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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:
- Connect to your WiFi
- Open any website (automatically redirected to your portal)
- Fill registration form
- Get instant internet access
It's perfect for: Hotels, Cafes, Airports, Shopping Malls, Public WiFi spots
📋 Table of Contents
- Portal Status & Branding
- Registration Form Fields
- Verification Options
- Portal Configuration
- QR Code Feature
- Use Cases
- 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
Banner Upload
What It Does: Allows you to upload a custom banner image for your captive portal page.
Banner Specifications
- 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
- Subscriber enters phone number
- System sends 6-digit OTP via SMS
- Subscriber enters OTP
- Phone verified
- 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
- Select salesperson from dropdown
- All new registrations go to this person
- Salesperson can manage these subscribers
- 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
Footer Note
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"
Captive Portal Link
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:
- Copy the link
- Share with guests
- Or use QR code
- 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
Generate QR Code:
- System auto-generates QR code
- Contains your captive portal link
- Updates when settings change
Print QR Code:
- Click "Print QR Code" button
- Prints page with QR code
- Includes title, subtitle, description
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:
- ✅ Captive Portal Status is enabled
- ✅ Router/NAS configured correctly
- ✅ DNS settings correct
- ✅ Firewall not blocking
- ✅ HTTPS certificate valid
QR Code Not Working
Solutions:
- ✅ Regenerate QR code
- ✅ Check portal link is correct
- ✅ Test link manually
- ✅ Ensure QR code not damaged
- ✅ Try different QR scanner app
Social Login Not Working
Check These:
- ✅ Facebook/Google credentials configured
- ✅ SSL certificate installed (HTTPS required)
- ✅ Callback URLs configured correctly
- ✅ App permissions granted
OTP Not Received
Check These:
- ✅ SMS gateway configured
- ✅ SMS Status enabled
- ✅ Sufficient SMS balance
- ✅ Phone number format correct
- ✅ Guest has network signal
Summary Table
| Feature | Guest WiFi | ISP Hotspot | Corporate WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | ✅ On | ✅ On | ✅ On |
| Username | ❌ Auto | ✅ Manual | ✅ Manual |
| Password | ❌ Auto | ✅ Manual | ✅ Manual |
| Identity | ❌ Off | ✅ On | ❌ Off |
| Address | ❌ Off | ✅ On | ❌ Off |
| Country | ✅ On | ❌ Off | Optional |
| Social Login | ✅ On | ❌ Off | ❌ Off |
| OTP Verification | ❌ Off | ✅ On | ❌ Off |
| Package Type | Free/Limited | Paid/Multiple | Free/Limited |
| Registration Time | 10-30 sec | 2-3 min | 1-2 min |
Related Documentation
- General Settings - Company branding
- Software Settings - Phone/identity formats
- SMS Settings - OTP configuration
- Email Settings - Email verification
- Subscriber Settings - Subscriber portal settings

