Hot Spot Hardware
May 29, 2002
Right out of the starting gate, IP3 Networks is launching a new public hot spot creation product that promises simple user connections and includes built-in billing.
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FurlThe newly launched IP3 Networks of San Diego is now shipping its hotspot creation product, NetAccess for Wireless Hot Spots. The product acts as an 802.11-based gateway to the Internet with full IPSec-based VPN support. The unit is targeted for use in public areas by business that wants to offer quick wireless access to customers.
Any user with an 802.11b capable device connected to the local access point can access the Internet through the NetAccess-based hotspot without changing network settings, even if they have a static IP address pre-set.
"There's two pieces" says Mike Lee, president and CEO, IP3 Networks. "Getting your wireless card to talk to the access point and then there's the other piece, which is talking to the Internet, allowing the computer to speak on the foreign network. That's the tougher nut to crack."NetAccess for Wireless Hot Spots works as a control point for monitoring customer use for later billing. The product provides bandwidth rate control so the hotspot owner can be sure the broadband connection isn't overwhelmed with users. The settings can allow free bandwidth up to a certain point, and then charge users who want faster access.
IP3 will be launching NetAccess products targeting the hospitality industry and residential gateways for entire buildings later on this summer. "The [same] core technology does the basic spoofing and handling the different types of plug and play access, but hospitality has different needs from residential. There are specific modules for each," says Lee.
The base price for each NetAccess product will be about $3000, but with add on software modules targeting each area will bring prices up to between $4000 and $5000 per unit.
