Chapter 6 of 7 · MikroTik MTCUME
HotSpot
Setup, login methods, users and monitoring, the server profile, bypass rules and page customisation on RouterOS.
- 5topics
- 25 minfast track
- 2diagrams and exhibits
Topics in this chapter
Take them in order, or jump to the one you need.
- 1HotSpot Introduction and SetupLearn what a RouterOS HotSpot is, how it redirects clients to a login page, what the setup wizard creates and what must be ready…Diagram5 min
- 2HotSpot Login MethodsCompare the RouterOS HotSpot login methods: HTTP PAP, HTTP CHAP, HTTPS, MAC, cookie and trial, and learn how to choose them with…4 min
- 3HotSpot Users and MonitoringCreate HotSpot users and user profiles on RouterOS, set limits for time, data and speed, and monitor logged in users with the…6 min
- 4HotSpot Server ProfileLearn the RouterOS HotSpot server profile: login by, DNS name, HTML directory, cookie lifetime, RADIUS and certificate settings…4 min
- 5Bypassing and Customising the HotSpotLet devices skip HotSpot login with IP bindings and walled garden rules, and customise the login pages with a copied HTML…Diagram6 min
About this chapter
What this chapter covers
The HotSpot chapter explains how RouterOS runs a captive portal that makes users log in before they get access.
It covers the whole life of the service. You will set it up, choose how users log in, create accounts and watch who is connected. You will then tune the service with a profile, let some devices skip the login, and change the look of the pages.
The chapter assumes that you know pools from the PPP chapter, because the HotSpot reuses them. RADIUS appears briefly and is covered fully in the next chapter.
How the topics fit together
The pages follow the steps of building a real HotSpot, from the first setup to the finishing touches.
The pages split the work like this:
- Introduction and setup explains the captive portal idea and what the wizard creates.
- Login methods compares PAP, CHAP, HTTPS, MAC, cookie and trial login.
- Users and monitoring covers accounts, user profiles, limits and the active and host lists.
- Server profile covers the service wide settings, and how they differ from the user profile.
- Bypass and customising covers IP bindings, the walled garden and the login page files.
Two kinds of profile appear in this chapter, and they are easy to confuse. The server profile controls how the service behaves. The user profile controls the limits of individual users.
When a question mentions login methods, pages or RADIUS, think server profile. When it mentions speed or time limits per user, think user profile.
How to use these pages
Each topic page has the same shape, so you can skim for what you need.
- What it is: the idea in plain words.
- How it works: the mechanism, with diagrams and example commands.
- What to remember for the exam: the facts to memorise.
- Common mistakes: the classic traps.
- Check yourself: three questions to test your understanding.
A lab is easy to build. Use one router, one wireless or wired client and the setup wizard. Then try each login method in turn, add a limited user, and watch the active and host lists change as you connect and disconnect.
Test with a plain web address when you check the redirect, since secure sites do not redirect cleanly.
Ready for more practice?
The full MikroTik MTCUME question bank has 482 questions, with timed practice exams and an explanation for every answer.
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