Installing Wireless DSL in a Hotel

Installing DSL in a hotel can be an easy task depending on the Internet set up you choose. To own a successful hotel it is important to provide excellent service; therefore, it is important to ensure that customers don't run into any Internet problems while staying at the hotel. Fortunately, if you are looking for a do-it-yourself Internet installation, you can go about it by connecting a wireless DSL modem to your DSL connection and extending the Internet signal through out the hotel by using "mini routers" or "repeaters," which are routers not connected to the DSL that repeat signals from computers or other routers to the gateway.

Step 1
Choose an Internet service provider (ISP) and decide where you will install your wireless DSL modem (lobby, lounge.) According to OZSpots.com, it is recommended that you install your DSL modem in a central area to the Hotel's structure. This will help promote a faster and more reliable network for every room, office, lounge or lobby.

Step 2
Connect your DSL modem by plugging a phone or DSL filter to the telephone line outlet that will connect to the Internet. The phone filters usually come with the DSL modem or you can buy them at an electronics store. The phone filter helps prevent phone interference or having fuzzy telephone conversations. This is only necessary if you will use one telephone line for DSL and to make telephone calls as well. Plug the telephone cord to the phone line outlet and the back of your wireless DSL modem.

Step 3
Connect the ethernet cable (this is a wider cable in comparison to the phone cable) on one of the modem's ethernet ports (located on the back,) and the other end to the ethernet port in the computer. Plug the power adapter to the back of the modem, plug it in to an electric outlet and turn the modem on to check that the connectivity is working.

Step 4
Turn your computer on and open your preferred Web browser. Type any keyword you want on the search bar and perform a search by pressing the "Enter" key. Getting search results will indicate that you are able to browse the Internet.

Step 5
Purchase "Mesh mini routers" or "Repeaters." These are small routers that can be placed in different rooms in order to expand the wireless Internet signal coming from your gateway (wireless DSL modem connected directly to the Internet.) According to OZSpots.com, it is recommended that you install a "Repeater" for every 4 to 6 rooms that you want to cover. However, this will vary depending on the hotel's type of construction. If you notice slow connectivity in rooms located far from the gateway, it is probably because you need more "Repeaters."

Step 6
Install the amount of "Repeaters" strategically. For instance, If your hotel has 12 rooms, you may need 2 to 3 "Repeaters" and they should be placed throughout the hotel to expand the wireless connectivity to every single room. A successful connection is when the rooms located the furthest from the main gateway, run the Internet at the same speeds as the rooms located closer to the main router or gateway.

Step 7
Purchase a "telephone splitter adapter" and "DSL filter" for each room that will have a "Repeater." Disconnect the telephone that was in the room from the telephone line outlet. Connect the "telephone splitter adapter" in the telephone line outlet. Plug the "Repeater" to one of the splitters inputs and plug the telephone in the other input. Plug the power adapter to the repeater's back and then plug it to the electrical outlet to turn it on. You may have to press an "On/Off" button depending on the "Repeater." Perform this step in every room or area that will have a repeater.

Step 8
Decide if you are going to bill customers for Internet access or not. If you want to charge, setup a "Wireless Private Network" with a Login and Password. Bill customers to access the Internet and provide them with a Login and Password to gain access. You will have to call your ISP to perform this task, as they will guide you according to their specific settings. However, if you decide to offer free Internet, simply leave the wireless network open for customers and visitors to gain access.

OZ Spots: Planning & Installation Guide for Your Hotspot
Chinese Watercolor: How to Setup a Smart Hotel
Broadband Info: Hotel Internet Access - Staying Connected When You Travel
Search Networking: Definition of Repeater
Wisegeek: What is a DSL Filter?