Hosting a Hotspot as a Business

Running a free Wi-Fi hotspot and running a paid-for Wi-Fi hotspot are two completely different matters. Most free Wi-Fi hotspots can get away with slightly less reliability and a much slower, less responsive overall feel. However, when it comes to charging for a premium Wi-Fi hotspot service requirements become a little more rigorous. Hotspot subscribers will expect to be able to use the internet to the fullest, meaning fast download speeds, excellent latency and top notch security. If you are serious about hosting a hotspot as a business, then the guidelines below will set you on the path to deploying a successful, profitable Wi-Fi hotspot business. Also, as we will see, there is no need to host a hotspot of a lesser standard even if it is for free access -- you can easily set up a free hotspot to high standards by taking advantage of recent software developments -- and gain a significant business advantage by doing so.

Internet access and your network
If you expect to run a successful hotspot business then it is absolutely vital that you invest in the required technology. The experience of your paid hotspot users will be directly related to the quality of the internet connection you install, and the equipment you use to set up your Wi-Fi hotspot. If the hotspot area is large or complex, the network setup may require more equipment to extend network coverage, in the form of repeaters or boosters. If this is the case it may be advisable to seek professional help for the configuration and set up of the network. This is a commonplace task for any local computer service company.

For a smaller hotspot area, a single wireless router may suffice. If this is the case, the right hotspot software can configure your router automatically, allowing you to set up a hotspot from scratch and eliminating the need for any professional help.

Whether the network is small or large, once it is set up, the same hotspot software will automate the process of setting up the hotspot. The software can also provide control over security and user bandwidth issues and deal with subscriptions and charges.

Keep scalability in mind
If you start hosting a hotspot as a business, and things take off quickly, you may find that your current network is not able to take the strain of the increased demands placed upon it. When you are planning your Wi-Fi hotspot, and deciding upon the network equipment to purchase, always make sure that it exceeds current requirements to a degree, and where possible, that it is upgradable. This also goes for the actual internet connection itself. If you do not opt for the fastest data transfer plan at the outset, make sure that upgrading the package is simple, if not and, preferably instant. In addition to network hardware and internet connection, make sure that the hotspot software can handle the amount of users you need. Often, hotspot software will be priced according to the number of users and is scalable. This means that you can keep your costs low in the beginning, when you have a small user base, and still be able to provide excellent and uninterrupted service as your customers increase.

Do you need to bring in the experts?
This depends largely on the size and complexity of the hotspot area, and is more to do with nework coverage than hotspot setup -- as we have seen, once the network is set up, hotspot software can be automated to the degree that pretty much anyone can set up and manage their own hotspot. Where you may need help, as noted above, is in getting your network setup so that there is a strong signal everywhere you want one. If the hotspot area can be served by a single router, you will be able to set up your hotspot from scratch with the help of hotspot software. If your network area is larger, and you want to make sure your Wi-Fi hotspot is secure, robust and speedy, then you may choose to spend a little extra on employing the services of an expert in the field of Wireless communication, TCP/IP networking and internet security.

Summary
Setting up a wi-fi hotspot is divided into three areas:
1) internet connection
2) network equipment
3) hotspot software

1) Arrange for the internet connection. 2) Set up your network. For a small network area, a single wireless router may suffice. For a larger or more complex network, you may choose to get help. 3) Set up the hotspot. The best hotspot software automates this process and makes it possible for anybody to do.