Blue Heron
@hewitt.com
| Need help with wireless hotspot at my business
I dug through the FAQ and did some searches but couldn't find exactly what I'm looking for. Sorry if it was out there and I just didn't find it.
I want to set up a wireless hotspot for customers at my restaurant. I have some computer and networking experience, but I'm a little unsure and could use some help.
The current setup is high speed internet provided by local cable company. So we have...
Cable coming into building -> Cable Modem -> 3Com Office Connect Cable/DSL Router -> Allied Telesyn 10 Base-T/100 Base-TX 16 Port Fast Ethernet Switch - > all 16 ports full with ethernet cable runs out to POS registers and computers around the building.
I want to add a wireless hotspot to all of this, but it is critical no one be able to get into my current network!
I talked with my provider and they suggested adding a switch after the modem. My current setup would connect to the switch (the Cable Router, 16 port switch, etc.) and I would also add a wireless router to the switch which my customers can use to access the web.
Would the rest of my network be safe with this setup? Should I be doing something else?
The provider also said they could upgrade me to a 4 port modem and then I could just add the wireless router to that. Would that be better?
Thanks so much in advance! |
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No_Strings
Premium,Mod
join:2001-11-22
The OC
Host:
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1 edit | Adding switches won't protect your business. You want to isolate the traffic from guest users. Some routers have that feature. One example that's been posted here before:
»www.buy.com/prod/zyxel-nbg334w-8···667.html
I have no personal experience with this device, so I'll let someone else chime in on it, but my experience with other ZyXEL products has been excellent. This is a consumer class product. For a business, you might want to go a bit more upscale, although it's in the same league as what you're now using.
For your setup, you'd replace the 3Com with the ZyXEL and make the guest wireless available to customers.
edit: For accuracy, I should add:
There are switches that would help - enterprise-class managed switches that have VLAN (virtual LAN) capabilities. This feature allows you to fence off certain groups as it they each had their own, distinct LAN. More money and more management. A simpler solution like a router with guest WiFi will accomplish the same thing and let you focus on running the restaurant. |
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cacroll
Eventually, Prozac becomes normal
Premium
join:2002-07-25
Martinez, CA
| said by No_Strings  :Adding switches won't protect your business. You want to isolate the traffic from guest users. Some routers have that feature. One example that's been posted here before: » www.buy.com/prod/zyxel-nbg334w-8···667.htmlFor your setup, you'd replace the 3Com with the ZyXEL and make the guest wireless available to customers. edit: For accuracy, I should add: There are switches that would help - enterprise-class managed switches that have VLAN (virtual LAN) capabilities. This feature allows you to fence off certain groups as it they each had their own, distinct LAN. More money and more management. A simpler solution like a router with guest WiFi will accomplish the same thing and let you focus on running the restaurant.
He's got a fairly complex LAN.
said by Blue Heron :
Cable coming into building -> Cable Modem -> 3Com Office Connect Cable/DSL Router -> Allied Telesyn 10 Base-T/100 Base-TX 16 Port Fast Ethernet Switch - > all 16 ports full with ethernet cable runs out to POS registers and computers around the building.
This seems a bit more than the typical SOHO DIY networker. Someone with some computer and networking experience should learn this sooner rather than later. Maybe, it's time to bring in a professional, and let him focus on running the restaurant?
--
Cheers,
Chuck
MS-MVP 2005-2008 [Windows - Desktop Experience]
Nitecruzr Dot Net |
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Blue Heron
@verizon.net
| Here's what my ISP says...
"You can buy just a simple 4 port switch(any brand) and a wireless router for your customers to access. Hook up the 4 port switch after the modem then hook up your existing router to one of the ports on the new switch and the wireless rotuer on another of the 4 port switches ports. The modem will automaticlly give both routers IP addresses. And the switch will not share information between the two routers so there will be no threat of your customers accessing your business network."
So, is this accurate?
ps. As far as bringing a pro in... already made that call and quoted at least $500 to set this up. Trying to do this myself and save some money. |
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cacroll
Eventually, Prozac becomes normal
Premium
join:2002-07-25
Martinez, CA
| said by Blue Heron :
Here's what my ISP says...
"You can buy just a simple 4 port switch(any brand) and a wireless router for your customers to access. Hook up the 4 port switch after the modem then hook up your existing router to one of the ports on the new switch and the wireless rotuer on another of the 4 port switches ports. The modem will automaticlly give both routers IP addresses. And the switch will not share information between the two routers so there will be no threat of your customers accessing your business network."
So, is this accurate?
ps. As far as bringing a pro in... already made that call and quoted at least $500 to set this up. Trying to do this myself and save some money.
Are you paying for dual IP address service, from your ISP? If so, how much extra does that cost, over single IP service?
If you have dual IP address service then it's accurate. And your ISP is ripping you off.
You have 16 computers / POS registers around the building, and you won't spend $500 to get this done professionally? So you're going to pay your ISP extra?
--
Cheers,
Chuck
MS-MVP 2005-2008 [Windows - Desktop Experience]
Nitecruzr Dot Net |
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Blue Heron
@hewitt.com
| reply to Blue Heron
We have dual IP service at no extra cost. So it sounds like I can do this with a switch and wireless router, which sure sounds less than $500.
Also... I don't own the business, just work part time. The owners asked for some help to save money. Not my call to spend $500, and it will be tough enough to get them to spend $100 or so for the switch and router.
Any recommendations on a switch and router? |
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Anav
Sarcastic Llama? Naw, Just Acerbic
Premium
join:2001-07-16
Dartmouth, NS
| reply to Blue Heron
For a router that works with minimal fuss and coddling I would look at the Zyxel g4100V2. It comes with a thermal printer or you can use an inhouse printer to print off tickets. ON the tickets is a username and password to login. Diff timeslots can be given out with varying costs or all for free but not sure on your model. The nice thing is that it provides as SSL connection with no need about security settings. If you prefer a group setting the VIP password feature allows you to set a password of the day or week and the patrons can simply use that to login. Its a bit pricey on the initial cost, but ease of use by both staff and patrons pays off. There are cheaper options by buying a linksys off the shelf and installing third party firmware and setting it up. Your choice on which solution better fits your plans.
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Ain't nuthin but the blues! "Albert Collins".
Leave your troubles at the door! "Pepe Peregil" De Sevilla. Just Don't Wifi without WPA, "Yul Brenner"
LlamaWorks Equipment |
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