FingerLakesWiFi

Putting together a Wi-Fi hotspot network at your business isn't much different than putting one together at home. You can just go to a retailer like Staples, pick up a good wireless router for about $70 and connect it to your broadband provider. The next step is to stick a "Free Wi-Fi!" sign on the door. Ok, maybe it's not that simple, but it's close. Setting up a wireless router is very easy as most come with step-by-step prompts. You can literally be up and running within a few minutes after unpacking it. Once it's connected and turned on, your hotspot will be available to anyone with a properly equipped laptop or other wireless device, such as a PDA.

ISP SERVICES
It's a good idea to talk to your provider to find out if you're allowed to let others use your internet connection. Many providers like Road Runner have "business class" services which you may need to upgrade to, before providing open access. These are a little more expensive, but the benefits are worth the costs.

BUSINESS SECURITY
If you use one broadband connection for both free Wi-Fi service and your own computers, you will want some form of protection such as a gateway or firewall, which prevents hotspot users from getting inside your systems. The last thing you need is a competitor walking in and gaining access to your business files. If your in-house computers are wireless too, it's a good idea to register them on a secondary encrypted network. That's basically just a second router, that is password protected and can only be accessed by store personel.

It's also a good idea to monitor activity to prevent any other fraudulent use. You don't want your business in the news (or the FBI at your door) because someone uploaded disturbing porn or utilized your services for other illegal activities.

PASSWORDS & ENCRYPTION
Encryption is a touchy issue with many. Most choose to leave encryption off in the router settings, which makes it easier for customers to connect to the service. Some businesses like to password protect the network, forcing those who would like to use it to obtain a password at the counter. This helps prevent squatters, and ensures that only customers in your business are accessing the network. This is also a good form of security, as it is not wide open to eavesdroppers in surrounding areas.

NETWORK IDENTITY
It's highly recommended you change the default name of the network in the router configuration settings. The defaults are usually linksys (for Linksys routers) and Netgear (for Netgear routers). A good rule of thumb is if the hotspot location does not bother (or know how) to change the default SSID, chances are they aren't very secure and probably have not changed the default router passwords either. It'll probably only be a matter of time before someone figures it out and exploits it to gain access to the core system and/or snoop on customers connecting to the service.

Surprisingly, many free hotspots are set up this way and if others in the area are on the same defaults, your customers may not know who they're connecting to.

Give your network a name that reflects the name of your business. When it shows up on the list of available networks on your customers device (if there is more than one hotspot in the area), they should be able to distinguish right away which one to connect to.

SPLASH PAGE OPTIONS
You may also want to consider putting up a home page that appears on customers' computers when they connect. Some hotspots require users to create an account (even if it's free) to keep track of who is using the system and prevent "Evil Twin" spoofing.

For legal reasons, that home page should also warn customers that they are using the network at their own risk and perhaps provide links to security tips. Your business isn't providing security, and many unsecured Wi-Fi networks are notoriously vulnerable to eavesdropping. Hire a local guru if you need help setting this up.

If you'd like to set up a network with a login, consider PublicIP's ZoneCD or Less Networks' Hotspot Server, two popular gateway software packages specifically designed for no-fee Wi-Fi hotspots. Both provide centralized management features and simple setup that requires no technical knowledge.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Keep in mind that consumer-grade access point equipment is not designed for robust coverage like business-class Wi-Fi gateways. Some wireless subscribers might not be able to connect at all due to incompatibilities. They may also frequently get bumped from the system if lots of people are using it. However, since you're not charging for access, their expectations are not likely to be as high as they would be if they were paying for it. The service is more or less considered "As Is".

SUCCESSFUL HOTSPOTS
Promotion is the key. Get the word out to customers (and potential customers) through in-store signs. Tack one up on the window. Include "Wi-Fi Hotspot" in your advertising, yellow page ad, business cards, and so forth.

Get listed in hotspot directories. There are a lot of them (like Finger Lakes WiFi) on the web. Many travelers and students rely on these directories to find locations to connect.

Provide laptop-friendly environments. Big tables, counters, comfortable chairs all go a long way in keeping customers happy. It's also a good idea to have electrical outlets nearby. A few power strips secured to walls will do the trick nicely. You may want to take it a step further and provide a couple workstations for those without laptops.

Don't use 2.4GHz cordless phones on your property, and keep microwave ovens away from your access point. These are both common sources of interference with Wi-Fi, which uses the same 2.4GHz radio band. Also make sure you use a different Wi-Fi channel than other nearby hotspots.

CONCLUSION
We hope this guide will help you get up and running with a free WiFi hotspot, especially here in the Finger Lakes area! We'd like to see this directory grow! Of course once you get your hotspot running, please let us know about it. We'll help you get the word out.