Operators have three (3) different deployment options as summarized below.
This option is easiest and involves placing an order for WiFi Access Point(s) directly from us that arrives preconfigured “plug & play”. These devices connect directly to your local ISP cable modem or any Ethernet switch to broadcast a captive WiFi guest portal. You don’t need an IT professional or network tech to install since they plug right in and start broadcasting a WiFi splash page exclusively for guests. Your WiFi used to operate your facility's devices will remain exactly the same.
We supply either of the following ‘plug & play devices based on the size of your facility and WiFi session requirements.
The Mikrotic cAP (or Mikrotic hAP based on inventory) WiFi Access Point, retails for $149 each (preconfigured). It’s ideal for smaller venues < 2500 square feet and supports approximately 40 simultaneous guests. This device is not mesh capable nor cloud managed but if you're looking for EASY 'plug & play' into your ISP cable modem/router and you only need one (1) device to cover your guest service area this device is ideal.
The Cambium Networks Smart WiFi Access Point, retails for $449 each (preconfigured). It’s ideal for higher volume venues such as entertainment centers or large restaurants where more than one (1) Access Point is needed for range coverage. Each device supports at least 2500 square feet. This device is mesh capable, cloud managed and supports approximately 250 simultaneous guests. Since these devices are mesh, you can install multiple devices across your facility to broadcast the same unified guest WiFi network.
Loyal Patron's Guest WiFi Plus+ integrates with several leading brands of WiFi Ethernet equipment including Cisco Meraki, Unifi, Mikrotic, Ruckus, Datto and many more. You can view the list of compatible Ethernet manufacturers and their configuration guide here. This option will require the services of an IT professional familiar with your network to follow the steps in the appropriate configuration guide. Your technician will provide the MAC address(s) for your compatible devices to us in order to activate the device under an assigned hotspot integrated with your account. If you do not have an IT professional capable of configuration we recommend ordering a 'plug & play" Access Point as noted in Option 1 above.
For larger venues that have multiple Access Points installed throughout the facility setting up a WiFi bridge network is a very effective strategy. In the bridge setup users still connect through existing Access Points, but with guests placed onto a vlan with a Mikrotik routerboard handling the portal. The Mikrotic Routerboard supports the bridge to your existing, non-compatible equipment that is not available on our certified list of configuration guides.
Below is a very simple layout of a network of access points using a Mikrotik gateway to deliver Guest WiFi Plus+ features. The Access Points’ could be from any manufacturer if the guest traffic is bridged to the MikroTik gateway that is configured for Guest WiFi Plus+.
The bridge setup supports a few different models we recommend and have successfully deployed. You can order these devices directly on your own or pay a little more and order them pre-configured from us.
https://mikrotik.com/product/RB3011UiAS-RM
https://mikrotik.com/product/RB2011UiAS-RM
If you order directly from us pre-configured it's a $449 investment for the Mikrotic Routerboard RB 3011. This device is robust and supports between 500 and 1000 simultaneous WiFi connections! If you don't need this level of robustness we recommend ordering directly from the manufacturer or your own supplier and then following the configuration guide as referenced below.
This article covers hardware options for deploying Guest WiFi Plus+ in your venue. We recommend sharing this article with IT professionals you trust that are familiar with your network to help you make the very best deployment decision.
Operators have three (3) different deployment options as summarized below.
This option is easiest and involves placing an order for WiFi Access Point(s) directly from us that arrives preconfigured “plug & play”. These devices connect directly to your local ISP cable modem or any Ethernet switch to broadcast a captive WiFi guest portal. You don’t need an IT professional or network tech to install since they plug right in and start broadcasting a WiFi splash page exclusively for guests. Your WiFi used to operate your facility's devices will remain exactly the same.
We supply either of the following ‘plug & play devices based on the size of your facility and WiFi session requirements.
The Mikrotic cAP (or Mikrotic hAP based on inventory) WiFi Access Point, retails for $149 each (preconfigured). It’s ideal for smaller venues < 2500 square feet and supports approximately 40 simultaneous guests. This device is not mesh capable nor cloud managed but if you're looking for EASY 'plug & play' into your ISP cable modem/router and you only need one (1) device to cover your guest service area this device is ideal.
The Cambium Networks Smart WiFi Access Point, retails for $449 each (preconfigured). It’s ideal for higher volume venues such as entertainment centers or large restaurants where more than one (1) Access Point is needed for range coverage. Each device supports at least 2500 square feet. This device is mesh capable, cloud managed and supports approximately 250 simultaneous guests. Since these devices are mesh, you can install multiple devices across your facility to broadcast the same unified guest WiFi network.
Loyal Patron's Guest WiFi Plus+ integrates with several leading brands of WiFi Ethernet equipment including Cisco Meraki, Unifi, Mikrotic, Ruckus, Datto and many more. You can view the list of compatible Ethernet manufacturers and their configuration guide here. This option will require the services of an IT professional familiar with your network to follow the steps in the appropriate configuration guide. Your technician will provide the MAC address(s) for your compatible devices to us in order to activate the device under an assigned hotspot integrated with your account. If you do not have an IT professional capable of configuration we recommend ordering a 'plug & play" Access Point as noted in Option 1 above.
For larger venues that have multiple Access Points installed throughout the facility setting up a WiFi bridge network is a very effective strategy. In the bridge setup users still connect through existing Access Points, but with guests placed onto a vlan with a Mikrotik routerboard handling the portal. The Mikrotic Routerboard supports the bridge to your existing, non-compatible equipment that is not available on our certified list of configuration guides.
Below is a very simple layout of a network of access points using a Mikrotik gateway to deliver Guest WiFi Plus+ features. The Access Points’ could be from any manufacturer if the guest traffic is bridged to the MikroTik gateway that is configured for Guest WiFi Plus+.
The bridge setup supports a few different models we recommend and have successfully deployed. You can order these devices directly on your own or pay a little more and order them pre-configured from us.
https://mikrotik.com/product/RB3011UiAS-RM
https://mikrotik.com/product/RB2011UiAS-RM
If you order directly from us pre-configured it's a $449 investment for the Mikrotic Routerboard RB 3011. This device is robust and supports between 500 and 1000 simultaneous WiFi connections! If you don't need this level of robustness we recommend ordering directly from the manufacturer or your own supplier and then following the configuration guide as referenced below.
