Step 1: Determine hot-spot coverage: The goal of a hot spot is to cover a public area with an 802.11 signal. For small areas close to the physical location of your access point, a standard off-the-shelf device may fill your range requirements. If, however, you want to provide coverage to your outside patio or a dining area on another floor, you will probably need to attach a more sensitive antenna or link another access point closer to the other area.
Step 2: Lock down your network: The layout of your network will determine your ability to secure local computers. One possible way of configuring your hotspot is as follows:
There are many other ways of doing it. freespots recommends that you consult with someone familiar with installing and securing your internet connection.
Step 3: Configuring your access point
Once your access point is installed by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer, you can adjust settings to fit the freespots standard. The SSID of your freespot must displaly the community brand, 'freespot', followed by the location name that you intend to register. For example: Freespot - XYZ cafe.
Step 4: Let the world know
Once you have lit up your freespot, you can let people know about it by registering your freespot in the freespots directory and by displaying the logo prominently in your location.
Will a microwave oven or cordless phone interfere with the network?
Microwave ovens and many cordless phones operate in the same 2.4 GHz radio spectrum used by 802.11 wireless networks. Thus, they can cause interference, but in most instances this will usually just slow down the connection, not stop transmission or break the connection.
To reduce interference, you can move a 2.4 GHz cordless phone away from your Wi-Fi computer or base station. Interference usually only happens with older microwave ovens. Check with the manufacturer of your equipment for specific instructions.
