How to Setup Public Wireless Internet Service

Public Internet access through "hotspots" is getting more common.

The cheapest and simplest way to offer public Internet service is to set up "guest networking" on a wireless router connected to a cable or DSL modem. Guest networking creates two separate wireless networks on the same router---one for your home or business and one for your guests. This keeps your computers safe from any guest computers while allowing both networks access to the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• DSL or cable modem
• Wireless network router that supports guest networking
• Ethernet cable

Instructions

1. Unplug the power supply to the Internet modem and wireless router.

2. Plug the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the modem.

3. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the "WAN," "WLAN" or "Internet" port on the wireless router. The label varies by manufacturer, but there is only one of these options on any given router.

4. Plug the modem and wireless router's power supplies into power outlets. Wait two minutes. The wireless network is now set up in a basic configuration.

5. Click on the wireless network reception icon on the Windows task bar in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, select your wireless network from the list and click the "Connect" button. If you haven't set up your wireless network before, they are usually named after the manufacturer of the wireless router by default. For instance, a Linksys router creates a network named "linksys."

6. Open a Web browser window and enter the wireless network router's IP address into the Web address bar. Check out Resource 1 for a listing of default IP addresses and administrator account user names and passwords.

7. Enter the admin user name and password when asked to log in to your wireless router.

8. Change the wireless network name, or "SSID," for your wireless network and enable password protection. This process differs between routers but should be detailed in the user's manual.

9. Enable guest networking. Again, this process is different on different routers but should be described in detail in the router's manual. Some routers call this feature "Guest Zone" or "wireless guest network." See Resources 2, 3 and 4 for some examples.

Tips & Warnings

• Most wireless routers create networks large enough to cover coffee shops and small to medium sized restaurants. If you have a larger area to cover, get a wireless antenna to hook up to your router.

• Disable "SSID Broadcasting" for your wireless network if you don't want your guests to see your wireless network as an option for them to log in to.

References

• CNET: Build your own hot spot

Resources

• Answersthatwork: List of Default Router Passwords and IP Addresses
• WatchGuard System Manager Help: Enable a wireless guest network
• Mac Life: How to create a guest wi-fi network
• Cisco Knowledge Base: Setting up wireless network for guests