AP Geo-Targeting (VPN, VLAN)

Owned by Zdenek Sidney Hornych
Last updated: May 29, 2018 by Lukáš Miarka

VPN and hotspot

Ads can be targeted only on the basis of usage VLAN tagging technology (IEEE 802.1q) or double tagging (IEEE 802.1ad). The whole principle comes from the use of more Hotspot configuration on one RouterOS (or similar) and data directions from concrete APs to concrete Hotspots. Every Hotspot serves exact geo-location (see the block diagram).


1.1 Usage of IEEE 802.1q (VLAN tagging)

To use this solution it is necessary to set the appropriate VLAN among every APs and Hotspots through all connected devices in the way. All devices must support 802.1q (most of standard manageable devices support). Then we manage connection among geo-locations and every geo-location has its own Hotspot. The disadvantage of this solution seems to be large amount of work involved and lack of clarity on the VLAN settings of all the devices.

1.2 Usage of IEEE 802.1ad (double VLAN tagging - QinQ)

The second possibility is use of double tagging technology. The technical principle is the same with the first option with following difference, between the edge points it will be used current VLAN and to the edge points will be added VLAN for geo-targeting technology. All affected devices must allow double VLAN tagging. The advantage is less amount of work involved and more clarity in the use of the existing network structure.

1.3 Setting more Hotspots on one RouterOS

To run few Hotspot configuration on one Router OS (or similar) you need to assure:

  • separate storage directories (original /hotspot/ *) for each hotspot apart, so that login.html file for each instance Hotspot is unique. It contains a serial number (MAC address) code for hotspot detection. 
  • in every login.html file of every Hotspot set unique Hotspot identification equal to System Admin identification

See setup guide for Mikrotik - Multiple Hotspots on a Single Device for more details.