Creating Hotspot for a condominium complex

[sangmoklee]

My friend is going to build a hotspot for a comdominium complex which consists of 6 or 7 buildings. Most people visit the place for their vacations and they are mostly old people. It is located at a beach area.

The hotspot should cover the entire complex, and my friend wants to subscribe 3 consumer level cable modem services, connect 3 Belkin wireless routers to modems, and use couple of access points.

I suggested him to use a server computer and professional level routers, but I couldn't persuade him because I am not an expert. He doesn't think using a server computer is not a good idea, and he believes consumer level devices are enough. If anyone can tell me how it should be done, I will appreciate it.

[golfnut]

For starters, consumer grade equipment is not designed for this type of application. If your friend is convinced that it is, he/she will spend money twice for the project (the second time on commercial grade equipment after getting tired of complaints). Second, a couple of access points will not work.

I'd suggest a bit more planning:

1) Determine the worst case user load or maximum number of users at any one time. This number should predicate the type or number of broadband connections.

2) Decide how to manage QoS. Don't assume that, because they're older folks, they don't know how to download music or use VOIP services. You might be surprised.

3) Assuming that the broadband connection comes into one building, you'd probably want to use wireless bridge links to the other buildings.

4) Each building should have it's own set of internal access points. You'll need to perform a site survey to determine how many and where to place them.

5) You don't need a server to manage users. These functions are available in most hotspot gateway/routers.

6) If you're charging the association for access, you'll probably need to provide user support.

This is a lot more work and probably more money than you think but can be accomplished.

Greg