User`s guide

Introducing Visitor-Based Networking and YesWare 1-3
Software Release 2.30 YesWare Applications User’s Guide 08-01016-01
Visitor-based networking
Until recently, nearly all Ethernet local area networks (LANs) were private.
Developed for private use, owned and maintained by private organization,
these networks were focused on providing connectivity for a select group of
people such as employees. Everyone who used the network was supposed to
be able to use it, and the costs of providing that network were considered
overhead.
A Visitor-Based Network (VBN) is a network intended for use by temporary
users, such as hotel guests, who need a simple, temporary network connection
they can use quickly and easily without the assistance of an IT specialist.
Challenges of the VBN
Implementing a VBN presents special challenges to the service-provider.
Service billing, not usually a requirement in private LANs, must be carefully
monitored and controlled. Resource usage, which is governed almost
exclusively by happenstance in private LANs, must also be carefully
controlled. Visitor access must be authenticated, but must also be simple.
Visitor services must be platform-independent so that guests using a wide
range of platforms have access to VBN services.
VBN service-provider benefits
A VBN is a valuable service, and service providers who implement VBN
services can create tremendous new revenue and service opportunities within
several markets:
• Hospitality/convention centers
• Public convenience kiosks
• Training and seminar rooms
• Sales centers
• Press rooms
• Corporate meeting rooms
• University and business campuses
All of these areas have frequent, business-oriented visitors who would likely
use the services of a VBN if one were available. VBN service-providers who
want to serve these markets must provide simple connectivity to the VBN, and
also have ways to bill for access and control access through network
authentication.