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Captive Portal Settings

Overview

Captive Portal is a self-service registration system that allows guests and new subscribers to sign up for internet access through a web page. When users connect to your WiFi or network, they are automatically redirected to a branded registration page where they can create an account and get instant internet access.

WHAT IS CAPTIVE PORTAL?

A Captive Portal is like a "welcome gate" for your WiFi network. Before users can access the internet, they must:

  1. Connect to your WiFi
  2. Open any website (automatically redirected to your portal)
  3. Fill registration form
  4. Get instant internet access

It's perfect for: Hotels, Cafes, Airports, Shopping Malls, Public WiFi spots


📋 Table of Contents

  1. Portal Status & Branding
  2. Registration Form Fields
  3. Verification Options
  4. Portal Configuration
  5. QR Code Feature
  6. Use Cases
  7. Best Practices

Portal Status & Branding

Captive Portal Status

What It Does: Enables or disables the entire captive portal feature.

When Enabled (On)

  • ✅ Captive portal is active
  • ✅ Users redirected to registration page
  • ✅ Self-service registration available
  • ✅ QR code works
  • ✅ Automatic subscriber creation

When Disabled (Off)

  • ❌ Captive portal inactive
  • ❌ No automatic redirection
  • ❌ Self-registration not available
  • ✅ Existing subscribers can still login

Use Cases

Enable When:

  • Running public WiFi (cafe, hotel, mall)
  • Want self-service registration
  • Need guest WiFi access
  • Want to reduce admin workload

Disable When:

  • Private network only
  • No public WiFi
  • Manual registration preferred
  • Testing/maintenance

What It Does: Allows you to upload a custom banner image for your captive portal page.

  • Recommended Size: 1920x400 pixels
  • File Format: JPG, PNG
  • Maximum Size: 2MB
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:3 (wide banner)

What Appears

  • Your company logo
  • Brand colors
  • Welcome message
  • Promotional images

Best Practices

  • ✅ Use high-quality images
  • ✅ Include company logo
  • ✅ Keep text minimal (use title/subtitle for text)
  • ✅ Use brand colors
  • ✅ Mobile-friendly design
  • ❌ Don't use too much text in image
  • ❌ Don't use low-resolution images

Registration Form Fields

Name Field

What It Does: Collects subscriber's full name during registration.

Status: Always enabled (cannot be disabled)

Why It's Required:

  • Identifies subscribers
  • Required for account creation
  • Used in communications
  • Legal requirement

Username Field

What It Does: Allows subscribers to choose their own username for login.

When Enabled (On)

  • ✅ Username field appears in form
  • ✅ Subscribers choose username
  • ✅ Username used for login
  • ✅ Must be unique

When Disabled (Off)

  • ❌ No username field
  • ✅ System auto-generates username
  • ✅ Usually uses phone number as username

Recommendation

  • Enable for: Hotels, cafes (memorable usernames)
  • Disable for: Simple guest WiFi (auto-generate)

Phone Field

What It Does: Collects subscriber's phone number.

Status: Always enabled (cannot be disabled)

Why It's Required:

  • Primary contact method
  • Used for OTP verification
  • Required for account creation
  • SMS notifications

Phone Format:

  • Must match format set in Software Settings
  • Example: +8801XXXXXXXXX (Bangladesh)
  • Validates automatically

Email Field

What It Does: Collects subscriber's email address.

Status: Always enabled (cannot be disabled)

Why It's Required:

  • Secondary contact method
  • Email verification
  • Invoice delivery
  • Password recovery

Email Validation:

  • Must be valid email format
  • Example: [email protected]
  • Checks for duplicates (if configured)

Password Field

What It Does: Allows subscribers to set their own password.

When Enabled (On)

  • ✅ Password field appears
  • ✅ Subscribers choose password
  • ✅ Password required for login
  • ✅ Can reset via "Forgot Password"

When Disabled (Off)

  • ❌ No password field
  • ✅ System auto-generates password
  • ✅ Password sent via SMS/email
  • ✅ Simpler registration

Password Requirements

  • Minimum 6 characters
  • Mix of letters and numbers (recommended)
  • Case-sensitive

Recommendation

  • Enable for: Long-term subscribers, hotels
  • Disable for: Quick guest access, cafes

Identity Field

What It Does: Collects subscriber's identity number (National ID, Passport, etc.).

