Using public optimum hotspot for WAN
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Hello,
I was wondering if it is possible to use public services such as optimum wireless hotspot if you have optimum at a different location as a WAN connection to PFsense? The idea is that I get very strong reception from optimum hotspot and would like to setup cameras in separate building. I wanted to entertain the idea instead of setting up a separate internet service just to manage security cameras. Is it possible to setup a script to have PFsense authenticate WIFI WAN with valid credentials and use that as internet? I did not see any posts here or google with someone having this type of setup. I can setup a VPN so that optimum would not throttle or scan the traffic. Just a thought.
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No idea what you're trying to do. Draw a diagram.
Most things are possible until the provider catches on and you get shut off.
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I am an Optimum customer (business and home), and you can do what you're trying to do. However, there are some challenges.
If the camera is behind a firewall, you can create a persistent VPN tunnel from one to the other (assuming both FW can create tunnels).
Your cameras would probably be able to get onto Optimum, but you're screwed with the authentication unless you register the devices with Optimum. This can be done via the web interface on your account or when the device joins the network. I am not aware of any camera that supports web-based authentication like what Optimum requires, so that might be a deal breaker. You'd need to be able to get the devices onto the network and manage that re-authentication somehow. Optimum designed the WiFi public network to prevent people from hopping onto it and consuming a ton of bandwidth, so assume you'll probably get throttled and disconnected after a certain amount of time. That's by design.
I'd also suggest going to http://www.dslreports.com/forum/ool and asking the question there. You'll get some answers to your question, and of course you'll attract some trolls. But for the most part, you'll get the best Optimum-specific answers to your questions regarding their service. OOL resources regularly read the forums, and sometimes there's a chance you'll get a PM from one.
