Steps to make a Wi-fi compatability Hotspot Router From the Linksys WRT54GL

Linksys WRT54GL
Linksys launched the WRT54G router in 2002. It acquired recognition to be a effective, easily easy to customize router. Several third-party projects have launched alternative firmware for that router which could enable it to do functions not initially available. It vital that you purchase a Linksys WRT54GL because it has enough memory to set up the 3rd-party firmware. Recent form of the WRT54G must little memory so make certain you opt for the WRT54GL.

OpenWRT and X-WRT
OpenWRT is really a Free firmware task for the WRT54GL router. It is a really small form of Linux which runs instead of the stock Linksys firmware. The firmware can be obtained from openwrt.org. I favor to make use of another project known as X-wrt (x-wrt.org) which is dependant on OpenWRT but has added a pleasant graphical front-end for setting up the router.

To set up X-WRT (Which might void your warranty)

1) Download the openwrt-wrt54g-squashfs.bin firmware image for your PC
2) Open [http://192.168.1.1/Upgrade.asp] inside your browser or by hand visit
[http://192.168.1.1] -> Administration -> Firmware Upgrade
3) Upload openwrt-wrt54g-2.4-squashfs.bin
4) Wait 2 minutes. The router will reboot itself instantly following the upgrade is finished.
5) You need to now have the ability to telnet for your router (Ip: 192.168.1.1) and begin setting up.

Setting up a Captive-Portal.
Almost all commercial 'hang-outs' are Captive Sites, this seems being an Open or Unencrypted Wi-fi compatability signal however redirects any visitors to a particular web site known as a "Splash Page" where your frequently requested to login or purchase access to the internet. This can be a clever method of doing things since many laptops will instantly connect with a wide open Wi-fi compatability signal, when a person runs Ie (or no matter which Internet browser they will use) they're delivered to your splash page regardless of what site they struggle to hook up with. The renowned free captive portal software programs are Chillispot, which may be downloaded, and hang-up, alternatively numerous commercial companies produce simple to use Captive Portal software, which may be placed on your WRT54GL.

Summary

In the following paragraphs we've take a look at how effective and versatile the Linksys WRT54GL router is. With a little of labor you are able to morph it into a effective Wi-fi compatability Hotspot router, which can be used as billing your clients for Access to the internet. Have fun with you new project!