Sharing my Internet Connection To The Local households.

Hello all. ( and thanks for any help in advance )

Im a NOOB when it comes to Wifi so help is what im after..
( i currently have a dynalink rta 770w and have wifi throughout my house, thats where it ends atm. )

I live in a little (almost) culdasak with houses in average size sections around me.
I have spoken to them and most of them use dialup and would like to get a better connection with minimal cost ( thats where i would like to help )

I would like to share my internet connection with them ( less than 7 homes )
I currently have a good adsl connection. What i would like to do is have a way to share the connection with logins and a way to limit their speed and be able to log everything etc etc. ( think mini isp )

They are not big users of the internet so this is a good way to help them out and help pay for my internet.

What hardware and software would be required ( I dont know anything about linux.. )
I have good computer building and repairing experience so a machine to run the software is no problem ( i have spares )

Thanks..John

Hi man, id look at afew options, first a pc setup as security, look up a program called IPCOP or Smoothwall, they are Linux programs that u burn to a cd they are easy to setup and u can control bandwidth and usernames etc,

all of the admin and most of the setup is done by logging onto a webpage, all web admin, very kool stuff, very safe, and best of all its they are free!!

as for a good strong connection, id look at your access point and see if u can plug an antenna into it, if u can, u would be best to buy a 10-15db antenna, Go Wireless NZ Shop Selling 802.11 Wifi Cables, Connectors and Antennas is really good site, cheap and nice stuff..

hope thats of some help..

u can google

hotspot linux and or live cd etc..

The range will depend on what type of client adaptor you are using to connect back to the Omni with, and the surroundings.

A standard laptop with built in Wifi may get up to 300M or more line of sight. If you had clients radios with external directional antenna you could get up to 5km line of sight.

Each House would need to buy a small Directional antenna.

Directional antennas are used to focus the beam of radiated energy in a particular direction. Higher gain does not increase the overall power output but concentrates it in a beam giving more distance to the signal. Directional antennas come with different horizontal and vertical beamwidth's ranging from 4 to 180 degrees.
Go Wireless NZ Shop 802.11 Wifi Directional Antennas, Flat Panel, Yagi, Parabolic Grid, High Gain


The main thing you need to remember is that Wifi is two way communication, you will be able to see the signal for a long distance but the client adaptor has to be able to transmit back as well for it to work.

Most standard wifi devices are only 40mW and have 1 or 2dBi antenna.

The next thing is that you will need a coax cable to go between the AP and the antenna and it is best to keep it as short as possible. All outside connector joints must also be well sealed with coax seal tape or similar as moisture will kill the link.

Id say the main problem would be range, the advice above seems good.
For good security you'll need a good firewall etc. obviously and set up an access point. Dont use ICs would be my advice, use linux or the Alphalink free proxy program (download, tutorial)

I think the perfect solution for you is a service like HotSpotSystem. Their software is running on the router itself and users can pay you automatically. It's a free service if you choose HotSpot PRO solution (they only ask for a commission from the income generated by your users, but there are no minimum requirements, setup and monthly fee etc so it's risk free).