www.ozspots.com.au FAQs

Can I use my account on more than one wireless device at once?

2011-08-16T12:00:05+10:00

No. Only one concurrent login per account is allowed. If you have more than one device you can use your login details but you must logout of one device, wait ten minutes and you can login on another device.

You can also type logout or logoff into your browser address bar (some sites only)

Please email for special requests as we may be able to allow further access..

My iPad can see the wireless network but I can't login correctly

2011-08-16T11:45:48+10:00

It is sometimes necessary to turn off "autofill" in Safari on the IPad..... A freeze-up seems to be caused by a dialog that Autofill attempts to bring up (Save password, etc.) while the connection process is proceeding.

Go to: Preferences/Autofill and untick all items.

Clearing the Safari settings: Cookies & Cache may also help.

I'm receiving errors when I try to send my emails through Outlook or my email client software, why is this?

2011-08-16T11:56:08+10:00

This error will happen at some sites as their ISP of choice won't allow anonymous SMTP settings.

The simplist solution is to use the webmail system of your email provider when traveling. Other option is to check with reception with which ISP provider the complex uses and check the support pages of that ISP for email settings.

If they are with Telstra (which is highly likely) you can try mail.bigpond.com as the OUTGOING email server in the email client softwares account settings.

Can you tell me more about the security of the system?

2011-09-29T13:29:29+10:00

First of all you should know that however the system is secure, all data is sent as clear text between the user's computer and the router, unless the user is connecting via a secure protocol (https (ssl), ssh, secure pop3 or imap, etc). This is how public hotspots work.

However most of the cases users shouldn't have to worry as almost all payment and banking websites are using secure protocols (including our payment pages which are provided by PayPal). Your splash pages are also secure.

Also, the system is using radius authentication which means that your network cannot be accesses without a valid username and password. We're also utilizing a delayed authorization which means if someone tries to brute-force your network it won't 'freeze'. Unlike other WEP encypted networks which can be 'hacked' within minutes, a username/password combination cannot be guessed so easily.

You can set a WEP or WPA password, but then your users cannot even join unless they know the password.

How do users pay to get online at an OzSpots wireless hotspot?

2011-08-16T12:06:51+10:00

Via Credit Card from the comfort of their own room and safety of their own laptop. Users simply enter their Visa or Mastercard details (or use there Paypal account) into the encrypted login page. Once payment is confirmed guests are issued access to the internet for a pre-determined length of time depending on plan chosen and paid for.

Some venues also have Pre-paid cards available where a preset username and password are entered into the login page. (Check for availablity).

As it is wireless, what if the next door neighbours or someone out on the street access our Hotspot?

2011-08-16T12:15:09+10:00

If they become a paying customer... Great! There is simply nothing we can do about this.

Do i need to upgrade our exisiting broadband service?

2011-08-16T12:18:23+10:00

Your users demand fast internet so for a few extra dollars per month its worth upgrading your broadband plan.

ADSL speeds of 1.5MB/s with downloads of at least 5GB’s is the absolute minimum required, this will allow 3 concurrent users to have a reasonable level of service. We recommend the fastest you can get with more data per month than you think you will need.

If you are near a major city you should be able to access ADSL 2.

Telstra has become more competitive – there ADSL2 Elite Bigpond Liberty package is perfect for you, We also recommend iiNet and Internode.

www.bigpond.com/internet/plans/adsl/plans-and-offers/ or check the Whirlpool forum http://whirlpool.net.au/ they have great broadband resources.

Can I set the pricing, bandwidth allowance or speed that user's pay?

2011-08-16T12:19:10+10:00

Yes. We set the initial pricing to deliver revenue for you after the cost of broadband and the cost of the equipment has been taken into account. We also reference all prices against industry standards and your loacal competitors. If you wish to offer a discounted service or raise pricing please advise us at time of setup.

Here are example user prices:

Plan Name	Price	Bandwidth Limit	Traffic Limit
OzSpots One Hour	$5.50	1024/128	100MB
OzSpots Three Hour	$9.90	1024/128	300MB
OzSpots 48 Hour	$29.90	1024/128	1500MB
OzSpots One Week	$38.90	1024/128	3000MB
OzSpots One Month	$59.90	1024/128	10000MB

How much is the range of a repeater?

2011-08-16T12:12:43+10:00

The default range is heavily dependent on wall density and material, depending on the characteristics of the location you should get one repeater to every 3 - 6 rooms.

So an average motel with an office and 30 units will require 1 gateway node and around 6 or 7 repeater nodes. Check here for other complex's layout or request an estimate for your site.

How can I test my Hotspot Installation once it is installed?

2011-08-16T12:07:54+10:00

To test your Hotspot installation, follow the steps below:

1. Connect to your hotspot wirelessly. After you have connected, try to visit a website. You should be redirected to your Hotspot welcome page.

2. To fully test your hotspot, you have to buy a package just like your customers.

3. After you have paid for the access, test if you can log in to the hotspot. If you get 'Hotspot Login Failed', even if you are sure you used the correct login name and password, then please contact us for further help.

4. If you logged in successfully then try to browse the internet. Use www.speedtest.net or youtube to test connection speed.

5. As a last test, you can ask for some free pre-paid vouchers so you can test how the pre-paid vouchers are working.

How hard is it to install extra repeater nodes on my network?

2011-08-16T12:17:06+10:00

Its as simple as purhcasing from here, we configure it to suit your network and you install in the unit location we advise. You can install it behind the TV cabinet or in a kitchen cavity or anywhere out of site of guests.

Can I add repeaters in the future?

2011-08-16T12:16:26+10:00

Yes. You can buy and add as many repeaters as you like, if you need more later we will configure to suit your OzSpots network at no charge.

Can I customise my hotspot welcome page?

2011-08-16T12:11:10+10:00

The first page your customers will see when they login to your hotspot is the welcome page.

When we setup your hotspot you can edit this page to suit your business, we can add contact details, images from your website, links to other websites and anything you wish, some customers add menu's from there restaurant or details about local tours or special deals they may have, its up to you. more info

Whats required to install the wireless access point and repeaters?

2011-08-16T12:21:04+10:00

OzSpots wireless hotspot hardware uses the latest generation of wireless mesh networking technology to create ultra low-cost zero-config, plug & play wireless mesh network solutions that spread an Internet connection throughout a hotel, apartment, neighborhood, village, coffee shop, shopping mall, campground, marina and just about anywhere else you can imagine.

"It is now easy for anyone to extend their wireless coverage throughout their home, school or share with neighbors in an apartment complex. It should take you no more than a few minutes to do it, even if you consider the extent of your technical skills to be no more than turning on your computer and checking your email."

further details

I'm not very technical. How easy is it to manage?

2011-08-16T12:05:27+10:00

We can assist in remote control of all the network configurations so you are left to run your business. The system is designed to operate seamlessly and autonomously and to cause minimal disruption to you and your staff.

The initial installation is just a matter of following our instructions and all hardware is plug and play, sometimes an electrician will be required but normally anyone with basic handyman skills can install.