Setting Up Public Wireless Internet Access

Installing and operating a Wi-Fi hotspot allows you to attract customers and differentiate your business. Deploying even a small wireless network has proven to be a difficult task for the average consumer, however. With this book as your guide, you can painlessly figure out the requirements for your Wi-Fi hotspot, how to properly set it up, how to operate it, and how to optimize it for the needs and security of your customers.

Wi-Fi Hotspots helps you throughout the entire process of setting up a hotspot to offer free or fee-based Internet access to the general public:

Understand the benefits to your business of hosting a hotspot

Decide what type of hotspot you should implement

Examine what equipment is best suited for your hotspot

Follow step-by-step procedures for setting up your hotspot

Get the word out about your hotspot availability

Ensure your hotspot is not used improperly

Evaluate Wi-Fi security concerns

Fix common problems hotspot users face

Increase the coverage area of your Wi-Fi hotspot

Whether you are a small business owner looking to attract customers and distinguish your business or you are an IT professional at a larger organization looking to establish hotspot connectivity, this book provides you with everything you need to know in order to provide public wireless Internet access.

Eric Geier is a computing and wireless networking author and consultant. For several years, he's be employed with Wireless-Nets, Ltd., a consulting firm focusing on the implementation of wireless mobile solutions and training.

Eric is a Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA). He is an author and contributor of several books and eLearning (CBT) courses. He is a regular contributor at Wi-FiPlanet.com.

For more information about Eric Geier, visit his website at http://www.egeier.com

This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press®, which offers networking professionals valuable information for constructing efficient networks, understanding new technologies, and building successful careers.