Recommended devices

In this FAQ we'll point out some of the proven to work hardware configurations for different scenarios.

The suggestions below are put into groups depending on what you already have on-site in terms of network hardware.

No infrastructure

If you don't have any network infrastructure at all, just a simple modem or a router from your internet service provider (ISP), check our recommendations below. These devices are proven to work and are easy to configure using our guides.

TP-Link Omada

In this case you have to buy an access point (one or more per venue) and a controller (one per venue).

Recommended access points:

• EAP225 or EAP245 (WiFi 5 / 802.11ac)

• EAP620 HD or EAP660 HD (WiFi 6 / 802.11ax)

Recommended controllers:

• hardware based - TP-Link Omada OC200

• cloud based - Omada Cloud-based Controller (see note below)

If you choose to use Omada Cloud-based Controller, you will need a paid Standard plan.

As of September 2024, a new Essentials controller plan is available, but lacks the required functionality to setup a Captive Portal.

You can also use the software controller and install it on your own server if you're feeling brave.

We recommend getting the OC200 hardware controller.

An example setup for a small venue consists of one "Omada EAP225" (access point) and one "Omada OC200" (controller).

Grandstream Networks

In this setup, you only need to buy an access point (one or more per venue), there's no need to buy a separate controller.

These access points support Social WiFi and are proven to work:

• GWN7615 (WiFi 5 / 802.11ac)

• GWN7625 (WiFi 5 / 802.11ac)

• GWN7660 (WiFi 6 / 802.11ax)

An example setup for a small venue consists of one "GWN7615" (access point).

Mikrotik

If your venue is relatively small and one access point will be enough, you can use a MikroTik device, which is the most flexible solution and usually the most affordable. It's a bit more complex to configure than the previously mentioned options.

Recommended devices:

• MikroTik hAP ax lite (WiFi 6 / 802.11ax)

• MikroTik hAP ax2 (WiFi 6 / 802.11ax)

An example setup for a small venue consists of one "MikroTik hAP ax lite" (router and access point).

Existing wireless infrastructure, but not directly supported by Social WiFi

If you already have a network infrastructure, but none of the devices are compatible with our service, we can recommend getting a MikroTik router and adding it into the already existing network. With MikroTik you can't go wrong - no matter if your network is simple or utilizes multiple VLANs, it will just work. We have dedicated installation guides for MikroTik to cover all the cases.

For smaller networks (restaurants, e.g.):

• MikroTik "hEX" RB750Gr3 (router only, no WiFi included)

• MikroTik "hEX" E50UG (better hardware, same price as above) (router only, no WiFi included)

For bigger enterprise objects (hotels, e.g.):

• MikroTik RB3011UiAS-RM (router only, no WiFi included, rack-mounted)

Still not sure what to pick?

Contact us at: [e-mail]. Please send us all the details that you know, including current hardware models or it's photos. We're help you pick the right equipment.