WorldSpot.net firmware
A new firmware based on openwrt backfire made by worldspot.net.
Features
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Easy installation: You just have to create the node in your worldspot account by giving it a name, its mac address, and the hotspot configuration. Then, flash the router, and plug it to the local area network.
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Remote configuration: There is no configuration web page on the hotspot. All the configuration is made on worldspot.net dashboard.
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Real time dashboard: The dashboard now interacts in real time with your hotspot.
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You can see what hotspot users are connected
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You can log them in or out.
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You can execute shell commands immediately.
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Based on openwrt backfire: Compatible with a very large hardware base.
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MultiSsid: On hardware which supports multiple SSID, 2 separate wifi networks are handled:
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A public hotspot SSID: The hotspot public network
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A private SSID: A WPA encrypted network that is connected to your private LAN. You can of course choose the SSID of both network as well as the private wifi passphrase.
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Hotspot monitoring: Every 10 minutes, the hotspot contacts WorldSpot servers to fetch its configuration (checkin). If WorldSpot servers don't detect any checkin after a certain amount of time, an email is sent to warn you that there might be a problem with the hotspot.
Only the hotspot is managed. The hotspot router is to be connected to your existing local area network modem/router, through its internet/WAN port.
The hotspot LAN ports are connected to the public hotspot network, so you can connect additionnal wifi access points to these ports to extend the hotspot coverage.
Installation instructions
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Register to WorldSpot.net
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Validate your email
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Create a hotspot. Give it a name. This is only a configuration that can be shared between multiple hotspots.
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Go in WorldSpot Firmware/Node Setup. This section is specific to WorldSpot firmware
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Enter your router mac address. It should be written under the router.
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Give the router a name
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Choose your hotspot configuration (multiple routers can share the same configuration)
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Click on Create Node
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You can then flash your hotspot router by following the hardware specific flashing instructions below.
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Once flashed, you simply have to plug your hotspot router WAN/INTERNET ethernet port to your existing modem/router Local Area Network (LAN). You must not plug it through its LAN ports. Your existing LAN must provide a DHCP service for the hotspot to get its internet configuration.
At boot, the hotspot router should retrieve its configuration from WorldSpot servers (called checkin) every 10 minutes. In WorldSpot Firmware/Node Setup page, you should be able to see a checkin date and time.
If you see the checkin time, then you should be able to connect to the hotspot public wifi, and start to test and tune your hotspot configuration.
Flashing WorldSpot firmware
Warning: Flashing your router may void its warranty. Flashing your router with inapropriate firmware can "brick" your router. WorldSpot takes no responsability about this.
If you don't feel comfortable about flashing your router, then you shouldn't. WorldSpot.net can provide preflashed routers. Please contact WorldSpot.net.
WorldSpot firmware is currently tested on the following routers (Please click on the link to get flashing instructions):
WorldSpot firmware should be compatible with most openwrt backfire compatible devices. If you want to use another hardware, please read this page.
Troubleshooting
If you don't see the checkin time after some minutes, there are some things you can try:
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Double check the mac address entered in WorldSpot Firmware/Node Setup.
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Please check that you get the internet from your LAN by connecting the ethernet cable of your hotspot router to your laptop (or PC) ethernet port. The DHCP service must work.
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If OK, power off your hotspot router (pull the cord), connect back the ethernet cable to its INTERNET/WAN port (very important), then power on the hotspot router again.
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After one or two minutes, check on the WordSpot account/WorldSpot Firmware/Node Setup if you see a checkin time.
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If your DHCP server (in your LAN router) indicates the list of DHCP leases, please check that the hotspot router is on the list.
If it is in the list, check if the mac address is the one you configured and get its IP address and try to ping it.
If it answers, try to ssh to the router using putty. The login is "root" and the default password when not configured is "f8j4o9c7"
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The LAN ports ip address are set to 10.150.1.1. If you set your computer ip address to 10.150.1.2 and connect it to the router through the LAN ports, you should be able to ping and ssh to 10.150.1.1
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If still no checkin, something may have gone wrong during the flashing process. Please contact worldspot.net.
