Frequently Asked Questions- FAQ:

Start a Wireless ISP (WISP)

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WISP, are wireless internet service providers with networks built around wireless networking. The technology used ranges from commonplace Wi-Fi mesh networking or proprietary equipment designed to operate over open 900MHz, 2.4GHz, 4.9, 5.2, 5.4, and 5.8GHz bands. Simply put, they are companies which provide internet access to individuals via a wireless broadcast connection as opposed to wired lines with a traditional ISP.


What equipment makes up a WISP network?

A traditionally expensive wireless network for a WISP would be fairly complicated with thousands of dollars worth of equipment-that does not include any of the transmitter or receiver devices. However, fortunately for those interested in actually turning a profit on a WISP, there have been several companies who have decided to provide a solution to the problems of expensive and complicated wireless ISP networking.

Now you can purchase all in one, WISP networking kits. These companies realized that there were vast amounts of entrepreneurs and hobbyists wanting to build WISPs without the hassle and expense previously related to WISP networks, they have simplified the setup proceedures and changed most of the management hardware and software into hosted services. Just like the internet world has fully embraced web hosting-now instead of requiring your own server and high bandwidth connection, you can have your website hosted on a third parties business location. This is similar for hosted management services with WISP networks. You simply manage the hardware (CPEs and APs) and the hsoting company does the rest-saving you time and lots of money).

Returning back to the original question, with the equipment we have compiled on this site-you will only need APs, CPEs, possibly surge protection and cabling. Depending on your network type-mesh, ptp, ptmp or hotspot you will require different equipment. PtP/bridge-one AP and one CPE, ptmp-several APs (to provide 360 degree coverage) and a CPE for each end user location, mesh-adequate routers to cover your target location, hotspot-one (or more) routers. The rest of the network management will be handled by the manufacturer (or hosting company-not all products feature hosted management services).Find deals on wireless ISP equipment


How do I setup a nanostation5 in bridge mode?

Check out the nanostation setup guide for a step-by-step guide.


What is the best frequency for my mesh network?

Depending on your equipment, we usually recommend broadcasting in 2.4GHz. This is due to the fact that the 2.4GHz frequency has a good balance between high throughput and reduced attenuation. 900 MHz has much lower transmit throughput and 5GHz is more easily attenuated. The downside to the 2.4GHz frequency (900MHz as well) is overcrowding from other wireless signals which causes interference.


Is licensed frequencies better?

The answer is yes and no. A licensed frequency must be leased from the FCC-this protects your frequency and ensures that no other individual will broadcast at the same frequency and cause interference. So yes, licensed spectrum will allow you to create a more reliable network.

However, it is very very expensive. You may never fully recoup your initial investment unless you have adequate financial backing and are deploying a very large network which will quickly grasp much of the ISP market share.We recommend using license free spectrum, it is free and there is an abundance of excellent wireless products on the market which will help you avoid the problems associated with frequency overcrowding. Read more about license-free frequencies.


I would like to start a WISP in my apartment complex, what is the best product to use?

Mesh networking would be the ideal WISP network for this situation, it is simple to deploy and inexpensive. First, be sure to learn more about mesh networks by reading the provided resources.

Second, test out some different mesh equipment. There are several great options for apartment complexes; if the buildings are fairly close to each other we recommend the open-mesh products-they are very inexpensive and great for networks where users are in relatively close proximity. If each building (and user) is further apart, we recommend either meraki outdoor or kalpesh wireless. The meraki units are extremely easy to use, they are however more expensive then the more powerful kalpesh units (which employ nanostation2).


How do I connect mesh gateways to my internet connection?

This is one of the biggest concerns when designing a mesh network. There are a few ways to provide bandwidth to your gateways:

• Find a local DSL or cable company to provide internet access at the gateway's location, then connect the gateway to the internet. You can use different companies and even different ISP types (i.e cable, dsl, satellite) to provide bandwidth to gateways within the same network.
• Use a ptp or ptmp network to backhaul bandwidth from a central location to each gateway then connect the gateway to the CPE device.

Your decision to the above options will depend on the size and needs of your WISP network. Learn more about internet backbones.