Hotspot info request......

I'd like to set up a free wi-fi hotspot, and I'd like the hardware to have
an embedded server (i.e. not need to be hooked to a PC to work).

Does anyone know of any wi-fi hardware that has an embedded server that can
be set up to deliver a free wi-fi hotspot?

[POSTED TO alt.internet.wireless - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]

In <ebt8f.18257$(E-Mail Removed)> on Fri, 28 Oct 2005 13:28:33
-0400, "Jim Hubbard" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>I'd like to set up a free wi-fi hotspot, and I'd like the hardware to have
>an embedded server (i.e. not need to be hooked to a PC to work).
>
>Does anyone know of any wi-fi hardware that has an embedded server that can
>be set up to deliver a free wi-fi hotspot?

What's the purpose of the server? Depending on your needs:
* D-Link Airspot DSA-3100 Public/Private Hot Spot Gateway
<http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=173>
* Instant HotSpot
<http://www.instanthotspot.com/>
* ZyAIR B-4000 Turn-key Hotspot Gateway
<http://us.zyxel.com/products/model.php?indexcate=1028015363>

--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>

"John Navas" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:VJu8f.187859$(E-Mail Removed)...
> [POSTED TO alt.internet.wireless - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
>
> In <ebt8f.18257$(E-Mail Removed)> on Fri, 28 Oct 2005
> 13:28:33
> -0400, "Jim Hubbard" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>>I'd like to set up a free wi-fi hotspot, and I'd like the hardware to have
>>an embedded server (i.e. not need to be hooked to a PC to work).
>>
>>Does anyone know of any wi-fi hardware that has an embedded server that
>>can
>>be set up to deliver a free wi-fi hotspot?
>
> What's the purpose of the server?

I don't want the hassle of a PC just to give a few patrons internet access.
I saw that Axis used to have a hotspot with Linux embedded as a server. You
could simply plug it into your DSL modem and run it. They no longer offer
any hotspot devices.

I'd like something with at least a minimal firewall and possibly even some
parental blocking (to at least make an effort to block porn, etc.).

I may have to use a small pc with a simple wireless router and the
appropriate software after all.....but I hope not.

Just in case.......what's the smallest PC you've seen that can run XP?

>Depending on your needs:
> * D-Link Airspot DSA-3100 Public/Private Hot Spot Gateway
> <http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=173>
> * Instant HotSpot
> <http://www.instanthotspot.com/>
> * ZyAIR B-4000 Turn-key Hotspot Gateway
> <http://us.zyxel.com/products/model.php?indexcate=1028015363>

Thanks for the links!

[POSTED TO alt.internet.wireless - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]

In <puw8f.20416$(E-Mail Removed)> on Fri, 28 Oct 2005 17:13:47
-0400, "Jim Hubbard" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>"John Navas" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>news:VJu8f.187859$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>
>> In <ebt8f.18257$(E-Mail Removed)> on Fri, 28 Oct 2005
>> 13:28:33
>> -0400, "Jim Hubbard" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>>
>>>I'd like to set up a free wi-fi hotspot, and I'd like the hardware to have
>>>an embedded server (i.e. not need to be hooked to a PC to work).
>>>
>>>Does anyone know of any wi-fi hardware that has an embedded server that can
>>>be set up to deliver a free wi-fi hotspot?
>>
>> What's the purpose of the server?
>
>I don't want the hassle of a PC just to give a few patrons internet access.
>I saw that Axis used to have a hotspot with Linux embedded as a server. You
>could simply plug it into your DSL modem and run it. They no longer offer
>any hotspot devices.
>
>I'd like something with at least a minimal firewall and possibly even some
>parental blocking (to at least make an effort to block porn, etc.).

Two important considerations when running a hotspot:
1. Prevent patrons from accessing your LAN (wired as well as wireless).
2. Quality of Service to keep patrons from degrading your service.

>I may have to use a small pc with a simple wireless router and the
>appropriate software after all.....but I hope not.
>
>Just in case.......what's the smallest PC you've seen that can run XP?

Small Form Factor (SFF) PC; e.g., Shuttle XPC
<http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1645837,00.asp>

>>Depending on your needs:
>> * D-Link Airspot DSA-3100 Public/Private Hot Spot Gateway
>> <http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=173>
>> * Instant HotSpot
>> <http://www.instanthotspot.com/>
>> * ZyAIR B-4000 Turn-key Hotspot Gateway
>> <http://us.zyxel.com/products/model.php?indexcate=1028015363>
>
>Thanks for the links!

Another good product I inadvertently omitted is:
* SonicWALL TZ 150 Wireless
<http://www.sonicwall.com/products/tz150_wireless.html>


See also the Intel Wireless Hotspot Deployment Guide
<ftp://download.intel.com/business/bss/infrastructure/wireless/deployment/hotspot.pdf>

--
Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>

"Jim Hubbard" wrote in message ...
> I'd like to set up a free wi-fi hotspot, and I'd like the hardware to have
> an embedded server (i.e. not need to be hooked to a PC to work).
>
> Does anyone know of any wi-fi hardware that has an embedded server that
can
> be set up to deliver a free wi-fi hotspot?