When Enabled (On)

  • ✅ Identity field appears
  • ✅ Subscribers enter ID number
  • ✅ Better KYC compliance
  • ✅ Prevents duplicate accounts

When Disabled (Off)

  • ❌ No identity field
  • ✅ Faster registration
  • ⚠️ Less verification

Use Cases

Enable When:

  • Government compliance required
  • Long-term subscriptions
  • Need strong KYC
  • Preventing fraud

Disable When:

  • Guest WiFi only
  • Quick access needed
  • No compliance requirements

Address Field

What It Does: Collects subscriber's physical address.

When Enabled (On)

  • ✅ Address field appears
  • ✅ Subscribers enter address
  • ✅ Better subscriber records
  • ✅ Useful for service delivery

When Disabled (Off)

  • ❌ No address field
  • ✅ Faster registration
  • ✅ Less information required

Use Cases

Enable When:

  • Home internet service
  • Need physical location
  • Service delivery required

Disable When:

  • Guest WiFi only
  • Public hotspots
  • No service delivery

Country Field

What It Does: Allows subscribers to select their country.

When Enabled (On)

  • ✅ Country dropdown appears
  • ✅ Subscribers select country
  • ✅ Useful for international guests
  • ✅ Better demographics

When Disabled (Off)

  • ❌ No country field
  • ✅ Faster registration
  • ✅ Assumes local country

Use Cases

Enable When:

  • International hotel/airport
  • Tourist locations
  • Multiple countries served

Disable When:

  • Local ISP only
  • Single country operation
  • Faster registration needed

Verification Options

Social Login

What It Does: Allows subscribers to register using social media accounts (Facebook, Google).

When Enabled (On)

  • ✅ Social login buttons appear
  • ✅ One-click registration
  • ✅ Faster signup process
  • ✅ Auto-fills information
  • ✅ No password needed

When Disabled (Off)

  • ❌ No social login
  • ✅ Manual registration only
  • ✅ More control over data

Supported Platforms

  • Facebook Login
  • Google Login

Requirements

  • Facebook App ID configured
  • Google Client ID configured
  • SSL certificate (HTTPS)

Use Cases

Enable When:

  • Want fastest registration
  • Target tech-savvy users
  • Reduce registration friction
  • Modern cafe/hotel

Disable When:

  • Privacy concerns
  • Target older demographic
  • No social media integration
  • Government restrictions

OTP Verification

What It Does: Sends verification code to phone number during registration.

When Enabled (On)

  • ✅ OTP sent to phone
  • ✅ Must verify before access
  • ✅ Confirms real phone number
  • ✅ Better security
  • ✅ Prevents fake registrations

When Disabled (Off)

  • ❌ No OTP verification
  • ✅ Instant access
  • ✅ Faster registration
  • ⚠️ May allow fake numbers

How It Works

  1. Subscriber enters phone number
  2. System sends 6-digit OTP via SMS
  3. Subscriber enters OTP
  4. Phone verified
  5. Internet access granted

Requirements

  • SMS gateway configured
  • SMS Status enabled
  • Sufficient SMS balance

Use Cases

Enable When:

  • Need verified phone numbers
  • Prevent abuse
  • Long-term subscriptions
  • Security is priority

Disable When:

  • Guest WiFi (quick access)
  • SMS costs are concern
  • International guests (roaming)

Portal Configuration

Salesperson Assignment

What It Does: Assigns a salesperson/reseller to manage subscribers from this captive portal.

Why It's Important

  • All registrations assigned to this salesperson
  • Salesperson gets commission
  • Subscribers linked to reseller
  • Better tracking and management

How to Configure

  1. Select salesperson from dropdown
  2. All new registrations go to this person
  3. Salesperson can manage these subscribers
  4. Reports show under this salesperson

Use Cases

  • Hotel WiFi: Assign to hotel manager
  • Cafe WiFi: Assign to cafe owner
  • Multiple Locations: Different salesperson per location
  • Reseller Network: Assign to respective reseller

Package Selection

What It Does: Defines which internet package new subscribers get.

Configuration Options

Single Package:

  • Select one package
  • All registrations get this package
  • Simple and straightforward

Multiple Packages:

  • Show package selection in form
  • Subscribers choose package
  • Different speeds/prices

Package Activation

  • Auto-Activate: Instant internet access
  • Manual Approve: Admin approval required
  • Payment Required: Pay first, then activate

Use Cases

Single Package:

  • Guest WiFi (one free package)
  • Hotel WiFi (same for all guests)
  • Simple setup

Multiple Packages:

  • Cafe with premium WiFi option
  • Airport with different speeds
  • Upselling opportunities

Portal Content

Title

What It Does: Main heading displayed on captive portal page.

