Public Guest WiFi
Provide seamless, legally compliant internet access for visitors in retail, dining, and public venues.
The Challenge
Venues need to offer free WiFi to attract customers, but an open network creates security risks, legal liabilities, and bandwidth abuse issues. The friction of connecting must be minimal to ensure high adoption rates.
Solution Engineering
A cloud-managed Captive Portal solution that intercepts HTTP/HTTPS traffic, redirecting users to a branded splash page. The architecture typically involves a RADIUS server for authentication and accounting, allowing the venue to enforce session limits, bandwidth caps, and collect user consent.
Technical Requirements
- Captive Portal via Cloud Controller or On-Prem Gateway
- RADIUS (AAA) Integration
- Walled Garden configuration for social login APIs
- Content Filtering (DNS based) to block malicious sites
- Bandwidth throttling per user/device
Best Practices
Use 'Remember Me' functionality (MAC Caching) to avoid re-login for returning visitors within 30 days.
Minimize form fields: Ask only for what you need (e.g., Email only).
Ensure the Splash Page is mobile-responsive and loads under 2 seconds.
Offload DHCP to a robust router/firewall, not the Access Points.
Target Outcomes
High Guest Satisfaction Scores (CSAT)
Reduced liability via Terms of Use acceptance
Database growth for marketing newsletters
Recommended Vendors
Companies matching this use case based on their feature set.
Cloud4Wi
Unified WiFi platform for Guest, MDU & Location Intelligence.
Purple WiFi
Leading Public Facing Guest solution for Retail.
Aislelabs
Leading Public Facing Guest solution for Retail.
Skyfii (Beonic)
Leading Public Facing Guest solution for Large Venues.
Adentro
Leading Public Facing Guest solution for Restaurants & Cafes.
GoZone WiFi
Leading Public Facing Guest solution for Restaurants & Cafes.
SocialSign.in
Leading Public Facing Guest solution for Large Venues.
MyWiFi Networks
Leading Public Facing Guest solution for Restaurants & Cafes.