Another WiFi Hotspot Thread

[Sysem]

I have a client who's looking into creating a WiFi hot spot for their cafe. So I've been researching a little on the best option for their situation, but I haven't found something that meets their needs. Sorry if this has been posted before, but searching this forum can take long!

Anyway, they obviously need it secure. IE: Passwords etc. Thats not a problem. However, the Guest Zone feature available on some routers (allowing a password, and no access to main network) wont work as the password remains the same, allowing a previous customer, or someone from the business next door access to the WiFi if they've been to the shop before.

Some other options have been HotSpotSystem http://www.hotspotsystem.com
but I'm trying to keep the costs down. So a free version of the vouchers would be ideal. Also, I was hoping for a system that has the option to limit based on time (30 min or so) or bandwidth used.

The catch comes in here: This needs to be easy to set up, require NO dedicated server, be integrated with the current DSL option (buying a new router is an option if needs be) and not require any hectic knowledge of computers in order to maintain. I will be on call for any assistance, but wont be able to be on site for maintenance.

So feel free to dismiss the idea completely, or help me with some ideas for the situation

 

[Sysem]

Wow, three days, 90+ views and no replies... Maybe the task at hand is too big?

 

[daffy]

Its been discussed to death lately on this forum. A little bit of searching would have resulted in a list of options, and then a little bit of research into those options would have got you 1 or 2 solutions.

Mikrotik RouterBoard with User Manager
or
3rd party solution

 

[Sysem]

Ok, Mikrotik requires quite a substantial knowledge of Linux. As I said, this needs to be easy to maintain. IE: Windows based. Secondly, it needs other hardware. I'm looking to implement it with the current router, or a new wireless router easily available at a PC shop. A 3rd party solution is defiantly out of the question as this is just a side project, not intended for revenue. Hiring a 3rd party would just add unwanted costs.

 

[Sysem]

Now I've confused myself. I assumed Mikrotik was Linux, but looking over it now, is it a Linux firmware for the router?

 

[murray654]

Mikrotik is the name of the hardware RouterOS is the "firmware" which may be based on linux, not sure. I use the hotspot in my hotel. There is a learning curve, but once its up and running its trouble free and the hotspot manager is web based. You log into the web interface to generate vouchers etc.

Maybe download the version that runs on a computer and learn about it before buying a router. Of course this will only run for 24 hours for free, before you have to buy a licence.

Setting up a mikrotik hotspot

If you dont have time to learn then go with Skyrove They seem to be the best local outfit. I did not because A I dont have DSL and B I dont want to share my revenue.

 

[Sysem]

Ok, I've found a cheapish software package that comes with the router and does everything I need. Looks like I'll be using that. Although, for interest sake, I'll "experiment" with Mikrotik at home

Thanks all.

 

[Colin62]

Just out of interest, what is it you'll be using?

 

[tabang]

I am using 24online
www.24onlinebilling.co.za

 

[Sysem]

Just out of interest, what is it you'll be using?

Well I haven't fully gone with a product yet, waiting for the clients to pick out of the three I mention. They'll probably go for the UseMyNet option. Seemed to have exactly what they needed for a low price range.

 

[warwickw]

If you want simple, and straightforward then go with http://www.hotspotsystem.com/

Register for their Pro version, and request a privileged user account for the owner of the location to use.

 

[Sysem]

Thanks, I checked out Hotspot System, but they not looking for a monthly fee product.

 

[bdt]

Here's a thought ..and maybe even something worth trying:

• get a WR1043ND router (PRE-flashed with DD-WRT (it costs you a whole R50 bucks extra)
• peruse DD-WRT tutorials
• check if the separate LAN/WLAN DHCP is of any use. Come to think of it, same goes for any others too.