DD-WRT Hotspot Setup Guide
How to setup a hotspot with dd-wrt?
Important note: This solution requires a Hotspot Operator Account at HotSpotSystem.com. You can create an Operator Account here. If you would like to see what features you will be able to use with our solutions, click here. If you already have an Operator Account, then read on...
1.Download DD-WRT
We can only recommend build 22118 or later (coovachilli based dd-wrt). Following versions are supported: mini_hotspot (broadcom_K26 non-nv60k , non-nv64k!), nokaid, standard, big or mega. Other versions (like mini or micro) don't contain the hotspot module so they cannot be used for hotspot purposes.
If you need help finding a dd-wrt for your router, please read: Is my (desired) router DD-WRT compatible?
2. Replace firmware with DD-WRT
Please read your router's manual about how to upgrade the firmware on your router. Some dd-wrt versions have tricky firmware upgrade methods, please be sure that you are familiar with it. You can find information on dd-wrt's website and in dd-wrt forums. Replacing the firmware on your router will void the warranty.
Check this example about replacing factory firmware to DD-WRT on a Linksys WRT54GL.
3.Hotspot System Setup
NOTE FOR MAC USERS: You need to use a Chromium browser, like Google Chrome. Safari or Firefox may not work correctly when using dd-wrt web interface.
1. Open your router's admin page
2. Go to Services > Hotspot. Enable Hotspot System (where you see our logo).
3. Fill out the following fields:
Operator Username: this is the username which you have registered when you signed up at hotspotsystem.com.
Location ID: put '1' if this is your 1st location, put '2' for 2nd location, etc. If you are installing multiple routers at the same location, for example WDS routers, you have to add '_wds' to the location number, for example '2_wds' is the 2nd router in location #2, '2_wds_2' is the 3rd router for location #2, etc.
If you are unsure, just type '1'.
DHCP Interface: Choose the interface where you want the hotspot to work. If you leave it on LAN, then your hotspot will be reached via wireless and on the LAN ports as well. If you want to limit it to either wireless only or LAN ports only, please check our DD-WRT interface article.
For Hotspot FREE BASIC and SOCIAL locations only: click on Special Settings 'Enable', then Login on Splash Page 'Enable'.
You can include desired domains in the UAM domains field, which you require to be accessed prior to authentication. The list has to be in the following format:
domain1.com domain2.com domain3.com
For Hotspot FREE SOCIAL locations: you need to add several domains/hosts to the allowed field in order to allow users to log in to there favorite social site. Please follow this article to add these domains/hosts to the whitelist.
Leave every other fields as it is, and press 'APPLY SETTINGS'.
Wait a few minutes then connect to the router wirelessly and open a browser window and type a web address. You should be forwarded to your Wi-Fi splash page. Also, you can check your e-mail address, the system is sending automatic e-mail to the e-mail address you have provided at the registration upon successful installation.
IF YOU DON'T GET AN IP ADDRESS FROM THE ROUTER OR NOTHING HAPPENS WHEN YOU TYPE A WEB ADDRESS: Set the DNS server to your ISP's DNS address or 8.8.8.8 manually in Setup > Basic Setup > Network setup > Router IP > Local DNS, then press 'APPLY SETTINGS'.
If you still have problems, go to the Network Address Server Settings(DHCP) here and uncheck all the three checkboxes for 'Use DNSMasq for DHCP' , 'Use DNSMasq for DNS' and 'DHCP -Authoritative', then press 'APPLY SETTINGS'. Wait a few minutes and try to connect to the router again.
IMPORTANT!: After the setup procedure the router will be set to redirect the LAN interface to the splash page also, so you will need a valid hotspot user account to get access to the hotspot first if you want to access the router's admin interface. You can use a master account, or a test voucher code that comes with your account. Click this link to see how you can set up a master account.
You are done. Before you go live, it's time to test your hotspot. You can also set custom packages, pricing, etc. in the Control Center .