Examples:

  • "Welcome to [Your Business] WiFi"
  • "Free WiFi Registration"
  • "Get Connected in Seconds"

Best Practices:

  • Keep it short (5-8 words)
  • Welcoming and friendly
  • Include business name

Subtitle

What It Does: Secondary heading below title.

Examples:

  • "Sign up for free internet access"
  • "Fast, secure, and unlimited"
  • "Connect and enjoy your stay"

Best Practices:

  • Complement the title
  • Explain what to do
  • Highlight benefits

Description

What It Does: Detailed text explaining the registration process.

Examples:

Welcome to our free WiFi service!

Please fill out the form below to get instant internet access.
Your information is secure and will only be used for network access.

Enjoy unlimited browsing during your visit!

Best Practices:

  • Explain registration steps
  • Mention any terms
  • Highlight benefits
  • Keep it concise

What It Does: Text displayed at bottom of portal page.

Examples:

  • "By using this WiFi, you agree to our Terms of Service"
  • "Need help? Contact reception at ext. 100"
  • "WiFi available 24/7 throughout the premises"

Best Practices:

  • Include terms/conditions link
  • Add contact information
  • Mention WiFi coverage
  • Legal disclaimers

Sign Up Description

What It Does: Instructions shown during registration process.

Examples:

  • "Please enter your details to create an account"
  • "All fields are required for registration"
  • "You'll receive a confirmation SMS after registration"

What It Does: The unique URL for your captive portal.

Format: https://yourdomain.com/captive-portal/UNIQUE-TOKEN

Features:

  • ✅ Unique per branch/location
  • ✅ Auto-generated
  • ✅ Can be shared directly
  • ✅ Works with QR code

How to Use:

  1. Copy the link
  2. Share with guests
  3. Or use QR code
  4. Guests open link → Register → Get WiFi

QR Code Feature

What Is It?

A printable QR code that guests can scan to access your captive portal instantly.

How It Works

  1. Generate QR Code:

    • System auto-generates QR code
    • Contains your captive portal link
    • Updates when settings change
  2. Print QR Code:

    • Click "Print QR Code" button
    • Prints page with QR code
    • Includes title, subtitle, description
  3. Display QR Code:

    • Print and place in visible locations
    • Guests scan with phone camera
    • Automatically opens portal
    • Register and get WiFi

Where to Display QR Codes

Hotels:

  • Reception desk
  • Room cards
  • Elevator
  • Restaurant tables
  • Lobby

Cafes:

  • Table tents
  • Menu cards
  • Counter
  • Windows
  • Bathroom

Offices:

  • Reception area
  • Meeting rooms
  • Waiting area
  • Conference rooms

Public Spaces:

  • Information boards
  • Entrance
  • Seating areas
  • Walls

QR Code Best Practices

  • ✅ Print in high quality
  • ✅ Large enough to scan (minimum 2x2 inches)
  • ✅ Place at eye level
  • ✅ Good lighting
  • ✅ Multiple locations
  • ✅ Include instructions ("Scan for WiFi")
  • ❌ Don't place too high/low
  • ❌ Don't make too small
  • ❌ Don't place in dark areas

Use Cases

1. Hotel WiFi

Configuration:

  • ✅ Status: Enabled
  • ✅ Username: Enabled (guests choose username)
  • ✅ Password: Enabled (guests set password)
  • ❌ Identity: Disabled (not needed for guests)
  • ❌ Address: Disabled (hotel has address)
  • ✅ Country: Enabled (international guests)
  • ✅ Social Login: Enabled (fast registration)
  • ❌ OTP: Disabled (guests may have roaming)
  • Package: Free WiFi for all guests
  • Salesperson: Hotel manager

Why:

  • Fast check-in
  • International guests
  • No SMS costs
  • Simple for guests

2. Cafe WiFi

Configuration:

  • ✅ Status: Enabled
  • ❌ Username: Disabled (auto-generate)
  • ❌ Password: Disabled (auto-generate)
  • ❌ Identity: Disabled
  • ❌ Address: Disabled
  • ❌ Country: Disabled
  • ✅ Social Login: Enabled
  • ❌ OTP: Disabled
  • Package: Free 2-hour WiFi
  • Salesperson: Cafe owner

Why:

  • Fastest registration
  • Minimal information
  • Social login popular
  • Quick turnover

3. Airport WiFi

Configuration:

