Wireless access point with multiple user groups

Wafip

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Jun 3, 2010
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Hello, I would like to be able to set up a wireless access point with multiple user groups. What I mean by this is that I need some users to be able to enter a password and gain access to the internet, and internal network (other computers, server, and such) while other users will be able to gain access to the internet(only) without using a password.
I have searched the internet, and multiple WAP manuals looking for such functionality with no luck. I am not even sure what it would be called.

So, my question is, is there a WAP and/or firmware that will give me such functionality in my network?
 
Solution
The best, albeit probably not the cheapest route is to use Cisco access points. I know the 1240 series AP's allow you to have multiple SSID's and they can be bound to different VLAN's if your facility has the 802.3q VLAN capable switching / routing. The AP's can be found pretty cheap on EBay so long as you aren't looking for a 5GHz model. One site which explains the configuration I found: http://networking-newbie.blogspot.com/2008/11/configuring-cisco-aironet-in-home-lab.html

Best of luck

Catsrules

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Dec 6, 2008
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I have seen this function before on a router, it was called Guess something, like guess pass or something. I was awhile ago, so i don't remember, i think it was a cheep Blink router my friend bought at target or something
But you can do this with another way. You will need two routers with wireless capabilities.
I am not sure how your network is setup. I am assuming a standard house hold where it is internet router of some sort, then your internal network.
Ok first router 1 this is going to be your "public" network router, your are going to plug your internet in to this one WAN port, and then plug router 2 WAN ports in to one of routers 1 normal ports. Then add security or what every so only the people/devices your want to have access to router 2's wireless. and plug the rest of the network in to router 2.
Router 2 will see router 1 and what ever is connected to it as the internet. and keep it blocked from the rest of the network.
I am sure there is a lot better solution for this, but i am not that good with networking yet. :(.
I know there are virtual networks, and based on your MAC address puts you on to what network your belong, that might work to.
 

Wafip

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Thank you for the reply, but I am constructing this network for a small business with multiple buildings. Some of the buildings need to have public and private network access, and I am trying to avoid using multiple access points or routers at every building.
 

djbracket

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May 27, 2010
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The best, albeit probably not the cheapest route is to use Cisco access points. I know the 1240 series AP's allow you to have multiple SSID's and they can be bound to different VLAN's if your facility has the 802.3q VLAN capable switching / routing. The AP's can be found pretty cheap on EBay so long as you aren't looking for a 5GHz model. One site which explains the configuration I found: http://networking-newbie.blogspot.com/2008/11/configuring-cisco-aironet-in-home-lab.html

Best of luck
 
Solution

Wafip

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Jun 3, 2010
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Thank you, that helps.
 

alexsian

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May 20, 2010
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i know you've already found one answer, but i thought you should know that the pepwave officepoint can do the same, for much less than the aironet.

(note: i am a marketing consultant for pepwave & peplink)