GWN76xx, GWN Manager, GWN.CloudManaged APDirect
Hotspot-Box with Grandstream GWN
Grandstream GWN76xx access points work with Hotspot-Box directly. Through GWN Manager, GWN.Cloud or the AP's built-in manager (master AP) you attach the guest SSID to the box's LAN side or to the guest VLAN; the login screen, SMS verification and Law 5651 records stay on the box. Menu names vary with the management surface and firmware version, so we describe each setting by its function.
The one setting that changes on the AP
Attach the guest SSID to the VLAN that exits to the box's LAN and keep GWN's own captive portal feature off for that SSID.
Step by step
- 1
In the GWN manager create the guest SSID; enter the VLAN ID that reaches the box's LAN.
- 2
Set the switch ports the APs hang off to carry that VLAN tagged.
- 3
Leave the GWN captive portal option off on the SSID; GWN only manages the Wi-Fi.
- 4
Turn on client isolation; if GWN asks for a gateway MAC as isolation mode, enter the MAC address of the box's LAN side.
- 5
If you use a GWN router, switch off DHCP on the guest VLAN; the box hands out the addresses.
- 6
Test: join the guest SSID, the box's screen should open, and the SMS code should get you online.
Common traps
If the GWN captive portal stays on you get two login screens and the box's record is incomplete.
If isolation is set to gateway-MAC mode with the wrong MAC, guests never reach the box; use the box's LAN MAC.
In master AP mode a setting may have stayed on that one AP only; verify all APs received the same SSID and VLAN settings.
Band steering and roaming do not affect the box, but if the guest SSID sits on a different VLAN on one AP, the connection drops while roaming.
PoE class differs between GWN76xx models; underpowered APs reboot.
Frequently asked
Does it work without GWN.Cloud?
Yes. The same settings are made via the master AP or a local GWN Manager. The management surface makes no difference to the box.
Can GWN APs connect to the box over RADIUS?
Yes; a GWN AP can be registered with the box's RADIUS server as a NAS. Bridge mode is enough for most businesses.
Can the same AP carry a staff SSID and a guest SSID?
Yes. The staff SSID stays on its own VLAN, the guest SSID attaches to the VLAN that goes to the box. The two never see each other.
Menu names and locations change with firmware versions; this page describes each setting by its function. Screenshots are available from your installer or from us.