is it possible to set a certain limit for wi-fi users?

Question

using wireless captive portals? like, when people are in restaurants and they don't leave the place anymore because of the free connection. how can we limit it to just, say, an hour or two.

Answer 1

Hey! If you wanted me to leave today, you should have just said so -- I mean come on, I did buy a frakking $8 sandwich and drink after all -- I paid for my time on the internet -- and it isn't like the place was jam-packed -- there was hardly anyone in there at all today!



;-D



Sorry, I spend a lot of time at restaurants and coffee shops using their WiFi, but I do buy their overpriced food and coffee, so I feel like I pay my way.



Also, you could just explain to them that other are waiting for their table would them mind freeing up the table... I mean.. come on... don't try to use technology to fix your problem, because it will just cause more problems anyway.



People will wonder why they can't get on and then bug your wait staff who will have to tell them that they have to leave anyway, so.. like... what's the difference? You might as well just grow a backbone and confront the people directly.

Answer 2

That would be a function of the router or 3rd party software. I use Valuepoint routers, but there does happen to be a few other "free" applications that let you limit use.



Of course, Google is your friend. Try INTERNET CAFE SOFTWARE and do a search. One of the results would be Public IP http://www.publicip.com/ it requires a Linux server with 2 network cards, but the machine can be a memory stick.



Carl

Answer 3

if you are paying a vendor to provide the captive portal management, you should contact there support department to have them either set this up for you, or walk you thru how you can set this up...



if you are doing this on your own, then you should search the support forums for the firmware that you are using on your access point

Answer 4

There may be something in the router's configuration to allow each host to connect for a certain period of time. It depends on what router you have, though.

Answer 5

In order to to fix the problem you can use a software to enter into your router. So when they use the net you can have the control over the net connection... if they spend more time you can restrict them.

The better way is to inform them in direct that they are spending more time.............