That same cheap Linksys router, which is a fine generic router, can be made finer and less generic with replacement of the router's firmware. (In computing, firmware is software that is embedded in a hardware device. e.g., When you power up your car radio, it displays the station or the time. That's done by the firmware.)

Most routers allow users to upgrade the firmware. This means users have the ability to install new software into their hardware giving them fresh software from the manufacturer or, for those technically inclined, they can modifiy the code to provide enhanced product features.

There exist open source products available allowing inexpensive routers to be converted so to provide more security such as user authentication (requires users to be given access). The $70 router, with the correct firmware, can provide many of the features of a high-end hotspot gateway. e.g., When a user connects, they are first directed to a splash page where they can be presented with the three most common options:

• A terms of agreement page that must be clicked through before internet access is granted. (This is a legal doc that helps mitigate liability)
• Specials of the day (advertising for the business)
• User authentication (Optional, but in some networks, user level access can be a good thing)

In addition, having a splash screen can provide an opportunity for user feedback such as collecting zip codes or customer comments.

The downside of a customized Linksys router is that loading software other than that which is provided by the manufacturer, voids the warranty. However, for a $70 device, it's not all that critical of a downside. Note: This approach is NOT suitable for use in long-haul or point to point applications. This would be for hotspots that end-users connect to such as bars and coffee shops.

Doing this is generally not recommended unless you have very skilled in-house technicians available. To load and configure a Linksys router in this fashion could require many hours of labor. It wouldn't take much time to exceed the cost of an off-the-shelf version of that's described Level 4.