email issues in a Hotspot...

[Paulk]

Hello all,
If you can help me with this I'll be delighted. Anyway here's my question....I'm setting up a wireless Hotpsot in a Cafe but I'm wondering will users be able to access their email using Outlook, Lotus notes etc. without having to change their POP3 server or SMTP server settings? If not is there any Wireless Routers out there that can deal with this and redirect them to their Servers without the user having to chang them on their PC?
Thanks alot
Paul

[wiology2005]

they should be able to access their email without problems - what equipment are you using (access point, access control, DSL/cable, ...) ?

[wirelessoceans]

Paul,

If using ADSL or cable you may have a problem. SDSL or a T1 will probably not. If you are the later than you can use a Nomadix AG-2000 with their smtp service and you will solve the problem.
Cheers

[BobY777]

They should be able to access their email through the web site of their ISP.

For instance I use Verizon for my ISP. I have never done it, but Verizon says I can go to their web site and type in my user id and password and should be able to send and receive email that way.

In other words, it's browser accessed as opposed to Outlook accessed.

[wirelessoceans]

Bob,

Webmail will work anywhere you have internet. But POP3 and other non web based email will not on most adsl and cable lines. Many people do not like using their webmail when they use outlook so this is a major problem at business class hotspots. Be aware.

[BobY777]

Hi wirelessoceans:

Thanks for the post.

I myself like my Outlook better.

It seems that the Hotspot customer shouldn't have any problem getting POP3 email set up to come in no matter where they are at...at least from what I understand.

But I think it's the SMTP outgoing mail that can be a problem. To use Outlook they would need to know the name and password assigned to that broadband line in order to use the outgoing mail.

Like at my home, I have the name and password set up in my Outlook to let me send out (SMTP) email.

I think that might be a security issue to let hotel customers know that information.

But there are third party email h osting places that will let a hotel customer send out email using Outlook. But the hotel customer will have to get that set up ahead of time. And this assumes Verizon or whoever the broadband ISP is doesn't block the port that the third party email hosting place is using. But other ports can be used I understand, if the ISP has the normal email port blocked.

At least thats the way I understand it. I hope I'm not too wrong...lol.

Set me streight if I have this wrong.

[wiology2005]

hi guys,
I guess it could be an issue if you are not using VPNs back to the company. I'm using outlook over the company VPN when on the road and never had a problem in a hotel or hotspot.

So the hotspot definitely needs to support the different types of VPN.

What are the configurations or requirements you think that are needed in order to support all email services like POP3 ?

[BobY777]

Hello willogy2005:

Is it correct that you have some software on your laptop for VPN and have a VPN setup back at your office, in order to do the VPN.

And the gateway at the hotel must then have VPN passthrough?

As long as it has VPN passthrough, then the gateway at the hotel then is transparent to your VPN sessions?

Thanks,

[wiology2005]

Hi Bob,
yes, your assumptions are correct. I believe it is Cisco VPN software we are using, hotel or hotspot must have pass through and then it works.

[wirelessoceans]

hello,

Bob you are correct, Outgoing mail is the issue, usually. Most adsl and cable isp force you throught their smtp server for "security" purposes. If you get on someone elses adsl or cable connection your outgoing smtp server address will probably need to be changed to the isps. However vpn is a great way to get around this as wiology stated, or you can use a third party service. Nomadix has one and I'm sure there are many more out there. I have seen this as an issue at some hotspots that use these more economical circuits. As for the vpn you have either a client on your computer or a public static ip that you can use to log into the remote network...and this is highly recommended when at any hotspot, becuase it will keep your over the air data much safer.

Happy holidays