I’ve abondoned my Public WiFi project for quite some time already. And I think it’s time for me to start back. The reason why this project was stucked at that time is because I have no power drill and no PoE adapter to power up my ODU (Access Point).

The idea of this project came when I found there’s no wireless signal detected around my neighborhood. I’m planning to provide a free wireless service for those who can’t afford to subscribe to the broadband service.

But this free wireless must be controlled and managed properly to ensure the users adhere to my rules and policy. For this, I’m gonna need their identity (sorry, no anonymous usage are allowed).

Those who detected my wireless signal will be able to connect without any WEP/WPA security key needed. However, upon launching their browsers, they will be forced to access my Intranet system where the login page hosted. Once the correct user ID and password entered they can immediately use the Internet.

For those who has no account however, they will need to click on the sign up link and register. Details such name, home & email address and mobile contact number are needed. Upon registration, an email will be sent to their mailbox with a link for confirmation. This to ensure that they are the owner of the email address they used to register. An SMS will be sent to their mobile at the same time with a randomly generated code for them to enter it in the confirmation page. This is to authenticate their identity through mobile (mobile number users are registered with MCMC or Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission, thus any wrongdoing shall be handled my the Police and MCMC).

Here are sneak preview of the technical aspects of my Public WiFi project:

Hardware

1. Linksys WRT54GL (Firmware flashed to DD-WRT which allow the unit to transmit higher signal)
2. 12dB Omni antenna with a Reversed Polarity SMA connector (to allow wider 360 degree coverage)
3. A NEMA3 graded outdoor wireless enclosure
4. A 30-feet pole to mount my Omni antenna (shared with my Amateur Radio antenna)
5. An old Pentium III computer with 512Mb RAM with dual Network Interface Card (RADIUS server)
6. Uninterruptible Power Supply to conduct the test

Software

1. DD-WRT Wireless Controller
2. Ubuntu Linux Operating System
3. MamakSpot Wireless Management System
4. Netstumbler Wireless tester
5. Automated SMS

I’ve tested the system (without the pole) with half 180 mW TX and the signal can be detected some 800m away from my base using Netstumbler. I’m hoping to get this completed with the antenna attached to the pole.