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How to configure a MikroTik router for HotSpot Gateway operation

In this article, we field questions from customers on configuring their MikroTik routers for various functions. We’ll be covering how to set up MikroTik routers for HotSpot Gateway functionality.

In addition, HotSpots are great for small businesses that want to provide WiFi to their customers without worrying about having their network become compromised.

It can also be a useful tool for companies in a WFH employee situation. Whatever the reason is that you’re looking to set up your MikroTik with the HotSpot gateway functionality activated, we’ll provide the steps necessary for you to do so. Our guide below pulls from Mudasir Mirza’s MikroTik HotSpot server setup, which we also recommend reading—we’ve added some helpful details too.

A hotSpot is a way to authorize users to access some network resources but does not provide traffic encryption. To log in, users may use almost any web browser (either HTTP or HTTPS protocol), so they are not required to install additional software. The gateway is accounting for the uptime and amount of traffic each client has used, and also can send this information to a RADIUS server. The HotSpot system may limit each particular user’s bitrate, the total amount of traffic, uptime and some other parameters mentioned further in this document.

The HotSpot system is targeted to provide authentication within a local network (for the local network users to access the Internet). But may as well be used to authorize access from outer networks to access local resources (like an authentication gateway for the outside world to access your network). It is possible to allow users to access some web pages without authentication using the Walled Garden feature.

HotSpot Aim and features

The MikroTik HotSpot Gateway provides authentication for clients before access to public networks. A HotSpot only works reliably when the IPv4 protocol is used; the HotSpot relies on Firewall NAT rules which aren’t supported with IPv6.

The HotSpot gateway features:

MikroTik Hotspot Setup

The simplest way to set up a HotSpot server on the MikroTik router is through the WebFig portal. So Log in to your router by pasting its IP address into the search bar and entering your admin credentials.

You should arrive at the home screen. Find the buttons at the top right that read Quick Set, WebFig, and Terminal. Click on the Terminal button.

First, we need to configure the interface connected to the WAN. Type the below into the terminal and press enter:

ip address add address=192.168.1.5/24 network=192.168.1.0 broadcast=192.168.1.255 interface=ether1

Now we need to configure the second interface for our Local Network. Type the below into the terminal and press enter:

ip address add address=10.10.0.1/24 network=10.10.0.0 broadcast=10.10.0.255 interface=ether2

Both interfaces are now configured.

How to Setup the DNS

Next, we will set up the DNS server.

  1. Click on the button at the top that says WebFig. You should come to a screen with several buttons on the left side of the screen.
  2. Select the IP drop-down arrow, then click DNS. Fill in the appropriate information provided by your ISP, and make sure the Allow Remote Requests option is checked.
  3. Apply your settings, then navigate to the Routes button on the left side of the screen.

How to Setup the Routes

  1. Click the Add New button at the top of the screen.
  2. Under Gateway, type the IP address of the gateway of your WAN interface. Apply your settings, then navigate to the HotSpot button on the left side of the screen.

How to Setup the Hotspot

Conclusion

So Your HotSpot server is now configured. Try logging in to make sure it works properly. and we hope you enjoy reading it.

 

 

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