Look for data centers in your area. Ask to rent space on the roof for your equipment. Some data centers also sell a strong Internet connection called Dedicated Internet Access you can use instead of fiber cables to power your business. To find out where fiber cables are, search for fiber optic Internet providers in your area. Ask them about their network and if it reaches your potential data center. Also, speak with the building’s property owner and any other tenants for more information. If the data center location isn’t near quality fiber lines, you will need to pay an Internet service provider for an installation. Doing this is expensive, so you are better off finding a place that already has a good upstream fiber connection.

You need to be able to see your customer’s home from the tower or else the signal won’t reach them. Hills, trees, and other buildings may make this difficult. Aim on servicing about 50 customers for each relay tower. Expect to lose money if you put relays in areas without many homes. Big ISPs avoid rural communities for this reason. Relay towers spread wireless signals. To create faster Internet connections when towers are far apart, you can lay fiber optic cables in the ground. Creating a fiber optic network is extremely expensive, so most people stick to wireless technology.

Tracking down property owners can be difficult. You may also need to look for alternative spots to place your relays. Use your network for bargaining. Promise to give property owners free Internet. Most people will give you a lower monthly lease for your trouble.

If you were unable to find a building that already had fiber cable service, the Internet provider will need to come out and run cables to your data center. Wiring a building often costs over $15,000 USD. Most ISP services have 2 to 5 upstream connections in order to provide a quick, consistent service.

Routers and switches are available at many electronics stores. They’re also available through online suppliers. Basic versions start at around $50, but larger, faster boxes often cost several hundred dollars. Routers are used to connect networks. You can use a router to create a network of customers in a single area. Each customer connects to your network through a unique IP address that is easy to track. Routers work better for Wi-Fi systems than switches. Switches are better for single-network systems. If you’re creating a small ISP operation in a single area, switches may be a better choice than routers. Each user gets a separate MAC address. Switches work better with wired connections.

Search low-cost online suppliers like Ubiquiti, MicroTalk, and Mimosa for CPE devices and antennae. A basic satellite antenna costs around $100. More expensive versions typically give your a stronger Internet signal with more range. Keep in mind the kind of roof your customer is likely to have. Every CPE satellite is different. Many satellites attach to the roof through bolted mounts, but you can’t drill into a flat roof without damaging it. Get a weighted, non-penetrating mount for a flat roof. Most companies that sell access point equipment also sell CPE’s and backhauls. Shop with the same company, if possible, to get better customer support during the installation.

Look for backhauls from online suppliers like Siklu and Bridgewave. A good wireless device typically costs $200 or more. Install backhauls the same way you would install a router or switch. Fit wireless backhauls on top of towers, buildings, and other high areas to improve your network’s quality.

An example of a comprehensive program is UCRM. It is a free program that handles billing, network support, and other features. It is available at https://ucrm. ui. com/.

Test the router by connecting it to a computer. If you installed it correctly, your computer will be able to go online. The setup process varies from router to router. Consult your fiber provider for troubleshooting. Setting up a new network is often tricky. If you’re not familiar with how networks operate, consider hiring an IT specialist to help get your network online.

For flat surfaces, choose a weighted mount. This type of mount doesn’t screw into the surface, so it doesn’t cause damage. For other types of surfaces, choose a regular mount or wall mount secured with lag bolts. Installing antennas is dangerous. You need tall ladders, cranes, safety harnesses, and other gear. Consider hiring a professional installer to set up the hardware.

These components communicate with your customers’ home network, so make sure they are secure on the underside of the antennae. Don’t face them towards your data center.

Loop the ends of the cables to keep water from dripping down them. Consider getting an electrician to for a safe, sustainable installation.

The mounting location depends on many factors. For example, find out where you can run a cable into the home. Make sure the mounting location is in view of the closest relay antenna.

Look for spots other ISPs, telephone companies, and cable companies used to get wires into the home. You may be able to use these spots to wire the equipment without drilling. Be aware of any live wires in the wall. Use a stud finder with AC wire detection to identify problems to avoid with your drill. Always ask your customer before installing or drilling anything. Explain the installation process to them. Get their approval.

Have a friend help with the cable to make the installation much easier. Instruct them to look for the cable and fish it out while you push it into the hole you drilled.

For simpler installations, provide routers and modems for your customers. If you don’t do this, tell customers what devices are compatible with your service. Each customer will need to get their own modem to enable Internet access and their own router to enable Wi-Fi.

Test the Internet connection before you leave. Log into the Internet on your laptop. Make sure the connection is fast and stable.

You need a good plan if you intend on selling your service as an ISP. While you don’t need it for a private service, having a plan is still useful. Banks look for good business plans when giving out loans. Since becoming an ISP is expensive, have a good plan to secure funding.

Keep in mind that national ISPs operate in most areas. In some countries, you may not even be allowed to set up a new ISP business.

You do not need to get a business license if you aren’t selling your service to customers. Chances are no one will bother you if you set up a service only for you and people you know.

Expect people to stick with their old ISP. Even if they aren’t happy with their ISP, they may not feel motivated enough to make a change. Focus on the customers you have to grow your business.

Expect people to stick with their old ISP. Even if they aren’t happy with their ISP, they may not feel motivated enough to make a change. Focus on the customers you have to grow your business.

If you have a good network tracking system, it will show you when something goes wrong with your network. Send out a technician as soon as possible for a repair.