTEiTcornwall.co.uk
BYTEiT is a Cornish hotspot solution provider offering businesses the ability to provide their guests and customers with wireless broadband access using their own WiFi enabled equipment. This type of solution would offer larger area coverage supplied by several access points and would be suitable for small hotels, cafes, bars. It could also be used for outdoor solutions such as gardens or marinas! This option offers a flexible, secure and simple to use solution for both host and user. This hotspot does not require a separate broadband connection and all set-up equipment can be supplied and installed by local company BYTEiT
Features:
- Host can provide either free or chargeable access to guest with Wifi enabled equipment
- A completely managed solution
- Flexible settings and security offer the host the option of restricting the usage, or restricting the type of sites that are viewed. (ie: monitoring underage users)
- Initial staff training & support offered by BYTEiT on installation - if needed.
- Hosts can encourage guests to spend more time in the communal areas which will also encourage guests to purchase food and drinks whilst there.
- Offers the option of promoting your own website as the home page
- Reports offering you information on who is using your solution and for how long
- Choice of a free or Premier service solution
For more information www.byteitcornwall.co.uk
ZyXEL ZyAIR G-4100 Wireless HotSpot Gateway with Printer
Hot-spot service providers looking for a one-stop-shop Internet service with embedded billing mechanism and printer
Features:
- Hot-spot Service
- IP Plug-and-Play
- User Authentication and Accounting
- Flexible embedded Billing Profile
- Walled Garden
- Advertisement URL Link
- Portal Page Re-direction
- Login Page Re-direction
- Outgoing SMTP Server Re-direction
- Web-based User Authentication by SSL security
Pheenet Network Access Control Server Gateway for HotSpot
WAS-101 is an all-in-one / cost-effective Hot Spot in a box which can generate user accounts for a fee-based or free broadband Internet Access; Hot Spot solution specially designed for a public wireless network. It integrates “Access Control” and “high-Speed” secure wireless connection” into one system to fulfill the needs in a Hot Spot.
Features:
1. Security Policy
- User isolation Security
- Secure HTML Login Page(SSL)
- Customizable Walled Garden (free surfing area)
2. Administration
- On-line status monitoring
- Session history
- Administrator and user authentication interfaces protected by SSL
- Customizable user login & logout web pages
3. User Management
- Built-in local user database of maximum 500 local user accounts
- Provide 2000 on demand users generated by Ticket Printer
- Support to build 2 authentication policies, each policy can set up different authentication and authorization
- Allow/disallow multiple login
- Support user login schedule control
- Remote Management
