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IAS/RADIUS Implementation in a Coffee Shop?

Posted by Cliff on from the non-free-loitering dept.

noyler asks: "I've been asked to decide on the best way for metering a 'free' wireless network at a local coffee shop. Here's the scenario: currently, local college students come to the coffee shop, grab a cup of coffee, and then spread out like it's a study hall for 6 to 10 hours at a time and use the free internet. The coffee shop loves this, but it's getting really crowded for the other customers that just come in for some coffee and have nowhere to sit. The management wants to implement a system that, upon buying a drink, grants a time-limited connection for that customer of 3 or 4 hours. If the customer wants more access, another drink will need to be purchased. The store network is a simple cable modem with wireless access point attached right now. After implementation, customers should be prompted for a username/password (which can come from his or her receipt) and then have access to the 'net. One limitation is that the customers should not have to install any third-party software to use it--no window for software corruption liability that way. The customer base is mostly Windows with an ever-growing number of Mac users as well. What are some good ideas for doing this? I've considered RADIUS, or some kind of portal software, but don't see any clear answers. Any suggestions for software to use?? The coffee shop is very low budget, so cheap hardware and free software would be best!"

5 of 63 comments (clear)

  1. What about your feet? by _LORAX_ · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Simply have the manager remind the students that the free networking is supported by thier continued purchasing. Simply changing the mindset is a whole lot better than trying to screw with a psudeo-login-tracking system. It also allows the managers to target just those that are a problem rather than inconviencing everyone.

    1. Re:What about your feet? by fm6 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I'm sure they've thought of that. Students monopolizing table space was an issue for coffee shops long before there were wireless access points. Having store employees play table proctor is not a good way to build a reputation as a student-friendly zone.

  2. How about a bit different approach? by Masa · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Set up few bar tables for laptop users, so they have to stand up while using the wireless access. Just state clearly that chairs are reserved only for customers with beverages.

  3. No interest? Don't comment. by Futurepower(R) · · Score: 3, Insightful


    Please don't comment on stories in which you have no interest.

  4. Re:ZyXEL ZyAIR B-4000 by EvilMagnus · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Wow. I was thinking about a system like this a few weeks ago, and it looks like the ZyAIR does exactly what I'd want it to do. And for around $500, which is a pretty good investment for a coffee shop.

    (no, I don't work for ZyAIR. :) I'm just interested in captive portals )

    --
    -EvilMagnus