Since it will be free, I'm assuming you want to be as cheap as possible?
(I also have a cheap-as-possible "free hotspot".)

How many simultaneous users do you expect?
Any specific reason why it must be embedded?

ZoneCD is a (free and open source) captive portal. It'll run on just about
anything, as long as it has two NIC's and a CDROM drive. No OS is needed.
It is GNU/Linux based, but the OS is on the CDROM. Simply set the BIOS to
boot from CDROM, throw ZoneCD in, and it is running. Throw together a
computer from old parts, build it as small as possible (get creative with
alternative case ideas), and its basically an "embedded" black box anyway.
ZoneCD also uses Dansguard, which can give you the filtering you want.

I just got a Linksys WRT54GS router, which may work itself into my "free
hotspot". I got it more as a new toy to just play around with than anything
else. I'm playing with RADIUS now. They are dirt cheap and highly
customizable. (They run off a GNU/Linux variant, so there are lots of
homebrew stuff out there for it. There is even an embedded captive portal
for it.) Aim for a Version 2, as they seem to work the best with all the
homebrew stuff. Stay away from the V5, as it isn't going to be GNU/Linux
based, and won't be "hackable".

(Serial numbers):
CGN0 = WRT54GS v1.0
CGN1 = WRT54GS v1.0
CGN2 = WRT54GS v2.0
[.Snip N3 tp N5.]
CGN6 = WRT54GS v4.0

ZoneCD:
http://www.publicip.net/

Dansguard (read more here):
http://dansguardian.org/


Cheers,
Eric

"John Navas" wrote in message
> Small Form Factor (SFF) PC; e.g., Shuttle XPC
> <http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1645837,00.asp>

$100 to $200 for something that is going to be a relatively dumb box?

Just go to Home Depot and get creative.

Or if it is going to be inside and hidden anyway, go completetly ghetto with
a cardboard box.
(Don't think I've never done that.) :^)

Cheers,
Eric

"John Navas" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:K7x8f.519065$(E-Mail Removed)...
> [POSTED TO alt.internet.wireless - REPLY ON USENET PLEASE]
>
> In <puw8f.20416$(E-Mail Removed)> on Fri, 28 Oct 2005
> 17:13:47
> -0400, "Jim Hubbard" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>>"John Navas" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>>news:VJu8f.187859$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>>
>>> In <ebt8f.18257$(E-Mail Removed)> on Fri, 28 Oct 2005
>>> 13:28:33
>>> -0400, "Jim Hubbard" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>>>
>>>>I'd like to set up a free wi-fi hotspot, and I'd like the hardware to
>>>>have
>>>>an embedded server (i.e. not need to be hooked to a PC to work).
>>>>
>>>>Does anyone know of any wi-fi hardware that has an embedded server that
>>>>can
>>>>be set up to deliver a free wi-fi hotspot?
>>>
>>> What's the purpose of the server?
>>
>>I don't want the hassle of a PC just to give a few patrons internet
>>access.
>>I saw that Axis used to have a hotspot with Linux embedded as a server.
>>You
>>could simply plug it into your DSL modem and run it. They no longer offer
>>any hotspot devices.
>>
>>I'd like something with at least a minimal firewall and possibly even some
>>parental blocking (to at least make an effort to block porn, etc.).
>
> Two important considerations when running a hotspot:
> 1. Prevent patrons from accessing your LAN (wired as well as wireless).

If its and embedded server, and there's no PC....no problem.

> 2. Quality of Service to keep patrons from degrading your service.

An embedded server seems more streamlined also. Less Windows junk running
in the backgound = more juice for the users.

>
>>I may have to use a small pc with a simple wireless router and the
>>appropriate software after all.....but I hope not.
>>
>>Just in case.......what's the smallest PC you've seen that can run XP?
>
> Small Form Factor (SFF) PC; e.g., Shuttle XPC
> <http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1645837,00.asp>
>
>>>Depending on your needs:
>>> * D-Link Airspot DSA-3100 Public/Private Hot Spot Gateway
>>> <http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=173>
>>> * Instant HotSpot
>>> <http://www.instanthotspot.com/>
>>> * ZyAIR B-4000 Turn-key Hotspot Gateway
>>> <http://us.zyxel.com/products/model.php?indexcate=1028015363>
>>
>>Thanks for the links!
>
> Another good product I inadvertently omitted is:
> * SonicWALL TZ 150 Wireless
> <http://www.sonicwall.com/products/tz150_wireless.html>
>
>
> See also the Intel Wireless Hotspot Deployment Guide
> <ftp://download.intel.com/business/bss/infrastructure/wireless/deployment/hotspot.pdf>
>
> --
> Best regards, HELP FOR CINGULAR GSM & SONY ERICSSON PHONES:
> John Navas <http://navasgrp.home.att.net/#Cingular>

