Wireless for hotel

I am actually helping a friend undertake a very similar project in an apartment complex (with shops, office space,etc.). However, although there is going to be a seperate, dedicated network  for the shops and offices, we are merely just installing ours directly to the internet connection (not connected to any servers, etc.). Basically, Embarq will bring in their DSL service, from which we will install our router, and then out from our router to our 2 seperate wireless AP "routes". To get a clearer picture, you can take a look at the map/layout I posted in the 5th post down that shows where all the AP's.
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Hardware/Networking_Hardware/Wireless/Access_Points/Q_23073216.html
Anyone accessing the internet in the yellow areas will wirelessly hop back down to the black access point, which signifies that it is hardwired to the router. Same with the other side of the building. Although there are ALOT more access points on the other side of the building, no access point should have to make more han 4 hops to get back to wired AP.
I hope that I am explaining it clearly...I can visualize it my head no problem, but it sometimes a bit harder to convey.
And as for issue later on down the road...you could just set a WPA or WEP code and then charge people for the code when they check into the hotel.

Hi,

The hotel is over 2 floors. Rectangular in shape and in the UK.

If you need any more details please do not hesitate to tell me.

Cheers

Hi tplaya07,

How did the set up go? What do you think of the Dlink kit, I am used to netgear (find it very user friendly) but I have had problems with the WG302 AP losing settings after a powercut.

I'll add a couple of comments here too if I may.  I do a lot of these kinds of networks, and after using lots of those off-the-shelf brand name products, now I never use anything other than Mikrotik routerboard systems (http://www.routerboard.com/)  The major advantage of these devices is that you can add your choice of miniPCI radio cards to suit the application.  Use a high power (400mW+) radio and a decent antenna (8dBi or more) and you get a system that will punch through even a double brick wall.

The Mikrotik solutions come with built-in captive portal hotspot application which can be easily plugged in to a third party hotspot solution (like www.duxtel.net) for fully featured hotspot solutions out-of-the-box.

Cheers.

Hi all,

Thanks for the input so far, seems like Dlink is the way to go as for manufacturer.

Johnjces- I  had a look at the guestgate site and it certainly looks like the ideal product, however I can't have a product that requires constant rebooting. Do you know of any similaer hardware that might do the same job. If not what was your end solution for securing the network against guest access??

My end solution was a separate DSL line for our guests. Just part of the expense. I was trying to add some more protection for our guests and wanted to check them out.

Other than that, I have not seen a comparable product.

John

Yep the seperate DSL line makes sense just have to talk the company round to it.

So while it seems like DLink make the best AP's what is the best router they supply (ADSL)?

I believe that whomever you purchase the DSL line through will provide the router (Embarq does down here anyway), unless you just wanted to get a different one...and usually for business class customers they provide a decent enough router. You will need to get switches though. And what switch you need depends on your layout and configuration. How many hardwired (to a switch) AP's will you have? Are you going to use PoE? Be careful when buying a PoE switch, as many times only half of the ports are PoE and the other half regular ethernet ports. Many other considerations as well....the HP I chose doesn't support STP for network management, but as I am merely providing an internet access point for residents, I see no real need for this.
I opted to go with this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833316053
but only because I did not need the PoE. I chose to just run a short ethernet cable from the switch to the first AP, and then let them hop wirelessly from there.
And listen to John's suggestions....he really helped me feel alot more comfortable about moving forward with my project. He seems like a very knowledgeable guy.

We use SpeedStream (Efficient Networks (Siemans)) model 5930.

These are a very nice ADSL router/firewall etc. But depending on your speed the one provided by your TelCo should be sufficient.

John

Thanks to everyone for their input, I am currently in talks with suppliers for hardware and looking into all of the solutions offered.

Sorry about the time this is taking but I promise points will be awarded (shame I only have 500 to spread)

Thanks again for your input and your patience :)