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Elements

HotspotServer & Software

A small Linux-black-box-PC with the Comway Hotspot Software controls the Hotspot locally. It controls traffic between the Internet connection and the Access Point over which the user with his laptop or PDA logs in via WLAN.

Practically unlimited concurrent sessions are possible.

The HotspotServer is connected to Comway's central accounting system, which authenticates the user, produces the session accounting and direct debits the charge after the session is ended.

There is a local Website on this Server which enables the site owner to present himself. Advertisement for the location and possibly others can be offered on the HotspotServer. ("Walled Garden")

Access Point

The Access Point receives signals of a radio card in the Laptop/PDA of the user over its antenna and communicates these on its back side to the HotspotServer which controls the data traffic.

In order to prepare the premises of the hotspot (hotel- hall, bar, restaurant, room etc..) for the Laptop/PDA user to be in the radio range possibly several Acess Points have to "illuminate" the premises. They can all be attached to one HotspotServer.

Although Comway has made different experiences with Access Points in principle they can all be used. Comway can deliver the Access Point or use any existing Access Points.

• WLAN

  Wireless LAN (WLAN) is the common standard for up to 11 Mbit (802.11b) and/or 56 Mbit (802.11a) data traffic. The 802.11b-Standard has at present by far the largest deployment.

• Bluetooth

  Bluetooth is a standard for short distance transmission. It uses little power and is therefore particularly suitable for small devices e.g. PDAs.

• Antennas

  The antennas decide on the radio-range of the Access Points and thus on the entire Hotspots. A base antenna is usually attached directly to the Access Point. For better reception or special areas of application some Access Points also can be equipped with external auxiliary antennas.

Internet connection

While Comway does not supply Internet connectivity, the HotspotServer supports any type of Internet connection.

• DSL

  DSL is supplied over the telephone line by different suppliers and is usually sufficient. Differences exist with regard to the promised bandwidth (e.g. up to 2.3 Mbit/s) which is either dedicated or split amongst many customers. This could result in reduced speed during times of heavy data traffic on the lines.

• Dedicated line

  The dedicated (leased) line is the optimal connection, but not the cheapest.

• LAN

  Comway's HotspotServer is able to support any Internet connections which are distributed e.g. in a building complex over the local area network.

Comway Hotspot-Service

• Installation

  In order to connect the Hotspot to the central Comway system a license includes a small ready to go black box that is plugged in between the Internet connection and the access point. Telephone support is available for this operation.

• Maintenance

  Comway connected hotspots are under central surveillance and remote maintenance. Software updates are installed remotely.

  In any case there is a central support hotline available.