FAQ

Q:  How does HotSpot Manager work?

A: HotSpot Manager works as a Password, Access Control, Time Control system for wireless and wired network.
For example:
-Users need a password to connect to the Internet;
-Users will be allowed certain time e.g. 30 minutes to use the Internet;
-Users will be disconnected when his/her usage time expired;
-A new password is required to connect again. However, if his/her usage time is still remain, he may login with the same password until his usage time is finished.

Q: What is a controller computer?

A: This is where the HotSpot Manager software should be installed and running. All clients computers should be directed to this controller computer for Internet access.

Q: How to set up a controller computer?

A: Most easy way is to have Windows 2000 or later installed to a computer. It has this function called Internet Sharing. When this function is enabled, (assumed that there are two network cards installed), the computer will use one network card to connect to the ISP Internet provider - for example, by ADSL modem. It will share this Internet connect on the second network card. All computers in the small network will access the Internet using this Internet Sharing. Thus it is also called a gateway computer. But this only works with ISP providing a fixed IP to you. If dynamic IP is provided by ISP, Windows 2000 should be installed a third party Internet Sharing software such as SyGate or WinGate.

Q: I have a wireless Access Point, how to set up Internet sharing?

A: Most wireless Access Point has DHCP function, it will automatically assign IP addresses to wireless clients. In the DHCP, set the Gateway IP of the Access Point to point the controller computer's internal IP. When wireless clients connect, they will automatically be directed to the gateway computer for Internet access.

Q: What is NAT ? Why do I need to shut down this function at the Access Point?

A: When NAT is enabled. All wireless clients' IP will be hidden. HotSpot Manager required the knowing of wireless clients' IP address in order to control access time. NAT should be enable at the controller computer or behind it.

Q: Troubleshooting: After I installed the SIP driver to both network cards, the HotSpot Manager does not work?

A: The SIP driver should only be enabled on the network card connected to the Internal network. That is HotSpot Manager only control the Internal network clients. For example, 192.168.x.x

Q: How do I run a business of providing wireless Internet service?

A:
-There should be Advertising on the venue that it provides Paid Wireless Internet Service (Paid Wi-Fi HotSpot).
-You should set a rate. For example: 30 min = $3 ; 60 min = $6 ; 90 min = $9
-Installed the HotSpot Manager software at the gateway computer, which can also use as a manager computer.
-Customers comes and request a connection time. He/She pays for the time. Use HotSpot Manger to generate and Print out the password for the customer.
-The customers turn on his/her laptop and connected to your wireless Access Point.
-He/She open the browser and it will be directed to a web login page.
-He/She types in the password. Connection will be opened. Time will be count down on this session.
-When the session time is finished. Connection will be closed. The password discarded. The browser will again be directed to the login page.

Q: What things do I need to attract users?

A: Paid Wi-Fi HotSpot is different from Free Wi-Fi HotSpot. You should:
-Be able to provide technical support to customers.
-Be able to provide Fast (and Faster) Broadband Internet Access.
-Be able to advise customer on network security issue.
-Be able to provide more flexible scheme. For example, discounts; free trial passwords.
-Advertise on media for reaching broader client base.

Q: Can I make my Hotspot into self service? e.g. Coin or Bill operated kiosk for ticket selling

A:  Yes, please check out our Coin and Bill operated kiosk at http://www.com2000.com.hk/tt1_spec.htm

Q:  I own a small hotel. Is Hotspot Manager suitable for small hotel?

A:  Yes, HSM can be used to control WIRED PC and WIRELESS laptops. So you may use it for a complete solution to charge for Internet access.