Home » Computers & Electronics » PCs » Other PC Topics

How To Build Your Own WiFi Hotspot

Ranked #384 in Computers & Electronics, #5,281 overall

Confessions Of A Computer Junkie

I am not a computer tech graduate, nor have I ever attended a computer class.  I am just a normal person that use to have a job in a seasonal RV resort that allowed me to spend most of my time on the computer.  A good six months a year during off season I had the chance to explore, tweak and fix to my heart's desire.  All of that gave me a basic knowledge of computers and networking.  So when my manager asked if I could put in a hotspot, I eagerly stepped up to the task.

How I Set Up Our WiFi Hotspot

And Protected Our Network

For our project in the resort, we decided to make our WiFi service free to all guest. We wanted it to be accessible in the office, tv room, laundry room and poolside. My first step was to find a way to protect our networked computers and information on them in the office, but utilize our buisness class broadband internet service that we already pay for.

My search brought me to ZoneCD , a free open source software that allowed me to install it on an old computer that was not being used anymore. First thing I did was download the software to one of the computers on my network. I then burned the iso image to CD.

Check out these websites for more on setting up your own hotspot

ZoneCD
Free opensource software for your WiFi hotspot.
ZoneCD Premium
When free is not the most important feature.
Lessnetworks
Another great opensource hotspot software

What Hardware Do You Need?

All you need is a few simple items...

This software requires a separate computer (acting as a gateway) to run between the access point and the wired network.
  • A computer with an Intel-compatible CPU, Minimum 128 MB Ram, Bootable CD-Rom drive, Floppy drive or USB thumb drive, and two Network Interface Cards.
  • Any WiFi compliant wireless router.
  • A standard router for internet connection and firewall.
  • A high-speed internet connection
  • This software does not require you to keep a monitor, keyboard or mouse attached.

Routers

These are the ones that I used...

Loading

How I Set Up The Hardware

I used an old tower and placed it next to one of my networks client computers. I placed it there so that I could utilize the monitor, which is used during the first boot up, but not needed afterwards. The only thing I had to add to the tower was another Network Interface card which was very easy to do. I used the old keyboard and mouse, but they do not need to stay hooked up after booting. I plugged the tower into an existing battery back-up box to protect it from power surges.

You May Need These

Loading

Configuring And Connecting The Routers

You will need to configure your wireless router by logging into your routers site (see instructions that came with your product). Turn off the DHCP and assign a static ip like 10.10.10.2. Also you will want to secure the router by giving it a new password.

Next connect the tower to the existing cable router on your network. Then connect your tower to the wireless router using one of the four Lan ports, not the Wan port. I bought 50 feet of networking cable so that I could position the wireless router in a more advantageous place.

Click here for a complete diagram of how you can configure your network.

Now Your Ready To Boot Up

You will need to set up your Master Account and User account on the ZoneCD website. Now make sure that your tower is configured to boot from CD. Put the CD in the tray and close. Have handy your floppy disk or usb thumb drive. Follow the Boot instructions on the screen.

You should now be able to access your hotspot and start sharing it with others!

More Information About WiFi Hotspots

WiFi.com - Your Wireless Internet Technology Resource
WiFi.com - All Things WiFi! Your Wireless Internet Technology Resource. Get reviews, news, recommendations on WiFi-related products and services.
Create Your Own Hotspot
Thinking about turning your business into a Wi-Fi location? The cost is low and the return can be great. Here's how.
Wireless Internet Access Locations, WiFi Security, WiFi Email, Guides and Gear
Wifi hotspot directory for wireless internet access from JiWire.

WiFi Equiptment that You might Need

Loading

Tell me what you think...

  • Karennaromantic May 10, 2012 @ 4:53 am | delete
    It's a detailed guide to teach how to set up WiFi hotspot, but it seems it doesn't work on my laptop. Problem didnt get solved until I tried this tool -- Virtual Hotspot, a new but works quite fine hotspot creating tool. I tried it and I just fell in love with it. Really helpful.
  • charmilbrettdotcom May 1, 2012 @ 7:27 pm | delete
    Very interesting. Thanks.
  • Squidoo_For_You Jan 6, 2012 @ 12:44 am | delete
    Hi, Excellent lens, I have started building a large public wifi network and have written a lens/guide on it, please take a look and tell me what you think. it Would be great to hear your opinion!

    http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-make-money-with-a-wifi-network
  • ljf1410 Oct 3, 2011 @ 10:49 am | delete
    Hi I have tried to install the software when it gets to an exit point i get the following error?
    Can not continue...
    No certificate available.
    SH No Job Control in this shell
  • gypsiedream Oct 3, 2011 @ 12:27 pm | delete
    I am not sure what has gone wrong, But I am thinking you may have gotten a bad download. You should erase the iso off your hard drive and redownload the program and make a new iso.
  • Load More
Show All

by

gypsiedream

Welcome! I am a work at home, computer loving, herb junkie.  Please visit my blog at http://www.theworkfromhomemother.com . Oh, and don't forget... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags