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MyPublicHotSpot: charge for access to your WiFi network without the need for a provider contract!
MyPublicHotSpot was developed for the specific needs of Internet cafes, hotels, and training classrooms. Use this module to allow your customers to use your wireless LAN at a charge or free by entering a password (controlled access), e.g. if customers would like to surf the Web using their own laptops or mobile phones.
Note: You can download MyPublicHotSpot as a standalone application. It is, however, also available as a module as part of the SiteCafe installation version.
The biggest benefits of this software at a glance:
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Unlimited Concurrent Users per Installation Location
You pay one license fee per installation location (e.g. hotel) no matter how many customers want to use your hot spot at the same time.
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Keep 100% of your profit: No ongoing leasing or additional costs.
Existing hotspot solutions are often offered only in conjunction with an operator contract which forces you to share the bulk of your revenue with a third party. You will not have to put up with that when using "MyPublicHotSpot": you are the only one profiting from the usage fees you earn!
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Minor hardware investments
You can install MyPublicHotSpot on any standard Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 computer (even older machines). The only two other things you will need to run your own HotSpot is a WLAN access point and a second network card (not USB) - done!
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Keep your own branding
You can use the configuration tool to adjust all important client settings, e.g. (optional) usage fees, terms of use, company logo and news, from one central location.
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Installation
Running HotSpot requires that the installation computer be fitted with two network cards: one network card for regular Internet access, as you will know from your own PC at home, and a second network card for connecting the WLAN access point.
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MyPublicHotSpot-en.pdf)
After installing all components, you can use configuration tool to conveniently manage different WIFI clients of your customers on top of all SiteKiosk and SiteCafe clients.
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Configuration
Use the MyPublicHotSpot configuration tool to adjust the basic settings for every WIFI client.
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Fig.: HotSpot Configuration Tool
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Fig.: Operation
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The operation mode of MyPublicHotSpot
Connecting to the WIFI works in the same way with which you and your customers are already familiar. You switch your laptop on and search for available and unencrypted WIFI networks. Users connect to your WIFI network and open their Web browser. However, irrespective of the URL they entered, users will now be shown a special welcome page and prompted to authenticate themselves.
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You as the operator can use the configuration tool to change the layout/design of this Start Page and, for instance, add your company logo.
This will remain the only page the user will be able to access until he or she authenticates.
Once logged in, the user is shown the regular Windows desktop. An information window keeps the user informed about his or her credit balance and also lets the user end his or her session (log out).
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Fig.: After logging on to the HotSpot, the user will be shown an information window
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Fig.: Login
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Authentication and payment options
Users have various options when it comes to signing on to the system:
- User name and password
- Prepaid PIN code or voucher
- by credit card (PayPal)
- optional password
Go to Screenshots&Functions for a list of the authentication and payment options supported by "MyPublicHotSpot".
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Logging
You can use "MyPublicHotSpot" to record all client sessions. This allows you, if necessary, to track which (anonymous) client has called up which URL. Passwords and any other sensitive information will, of course, not be recorded.
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Fig.: Logging
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Fig.: Free Websites
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Free Websites
You as the operator can specify several Web sites your users will be able to open once they have authenticated themselves. These Web sites can, for example, include your own homepage or the information pages offered by your partner companies.
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Customization
You as the operator can use the configuration tool to change the layout/design of this Start Page and, for instance, add your company logo. Two samples showing Start Pages adjusted by customers to fit their needs:
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Fig.: Login startpage
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Frequently asked questions:
Question:
The range of my WIFI access point is only 30 meters. What can I do to still offer HotSpot access everywhere in my hotel?
Answer:
To extend the range of your WIFI, you can use WIFI repeaters or range extenders. These devices can be obtained from the usual commercial sources.
Question:
I would like to offer my customers WIFI access free of charge. Would the use of the HotSpot module make any sense under these circumstances?
Answer:
Yes, because you can still issue prepaid codes including credit balances to your customers or guests even though you do not charge them for this service. By doing so, you are making sure that users in adjacent buildings cannot use your HotSpot without paying and, thereby, diminish your bandwidth. Your guests will certainly appreciate this service.
Question:
Will my customers be able to purchase prepaid PIN codes / vouchers without having to refer to my staff?
Answer:
Yes, you can do so by installing the Ticket Station module on the SiteCafe server. Users will then be able to buy prepaid PIN codes all by themselves. As an alternative, you can also enable the "PayPal" payment option. This allows users to pay their usage fees directly using their PayPal account.
For more information, log on to our
Support Center.