The Voucher Based Hotspot

A voucher is nothing more than a preselected username and password which is used for authenticating a subscriber. The user name and passwords are randomly generated and generally printed on card stock the size of a business card. This Voucher can usually be designed with your logo and contain any other information you choose. It does require a server for your guest to authenticate against.  Each voucher can provide a time based or usage based limit. They can be free with the purchase of a service, like a meal, or pay as you go such as an internet café. There are lots of benefits to this type of a system; security is just one good reason.
For restaurant owners, a big concern is someone taking up valuable table space and using that space as a personal office.  This not only frustrates people waiting for a table, but waitress staff as well. Both the restaurant owner and the waitress make their money by turning over tables; it’s simple math more customers equal money. Other businesses such as a car dealer might install this in the repair shop waiting room because of the added security benefits. The Added security is a benefit to both them and their customers.

A few of the pros for installing a voucher based hotspot:

1. It helps you control who is using your internet and aids in the prevention of freeloaders setting in the parking lot using your Wi-Fi for who knows what.
2. It gives you control of how long someone can sit and surf the internet.
3. It can be used to stop bandwidth hogs, by controlling the amount of data a person can download.
4. Preprinted voucher cards also allow you an easy way of adding encryption to your hotspot. The preprinted voucher contains the encryption key, adding another layer of security to your Wi-Fi. This added security, depending on the type of encryption used, acts as a deterrent against hijacking and packet sniffing.  It adds a level of protection to your customers Wi-Fi experience.

The cons of a voucher based hotspot:

1. Cost is probably the biggest con and deterrent of voucher based Wi-Fi. There is the ongoing cost of printing vouchers, maintaining an authentication server.
2. The initial installation and configuration costs are much higher. You will need to procure a server for voucher printing and authentication. If you’re not a wiz at computers you will most likely need to pay a technician to configure and install the equipment. There are also hot spot service providers, that for a fee, or the right to send advertising to your guests can provide many of these services.
3. When looking at the free hot spot vs. the voucher based hot spot; the voucher is not a “set it and forget it” system like the free hot spot. There will be ongoing maintenance with the voucher based system.

Even with the cons and costs associated with a voucher based hot spot, for me, there is an allure to it. I like the idea of controlling access to my wireless, protecting my customer and limiting my liability. As far as hot spots go; there is a comfort factor involved in the knowledge that I have done my best to protect my customers and myself, while providing a service to my customers.

Dan Baker
Senior Wireless Engineer