How to Install DSL in a Hotel
Determining how to install DSL (digital subscriber line) in a hotel depends on the Internet configuration chosen. A successful hotel provides excellent service, and a Wi-Fi network, whether free or fee-based, is an extension of that service, assuming that customers don't encounter Internet problems during their hotel stays. Do-it-yourself Internet installations can consist of connecting a wireless DSL modem to additional wireless access points, or employing a higher-speed T1 line with a central telephone unit (TU) to deliver Internet signals via phone lines throughout the hotel to provide broadband connectivity to all customers with laptop computers.
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Instructions
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Choose an Internet service provider (ISP). Decide where the installation of the wireless DSL modem will be. Usually, DSL modem installations are based in a central area of the hotel. This enables faster and more reliable network connections for each room, office, lounge or lobby.
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Connect your DSL modem by plugging a phone or DSL filter to the telephone line outlet that will be the main connection to the Internet. Phone filters usually come with the DSL modem, but they can also be bought at electronics stores. The phone filter prevents phone interference, and is the same as those that come with any home DSL modem installation kit. It is needed only if one phone line will be used for DSL and telephone calls. Plug the telephone cord between the phone line filter and the back of your wireless DSL modem
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Connect a CAT5 Ethernet cable (this is a wider cable with what looks like a super-sized phone jack) into the modem's Ethernet port on the back. Plug the other end to the Ethernet port in the computer. Connect the power adapter to the back of the modem, and plug it into an electric outlet. Then turn the modem on to check that the modem connection is working.
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Turn your computer on and launch the preferred Web browser. Type any keyword in the search bar and perform a search, pressing the "Enter" key, and get the search results. This will demonstrate that the connection is able to browse the Internet.
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Purchase repeaters to extend the DSL signal. Repeaters are small routers that can be placed in different locations in the hotel to expand the wireless Internet signal coming from the wireless gateway (the DSL modem connected to the DSL line). Repeaters are generally installed for every four to six rooms of coverage. This can vary depending on the hotel's construction. If you find slow connectivity in rooms located far from the gateway, add additional repeaters.
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Repeat the repeaters. Position them strategically to construct a Wi-Fi network wherein every connection is the same speed as rooms close to the main router or gateway.
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Install a DSL filter on each repeater. Disconnect the telephone that was in the room from the telephone line outlet. Connect the repeater to the telephone line outlet. Plug the the telephone in the phone output of the repeater. Attach the power adapter to the repeater's back and then the electrical outlet to turn it on. There may or may not be an "On/Off" button on the repeater.
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Decide whether or not customers will be billed for Internet access. To charge, simply set up a "Wireless Private Network" with a login and a password. Bill customers by their room or phone numbers to access the Internet, and give them a login and password for access. The Internet Service Provider will help in performing this setup. Offering free Internet access requires that nothing other than establishing a wireless network be open for customers, and provides an additional benefit for customers to book the hotel.
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Tips & Warnings
A Telephone Switching Router (TSR) is used with T1 lines to connect to the Internet at higher speeds than DSL lines. A TSR uses existing phone wire that is already in place to the rooms. There's no need to have rooms equipped with a second phone line. The guest can be on the Internet at T1 speeds, without the need to disrupt or add any wiring or cabling, and still make calls over the phone line.
Be aware that the same wireless radio frequencies that enable wireless Internet can allow the hotel to receive all communications thereon. Though mainly it is done to sniff out illegal activity or images transmitted over the network, it is something to always keep in mind if there is any degree of security desired for guests' wireless communications.
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- Photo Credit hotel image by Gonçalo Carreira from Fotolia.com
