MyWiFi

Creating an Hotspot using a Windows PC and Virtual Hotspot Router

Using the Windows utility Virtual Hotspot router you can turn an ordinary Windows PC into a router compatible with My WiFi Service.


Hotspot Windows PC


The computer on which you installed the utility must have two network adapters: the first (LAN 1) will be connected to internet via the modem/router that provides connectivity, while the second (LAN 2) will be connected to the Access Point that spreads the WiFi signal.

The choice of the network adapters

If you want to use a desktop PC to manage the hotspot, you should use the integrated network card to connect to the Internet, while for the second network card you can opt for a PCI card or a USB Ethernet adapter (choice less powerful).


If you use a laptop, you do not need to install additional network adapters because usually all laptop computers have two network adapters: one wireless and one ethernet. In this case, the wireless network card (LAN 1) will be connected to the Internet while the Ethernet (LAN 2) must be connected to the access point.

Configuration of the network adapters and access point

The adapter connected to the Internet can be configured in either DHCP or a static IP address. In the latter case it is necessary to enter also the DNS servers in the configuration.

As for the second network card (LAN 2) we will have to set:


-IP Address: 10.182.0.1
-Subnet: 255.255.255.0
-Gateway: none


While for the Access Point the configuration must be as follows:


-IP Address: 10.182.0.2
-Subnet: 255.255.255.0
-Gateway: 10.182.0.1


Installation and configuration of Virtual Hotspot Router

Virtual Hotspot Router is able to transform a PC with two network cards in a router.
The program consists of two modules: a Windows service and a configuration utility.



After downloading and installing the software, run the setup utility. On first access you will be prompted to enter the credentials of your account My WiFi Service and will see the following screen:


Virtual Hotspot Router


To complete the configuration, simply select the two network cards and click on the "Save & Apply".

After setup, and the PC restart, the Virtual Hotspot Router will start automatically. From this point on, to check the service status or make configuration changes, simply click on the icon in the Windows Tray.

Testing the Hotspot

Para verificar el correcto funcionamiento del punto de acceso, utilizamos un teléfono inteligente o un cuaderno y nos conectamos a la red Wi-Fi con el nombre de nuestra ubicación.


El procedimiento para acceder al punto de acceso es diferente dependiendo del tipo de dispositivo utilizado:


  • PC/Notebook: al abrir el navegador con cualquier página web (no https) se le redirige a la página de inicio de sesión.
  • IPhone/iPad: seleccionando la red Wi-Fi se abre automáticamente la página de inicio de sesión.
  • Android: se muestra una notificación que le avisa de que está conectado a un punto de acceso. Al hacer clic en la notificación, se le redirige a la página de inicio de sesión.

Captive Portal


Para completar la prueba, creamo un usuario registrado (o un billete prepago) en la página correspondiente en la pantalla principal de la aplicación e introducimos el nombre de usuario y la contraseña del usuario que acabamos de crear.