A HotSpot is a location with an access point which provides wireless broadband network services. It is expected today to have Hotspots in heavily populated places such as Cafes, Public Transport, Airports, Terminals etc. Keeping up with is a basic need for many workers. If you don't offer WiFi Internet access people will go to another place. And this means - less profit for you !

What Kind of Equipment is Required  Basic HotSpot equipment is inexpensive. A Hotspot basically consists of an: Internet connection (ADSL, Cable etc.), a server computer that controls customers wireless laptops and the Access Point/Router. A few more access points and Wi-Fi antennas are required to cover a neighborhood with the Wi-Fi signal. If you plan to cover large area of your city, you will have to find the correct hotspot locations, like roofs of buildings with large visibility. This is required as Wi-Fi signal looses strength through walls and other objects. Although some customer can connect using refracted signal, this is not recommended because of increase in latency (ping) and signal quality. In order to connect multiple hotspot locations, you will have to build backbone links that will distribute Internet signal.

How Do I Make Money With HotSpot  You make money every time someone walks into your Wi-Fi area and opens a laptop or PDA computer. Here is how it works: Your equipment should be configured as open and easily discoverable. This is what you want - customers should find your Access Point easily and be able to connect to it. They will type some URL (like in order to start browsing, but instead of getting that page, they will be redirected to your login page, which is displayed by Antamedia HotSpot software. Customer have to buy one of the predefined plans (access rights) and get his username and password. After login, customer is redirected to the website initially requested. It's up to you if the customer will pay in your office, restaurant, or online using his/her credit card.

Make Money in Non-Working Hours. And in Working Hours Too  Best of all, it's automated, there are no maintenance fee for computers, licenses for software and OS. Your cafe, showing your Wi-Fi logo, will be more professional and will differentiate you in high cybercafe competition. Create authentication tickets (with the login username and password) in your HotSpot management software and sell it in your Internet café or kiosk near your café. Your customers will be able to use your services even when your Internet Café is closed. But that's not all. Your wireless network will reach other people in neighborhood. It's very likely that you will get requests for permanent Internet access especially if they do not have broadband connection. This will be your test bed for your next business - becoming a WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider).

What are Expenses for HotSpot Business Starters  Apart from ISP expenses there are other expenses depending how you will start this business. If you are creating it as addition to current business, you can minimize expenses if you install HotSpot software in one of your existing computers. Otherwise a dedicated computer is required, but the same computer can be used for various other tasks (mail server, game servers, etc). WiFi HotSpot business starters are not required to have employees. This cost reduction has it's own requirement - you should be able to receive credit card payments from your customers. Payment is done directly from their computer and instant access is granted in specified time / bandwidth limits. Employees are not needed to create and sell login accounts. HotSpot software

Secure WiFi HotSpot Network  Use WiFi HotSpot management software to secure your network and block unwanted users. With the HotSpot software each user is redirected to the HotSpot authentication page. Valid login accounts are required in order to gain Internet access via your Hotspot network. Without correct username and password, user will not be able to use your services. Secure usage is important for stable profit. If you accept credit cards, customers will expect SSL (Secure connection) to your payment gateway. Only then, customer will proceed to checkout page and pay for usage. If this criteria is not fulfilled, almost all users will immediately leave your WiFi hotspot and go somewhere else for Internet access.

Increase Profit Offering Limited Free Internet Access  If you run a coffee shop, bar or restaurant, a WiFi HotSpot network with free access is a great way to increase your sales. While browsing the Internet, customers will spend more time at your place and order another espresso, beer or sandwich. This is a proven concept that many have reported as a profit buster. In addition to a free access mode, you can allow faster connections for a fee. Experience shows that an Internet connection, in the right place and time, is highly appreciated by professionals doing their job on the move. Paid usage will at least compensate for expenses (and probably earn extra), made by limited free accounts. Increase your profit with minimal effort !free access