Create Your Own WiFi Hotspot in London
Whether you are a financial business looking for a secure WiFi for your staff of temporary visitors, or a restaurant chain looking to provide Internet access for your guests HTL can provide a wide range of solutions.
Wireless Security
Securing your access points is imperative. It might be a simple one off password, or something that integrates with your Servers or Two Factor Authentication System. Technologies vary from the older WEP standard to the more modern WPA-PSK or PSK2 which can be integrated with your in house Windows Servers. If you want to provide your staff access to your core network, whilst allowing guests to access the Internet, WiFi needs to be configured in a secure way.
WiFi Range
Across campus, or as we have implemented in Canary Wharf, from building to building or from Skyscraper to Skyscraper, we can extend the range of conventional WiFi networks.
Performance
If WiFi is mission critical or you have a lot of staff using it, then performance will be critical. Ensuring you have the right equipment for the job, configured in the right way is crucial.
Legal Ramifications of Providing WiFi
Legal
HTL would suggest caution when offering Free Wifi. We have included some links to key resources below. Technical solutions exist to ensure you can be fully legally compliant when offering WiFi. For more information please contact us.
The Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations 2009
Retain key statistics for 12 months. Who used the service and when?
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/859/contents/made
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7985339.stm
Data Protection Act 1998
If you retain people’s details, make sure you do it legally.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/contents
Digital Economy Act 2010
Prove it was a customer that was doing something illegal – if you can’t you will have to take the flack personally.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/24/contents
http://thenextweb.com/uk/2010/06/16/why-you-offer-free-wifi-in-the-uk-at-your-own-risk/
The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
If you send marketing information to individual’s email addresses – make sure you have their permission!
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2004/1039/contents/made
http://www.startups.co.uk/the-privacy-and-electronic-communications-act.html
Pub 'fined £8k' for Wi-Fi copyright infringement
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2009/11/27/pub-fined-8k-for-wi-fi-copyright-infringement-39909136/
Brits could face unsecured WiFi Fine
http://www.eweekeurope.co.uk/news/brits-could-face-unsecured-wi-fi-fine-7126
An Open Letter from Faegre & Benson Legal Advice for The Cloud
An Open Letter from Faegre &Benson Legal Advice for The Cloud
View PDF
A Press Release for Walkin Wifi
Illegal File Sharing and the UK Law Press Release by Polka Spots
Where our Wi-Fi solutions are used
- Offices that need secure staff Wi-Fi alongside separated guest access.
- Hospitality venues offering Internet access to customers.
- Multi-floor or campus environments that require strong coverage and roaming.
- Sites such as Canary Wharf locations where building-to-building links are needed.
Wi-Fi projects often go hand-in-hand with Internet Connections, Internet Security and IT Infrastructure & Operations.
Wi-Fi hotspots
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we separate staff and guest Wi-Fi?
Yes. We can design networks where staff connect securely to your core network while guests get internet-only access on a separate VLAN or SSID. This keeps your business systems protected while still offering convenient access to visitors.
How do we make sure Wi-Fi is secure?
Security starts with appropriate encryption (such as WPA2/WPA3) and strong authentication, but also includes correct network segregation and monitoring. We’ll choose and configure options that are appropriate for your environment and risk profile.
Are there legal issues when offering free Wi-Fi?
Yes, there are legal and data protection considerations when you log or retain details of Wi-Fi usage. As your existing page notes, it’s important to comply with data retention and data protection regulations. We can advise on technical approaches that help you stay compliant.
Will the Wi-Fi cope with a lot of simultaneous users?
Capacity depends on the design, equipment and internet connection. For environments with many users or high bandwidth applications, we specify access points and controllers that are built for higher densities and we ensure the underlying internet connection is up to the job.
Can you support multiple sites?
Yes. We can design templated Wi-Fi solutions for multi-site businesses, managed centrally and monitored as part of our Managed IT Services and IT Support London.