Here are some helpful kwikis for running or using Linux with wireless (WiFi) equipment.

Be sure to also check the ArchLUG Kwiki page for kwikis that may be specific to your distribution of Linux.

See also the WAP Kwikis for kwikis on WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) and WML (Wireless Markup Language).

NoCatAuth

In the "I want to provide a public access WAP" management software category, NoCat Auth ( http://nocat.net/ ) is popular. They also have a wiki NoCatWiki

PublicIP

In the "I want a public-access-WAP-on-a-CD" software package, Public IP ( http://www.publicip.net/ ) is also popular. It includes NoCat Auth in its bundle, called the ZoneCD. The testimonials say someone can setup one of these in about an hour.

Securing your Access Point with WPA

See SecuringYourAccessPointWithWPA

Rob has a short tutorial on how to build a FreeBSD access point from scratch:

http://www.yewnicks.org/tutorials.php
Maybe someone will be willing to write one for Linux? It certainly won't be as difficult as for FreeBSD.

A number of locations in the St. Louis area offer no-cost wireless (WiFi) access to the Internet.

ArchLUG does not endorse any particular company, service, or offering listed below, nor does it guarantee the accuracy of the information, as this is a rapidly changing area of technology and various companies and entities are experimenting with what services they offer and how they recover the costs for providing these services.

Feel free (nay, encouraged) to add new locations, as well as notes, data, and reviews to those already listed.

WiFi Hot Spots

*How to create a new WiFi hotspot listing*

Create a new page by linking to it from this page in the list below.
Go to that new page, and click Edit.
Optionally paste in the skeletion from WiFi HotSpotTemplate
Add anything you think is relevant
Let people know what you like, and don't like about the location, share your stories
What is the ambiance like?

Good place to work?
Good place to people watch?
Good place to try to debug a kwiki?

Add a link to the front page under WiFi Kwikis

Use the WiFi HotSpotTemplate to create a new Hot Spot profile and link it to the list below:

PaneraBread

St. Louis Bread Company

Access is currently:

FREE (as in $0)
Available to the public.
Check for a brochure in any Panera Bread location entitled The How of Wi-Fi on how to set up your computer
Help: http://www.panerabread.com/wifi.aspx
Find a WiFi-enabled location: http://www.panerabread.com/locations.aspx?WiFi=1
See SuSE Kwikis for instructions on how to set up multiple network configurations for Suse 8.2 & 9.0, for example WiFi for home and WiFi for the Bread Company.

Kwiki #1

Problem:

You are able to connect to their wireless network.
When you try to go to any website, you get a screen that says something like

"You are being connected..."

Even if you wait several minutes, it does not change.

Solution:

You should find a copy of the brochure mentioned above
In summary:

Set your SSID to "PANERA" or "ANY" or "any"
Turn off WEP
Set your connection type to "INFRASTRUCTURE" (i.e. NOT "AD-HOC")

Looking to use your PCMCIA WiFi card in a desktop PC?

http://www.buffalotech.com/wireless/products/airstation/WLIPCIOP.html

This card has been known to work with an Avaya Silver card (aka Orinoco) and a Senao card.