In this article we discuss the various wifi management software with which you can manage your WiFi hotpsot/zone.
There are many important factors before choosing the right wifi management software. Some key ones are as follows:
INFRASTRUCTURE
The wifi management software you choose should be cross-compatible with as many hardware manufactures as possible.
MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
To save costs we strongly recommend using a cloud controlled WiFi management software instead of a system that runs on your local server. This means, you should be able to run 1000s of WiFi zones at different locations using one cloud based software.
MONETIZATION AND REVENUE GENERATION
Your WiFi Management software needs to have sufficient modules for WiFi monetization i.e. you should be able to make money by selling WiFi advertising or vouchers/coupons.
LEGAL GUIDELINES IN YOUR COUNTRY
It’s important that you choose a WiFi software that follows the legal guidelines in your country. For instance; some software offer “social login” as a feature whereby the user can sign into a WiFi zone with his facebook/twitter ID. Unfortunately, in countries like India this method of authentication is still illegal – as one requires a Mobile Number / SMS OTP based verification
COSTS & PRICING MODELS
Different WiFi software companies charge you differently. Some include it as a part of the hardware cost. Some charge a fee per user. Some charge per Access Points. It’s highly relative from company to company. In this article we mainly focus on the free stuff!
Here’s a list of the top 5 WiFi management software based on the above-mentioned criteria:
5. WiFi Dog (free)
(Click here to visit their website)
An open source alternative for managing your WiFi hotspot. Needs some development knowledge to build upon this solution.
4. Packetfence (free)
(Click here to visit their website)
An open source alternative for managing your WiFi hotspot. Highly robust but a bit complicated to use.
3. OpenWISP (free)
(Click here to visit their website)
An open source alternative for managing your WiFi hotspot. Particularly designed for Wifi Internet service providers who want create plans and sell WiFi. Not meant for wifi advertising.
2. OpenMesh (Partially free)
(Click here to visit their website)
The software is free to use but their routers are a bit expensive! However, they have a robust network access control software!
1. Muft WiFi Management Software (free) (beta)
(Click here to visit website)
Free to use WiFi management software with an in-built WiFi advertising platform. Muft WiFi focuses on lowering cost of wifi distribution and provides attractive ad and coupon formats to monetize from your free wifi hotspot.