Wanted: Software to give customers timed HotSpot Access

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

I want to give my customers 20 minutes or so free access to a hotspot
immediately after a $3 purchase (maybe more, or less)

I thought I'd give a code on the reciept that would serve as a
password... so somekind of interface to a Point of Sale System would
be required.

Anyone know of something like this? Software that links a POS with
Hotspot management would sell well, I believe.

All the hotspots I know are freebies that work if you're nearby. This
won't work in my case, because the transient and cheap nature of my
walk-by population.

thanks,
goober

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

goober@gobills.net (Paul Brooks) wrote in message news:<c51b487b.0405231341.586e90b3@posting.google.com>...
> I want to give my customers 20 minutes or so free access to a hotspot
> immediately after a $3 purchase (maybe more, or less)
>
> I thought I'd give a code on the reciept that would serve as a
> password... so somekind of interface to a Point of Sale System would
> be required.
>
> Anyone know of something like this? Software that links a POS with
> Hotspot management would sell well, I believe.
>
> All the hotspots I know are freebies that work if you're nearby. This
> won't work in my case, because the transient and cheap nature of my
> walk-by population.
>
> thanks,
> goober

There's a package that does exactly that. Comes with two items: a
Wireless AP containing Access Management software, web login screen,
Admin screen, Firewall, etc. And a small thermal printer with a button
on it. You press the button 1,2, or 3 times, and it gives you a small
receipt with a username, password, valid for however 5,10, or 30
minutes (for example; it's all configurable via the AP's web
interface). I think it has an Ethernet port for the ADSL modem.

It's basically exactly what a cafe that wants to provide access to
it's customers needs; two boxes, one button, and the whole thing just
works (alledgedly). I just can't remember the name or the
manufacturer! Costs about $300-400, btw.

Oh yeah; 'Solwise Easy Hotspot Kit'. It's actually a UK product though
(costs £500). http://www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-hotspot.htm. I found
it in the May'04 edition of PC Pro (UK) - they seemed to like it.
OTOH, you'll probably find an equivalent system cheaper over there.


Damian

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

> There's a package that does exactly that. Comes with two items: a
> Wireless AP containing Access Management software, web login screen,

thank you