Starbucks, McDonalds, Panera Bread and Arby’s. What do all of these things have in common? Besides being places where busy business people such as yourself can grab a quick bite to eat, most of their locations also offer WiFi to their customers.
Wireless internet, known simply as WiFi, has played a factor in boosting all of these business’ sales.
So you’re a small business owner wanting to offer free WiFi to your customers. You are probably thinking that setting up free WiFi will be difficult, expensive and time-wasting. But it’s not that hard. You can setup a simple WiFi network for around $50, depending on the type of equipment you choose. And it will only take you a little shorter than an hour to set it up and test it.
Now remember, this is if you want to setup a FREE WiFi network in your business. If you would like to setup a pay-per-use network, this guide is not for you, and I recommend you look for a company that can help you set this up, since it is very difficult.
The first thing you will need is a broadband internet connection. Now, look on your broadband modem. There should be a black cord coming from it with a little plastic plug on the end that hooks into your computer. This is called an Ethernet cable. Be sure you have one, because you will need it for this project.
Next, you will need to go out and buy a wireless router. You can buy one at this website at a low cost.
When you get the router, open it up and set it up. There are guides included with almost all routers on how to set it up. This usually takes around 20 minutes.
Which 802.11 should I choose?
While shopping for a router, you will see that some are 802.11g, some are 802.11b and some are 802.11n. These are all different wireless network frequency types. 802.11b is an older wireless technology, 802.11g is currently the standard for WiFi, and 802.11n is a faster, more efficient technology that is slowly rising to becoming the industry standard, but it’s not quite there yet. Also, b is the slowest technology, while n is the fastest, meaning that g is the average. Also, g networks are compatible with b devices, it’s just that the connection will be a little slower.
For right now, purchase an 802.11g router. These will work with the vast majority of laptops, and it offers a very fast speed almost identical to your wired broadband network.
Setting a password
Since you want to be able to have your customers easily access your network, do not fill in a password for now. This will allow your customers to instantly connect to your network with no problems.
Preventing Network Abuse
While you want to offer free WiFi to your customers, you also do not want your network to be abused, with your customers simply using your business as a place for all of their internet needs. You can restrict website access and more by installing a simple program. One of the most popular is Astaro Web Gateway, which allows you to restrict the websites that can be viewed. For example, you can block adult websites, or popular Social Networking sites like Facebook, and any other site or group of sites you wish.
Range Issues
If you have a large business, or are having range issues with yours, you may want to buy a new and stronger wireless antenna. You can buy one at this website. Most of the middle of the price range will give you a signal boost of up to 2 miles.
Hopefully with this guide, you can start offering your customers free Wireless Internet. After setting up your network, be sure to advertise the fact that you have free WiFi. Even putting a little sign in the front window of your shop will advertise the fact that you have free WiFi available for your customers.
