Hotspot Controllers.....

[Paulk]

Hi,
I've been scouring the web for a good product thats stand alone for a hotspot, I dont want to be linked to any backend Servers on an ISP etc. Too expensive. The best one around seem to be either the Instant Hotspot WSG 500 or Zyxels B-400. Both supply a printer and use a log on Web page for username and password before one can access the Web proper. Anyway here are my queries:

1. If the Zyxel can only support 802.11b and not 802.11g is it worth getting?

2. Does anyone know of a stand alone controller that will do SMTP redirect, homepage URL redirect and local authentication all in one?

Thanks a million again Guys
Slán
Paul

[romanvm]

Hi,

Have you seen Dlink DSA-3100 gateway? I have been using these and they work very well, make sure to get version B, version A is somewhat unstable. www.dlink.com

Hope this helps.

[romanvm]

Here is another gateway you can take a look at, Controller 3000 (WC-3000) made by valuepoint. They come in wired or wireless versions. It goes for abou $500.
http://www.valuepointnet.com/PRODUCTS/wireless_controller_WC3000.html

[unwired on maui]

We have a DSA-3100 gateway on our hotspot at Mama's Fish House. It's connected to the DSA-3100P ticket printer. We have this connected to a DWL-1700AP access point. All D-Link. Works great. Takes a bit to config but support is good for help. Total bill for the equip was about $2K including an outdoor antenna pumping out 200mw.

[northcwind]

Suggest to take a look at the self-service coin/bill operated controller: coin operated wi-fi

[Paulk]

Hey Guys,
thanks for the tips. Although I'm trying to provide the Equipment as cheap as possible and trying to convince a Customer to buy a solution for $2k might be difficult. Any cheaper solutions out there?
Thanks again
Slán
Paul

[northcwind]

The Zyxel solution is approx. $650 (I guess). Quite reasonable with a printer. 802.11b is not that slow in actual use.

Coin wi-fi, new product, (can found) on eBay. work like a pay phone so does not require man to stand by 24-hour a day. Good for location runs all day long. Approx. $500.

[vbsaltydog]

there is a software based hotspot management system that uses captive portal technology called firstspot. It can sit on a windows 2k or xp box that has two nics installed, it works with RRAS to make your gateway. the cost is $399.00 for standard and $1,400 for advanced. It may be a bit of an easier sell.
*Selling point* it is non protocol specific so when new 802.x standards come out, simply replace the access points and keep on rolling.

-vbsaltydog

[golfnut]

Zyxel has a new 100 user gateway similar to B-4000 called the G-4100.

It's 802.11g, comes with a 3 button printer instead of the single button printer on the B-4000, and is a different design with the familiar flashing blue Zyxel light. Each button on the printer can be programed for different time usage from an hour up to a year.

We've been testing one for use at a coffee shop locally and it works great.

Also, DLink is soon releasing a new version of the DSA-3100 that has an integrated 802.11g access point.

Greg

[golfnut]

Zyxel has a new 100 user gateway similar to B-4000 called the G-4100.

It's 802.11g, comes with a 3 button printer instead of the single button printer on the B-4000, and is a different design with the familiar flashing blue Zyxel light. Each button on the printer can be programed for different time usage from an hour up to a year.

We've been testing one for use at a coffee shop locally and it works great.

Also, DLink is soon releasing a new version of the DSA-3100 that has an integrated 802.11g access point.

Greg

[hmhc]

Do you have a link to the DLink DSA-3100 that has an integrated 802.11g access point?

[golfnut]

The name of the new gateway is a DSA-3200 and it should be out soon.

Greg

[mikes]

www.signull.com makes a hotspot gateway product

http://www.signull.com/documents/PAG1000_datasheet.pdf