  • ✅ Status: Enabled
  • ❌ Username: Disabled
  • ❌ Password: Disabled
  • ❌ Identity: Disabled
  • ❌ Address: Disabled
  • ✅ Country: Enabled (international travelers)
  • ✅ Social Login: Enabled
  • ❌ OTP: Disabled (roaming issues)
  • Package: Multiple (Free 30min, Premium 24hr)
  • Salesperson: Airport IT team

Why:

  • International travelers
  • Multiple package options
  • Fast registration
  • No SMS verification

4. ISP Public Hotspot

Configuration:

  • ✅ Status: Enabled
  • ✅ Username: Enabled
  • ✅ Password: Enabled
  • ✅ Identity: Enabled (KYC)
  • ✅ Address: Enabled
  • ❌ Country: Disabled (local only)
  • ❌ Social Login: Disabled
  • ✅ OTP: Enabled (verify phone)
  • Package: Paid packages
  • Salesperson: Area manager

Why:

  • Long-term subscribers
  • Need verification
  • Compliance required
  • Paid service

Best Practices

For Guest WiFi (Hotels, Cafes, Malls)

Enable:

  • ✅ Social Login (fastest)
  • ✅ Auto-generate username/password
  • ✅ Country field (if international)

Disable:

  • ❌ OTP Verification (guests may have roaming)
  • ❌ Identity field (not needed)
  • ❌ Address field (not needed)

Package:

  • Free WiFi with time limit
  • Or speed limit

Result:

  • Registration in 10-30 seconds
  • Happy guests
  • No friction

For ISP Hotspots (Paid Service)

Enable:

  • ✅ OTP Verification (verify phone)
  • ✅ Identity field (KYC)
  • ✅ Address field (service location)
  • ✅ Username/Password (subscriber control)

Disable:

  • ❌ Social Login (need full info)

Package:

  • Multiple paid packages
  • Different speeds/durations

Result:

  • Verified subscribers
  • Compliance met
  • Quality registrations

For Corporate Guest WiFi

Enable:

  • ✅ Email verification (business emails)
  • ✅ Username/Password
  • ❌ Social Login (professional setting)

Disable:

  • ❌ OTP (not needed for guests)
  • ❌ Identity (not needed)

Package:

  • Free WiFi for visitors
  • Time-limited

Result:

  • Professional appearance
  • Verified business contacts
  • Controlled access

Security Considerations

Data Privacy

  • ✅ Collect only necessary information
  • ✅ Display privacy policy
  • ✅ Secure data storage
  • ✅ HTTPS/SSL required

Abuse Prevention

  • ✅ Enable OTP for paid services
  • ✅ Limit registration per device
  • ✅ Monitor unusual activity
  • ✅ Block suspicious IPs

Terms of Service

  • ✅ Display terms clearly
  • ✅ Require acceptance
  • ✅ Include acceptable use policy
  • ✅ Mention data retention

Troubleshooting

Captive Portal Not Redirecting

Check These:

  1. ✅ Captive Portal Status is enabled
  2. ✅ Router/NAS configured correctly
  3. ✅ DNS settings correct
  4. ✅ Firewall not blocking
  5. ✅ HTTPS certificate valid

QR Code Not Working

Solutions:

  1. ✅ Regenerate QR code
  2. ✅ Check portal link is correct
  3. ✅ Test link manually
  4. ✅ Ensure QR code not damaged
  5. ✅ Try different QR scanner app

Social Login Not Working

Check These:

  1. ✅ Facebook/Google credentials configured
  2. ✅ SSL certificate installed (HTTPS required)
  3. ✅ Callback URLs configured correctly
  4. ✅ App permissions granted

OTP Not Received

Check These:

  1. ✅ SMS gateway configured
  2. ✅ SMS Status enabled
  3. ✅ Sufficient SMS balance
  4. ✅ Phone number format correct
  5. ✅ Guest has network signal

Summary Table

FeatureGuest WiFiISP HotspotCorporate WiFi
Status✅ On✅ On✅ On
Username❌ Auto✅ Manual✅ Manual
Password❌ Auto✅ Manual✅ Manual
Identity❌ Off✅ On❌ Off
Address❌ Off✅ On❌ Off
Country✅ On❌ OffOptional
Social Login✅ On❌ Off❌ Off
OTP Verification❌ Off✅ On❌ Off
Package TypeFree/LimitedPaid/MultipleFree/Limited
Registration Time10-30 sec2-3 min1-2 min

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