"Eric" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:JEx8f.73274$(E-Mail Removed).. .
> "Jim Hubbard" wrote in message ...
>> I'd like to set up a free wi-fi hotspot, and I'd like the hardware to
>> have
>> an embedded server (i.e. not need to be hooked to a PC to work).
>>
>> Does anyone know of any wi-fi hardware that has an embedded server that
> can
>> be set up to deliver a free wi-fi hotspot?
>
> Since it will be free, I'm assuming you want to be as cheap as possible?
> (I also have a cheap-as-possible "free hotspot".)
>
> How many simultaneous users do you expect?

I would think no more than 100 (200 and I open another store).

> Any specific reason why it must be embedded?

Just thought it would be less of a hassle. PCs (esp Windows PCs) are
notorious for having "issues". I just want to set it up and fahgetaboutit.

>
> ZoneCD is a (free and open source) captive portal. It'll run on just
> about
> anything, as long as it has two NIC's and a CDROM drive. No OS is needed.
> It is GNU/Linux based, but the OS is on the CDROM. Simply set the BIOS to
> boot from CDROM, throw ZoneCD in, and it is running. Throw together a
> computer from old parts, build it as small as possible (get creative with
> alternative case ideas), and its basically an "embedded" black box anyway.
> ZoneCD also uses Dansguard, which can give you the filtering you want.

So.....no need even for a HDD? This sounds great! Not many ways to screw
that up.....

>
> I just got a Linksys WRT54GS router, which may work itself into my "free
> hotspot". I got it more as a new toy to just play around with than
> anything
> else. I'm playing with RADIUS now. They are dirt cheap and highly
> customizable. (They run off a GNU/Linux variant, so there are lots of
> homebrew stuff out there for it. There is even an embedded captive portal
> for it.) Aim for a Version 2, as they seem to work the best with all the
> homebrew stuff. Stay away from the V5, as it isn't going to be GNU/Linux
> based, and won't be "hackable".

Isn't RADIUS for user authentication?

I don't really care who uses my free hotspots, I'd like them stable, cheap
and able to show a customizable welcome page when they log in. (While I'm
at it....I'll take one order of world peace, a couple of helpings of
wealth-o-plenty and DRINKS FOR EVERYBODY!)

Thanks!

"Jim Hubbard" wrote in message ...
>> [ZoneCD for captive portal and filtering]
> So.....no need even for a HDD? This sounds great! Not many ways to screw
> that up.....

Nope. In fact, it doesn't even use a HDD! It uses either a floppy or USB
drive to store settings and configurations.
For a while, I was even just using a plug-in CF reader, with a CF card.
Absolutetly beautiful. :^)

> Isn't RADIUS for user authentication?

Yeah, I didn't mean to get side-threaded on the WRT54GS. It is a "new toy"
that I'm having fun with. I was just pointing out that it could do embedded
captive portaling.. It wouldn't be able to do the type of filtering you are
wanting though.

> I don't really care who uses my free hotspots, I'd like them stable, cheap
> and able to show a customizable welcome page when they log in. (While I'm
> at it....I'll take one order of world peace, a couple of helpings of
> wealth-o-plenty and DRINKS FOR EVERYBODY!)
>
> Thanks!

I hear ya. I follow the free wifi community philosophy as well. (See my
previous post, six threads down, "Secure WLAN, Unsecure (filtered)
internet")
I keep a completely open (AP is outside) "hotspot" for anyone and everyone
that wants to use. Getting ready to expand it even by shooting to another
AP (repeater) with cantennas. ZoneCD is the captive portal. Got a
"welcome screen" that basically just says that only common sense use will be
tolerated. (Getting ready to add "Use of this network consents to
monitoring".) Likewise, I filter porn. I'm not about to allow porn to be
downloaded through my internet pipe. Not that I'm anti-porn, but if someone
wants to download porn then they can do it from their own internet source.
Anyway, neighbors use it quite frequently, there have been quite a few
internet/LAN game parties on it, ect. Local kids, and myself, will be using
it for their Nintendo DS's soon, ect...

Cheers!
-Eric

On Fri, 28 Oct 2005 23:09:37 GMT, "Eric" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>Or if it is going to be inside and hidden anyway, go completetly ghetto with
>a cardboard box.
>(Don't think I've never done that.) :^)

This has nothing to do with the original question, but I thought it
might be entertaining to see what others have done with their
computahs:
http://www.mini-itx.com/projects.asp
See list of "projects" on right. Once the form factor gets down to
something small, the creative potential increases drastically. I just
wish I had more time to play.
--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558