How to Build a WiFi Hot Spot

Wi-Fi hot spots allow quick access to the Internet in places such as coffee shops, airports or bookstores. Once hard to find, Wi-Fi hot spots are everywhere today. Building a Wi-Fi hot spot is not only a good experiment in networking, it can also be an additional bonus to a business or even a side venture.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless router
• Antenna (optional)

Instructions

1. Consult FCC guidelines when creating a Wi-Fi hot spot if you intend to use an antenna. Boosting the signal of a Wi-Fi hot spot could cause conflicts with other wireless networks and Wi-Fi hot spots nearby. If you don't plan to use an antenna, FCC guidelines do not need to be consulted.

2. Determine coverage. A Wi-Fi hot spot is an area of 802.11 wireless network connectivity. Most hot spots reside in a house or business building and offer a strong signal. Beyond a small geographic area, a Wi-Fi hot spot can provide a quarter of a mile with fair to weak signal with no additional amplification. Determine whether the Wi-Fi hot spot is to provide access for just a small area like a home or storefront or whether it is going to span a larger area. Knowing the intended coverage will help you pin down the type of hardware needed.

3. Determine the necessary hardware. Off-the-shelf and over-the-counter wireless routers can provide network accessibility in Wi-Fi hot spot scenarios. Most wireless routers, such as D-Link and Linksys devices, will suffice. If a large Wi-Fi hot spot is being considered, an antenna may be needed. Low-gain or hi-gain omnidirectional antennas can grant a much larger and more focused Wi-Fi hot spot.

4. Assemble the hardware. An antenna connects via either "N" or "SMA" connections and attaches to the access port on wireless routers. Consult the documentation on both devices to ensure proper connectivity. Using a length of cable, connect the antenna and router, keeping the cable short as some signal loss could occur between the two devices. Mount the antenna somewhere near but with good open access, such as a ceiling, rooftop or window.

5. Initiate security. If a hot spot is "public," it is open to everyone who can grab the signal. Therefore, to keep home or office files secured, consider a type of security. There are features on some wireless routers that provide separation from home networking and Internet access. Features such as Guest Zone will split the wireless networking from local network files and sharing features. In a sense, there will be two Wi-Fi hot spots: one for the public hot spot and one for individuals running the hot spot. Security can also be enforced by creating a password that is required to access the hot spot. Only users who have this password, (e.g., pay for its access) can utilize the Wi-Fi hot spot.

Tips & Warnings

• Document all passwords and settings for future reference.

• Be certain home and office networking is protected before bringing the hot spot online.