Hotspot Network Design - Deployment Guide

🔒ADMIN

// Required Equipment

MikroTik RB951Required

Main router and hotspot controller. Handles billing, auth, bandwidth management.

Brand NewKES 8,000

UsedKES 3,500 – 6,000

CAT6 Cable (305m)Required

Ethernet cable for MikroTik to all Tenda access points.

New BoxKES 5,000

RJ45 ConnectorsRequired

Crimp connectors. Get extras for re-crimps.

BoxKES 500

Crimping ToolRequired

Get a ratchet crimper — cheap ones waste connectors.

BasicKES 500 – 800

RatchetKES 1,200 – 2,000

Tenda Router (AP)Required

Wi-Fi access point. Cheap, easy, perfect for beginners.

NewKES 1,500

UsedKES 1,000 – 1,300

Internet ConnectionRequired

Upstream internet from any local ISP.

MonthlyKES 2,000 – 5,000

Billing SystemChoose

Vouchers, M-Pesa payments, customer accounts.

FreeKES 0

PaidKES 700

💡 Tip: Offer caretaker KES 1,000/month for troubleshooting. Saves trips.

// Coverage Planning Rules

📡 Open Space

Each Tenda covers 15m radius. For 45m = 3 Tendas.

🏢 Indoor

Walls kill Wi-Fi. Place Tenda every 7 metres.

🏗️ Multi-Storey

Each floor needs its own Tendas. Run separate ethernet.

📐 Expansion

Add more Tendas following spacing rules.

// Cost & Coverage Calculator

Network Design Calculator

Configure your deployment for instant cost estimates.

Environment

Distance (metres)

Floors

MikroTik

Tenda Price

Crimping Tool

Billing

Internet/mo

Caretaker

// Results

// 🛒 Equipment Vendors

⏳

🛒 Apply to Be Listed as a Vendor

Selling networking equipment? Submit your application and we'll review it.

Business / Person Name

Phone Number

Location

Products You Sell

Shop Photo * REQUIRED

📸 Upload a clear photo of your shop or products display.

➕ Add Vendor (Admin)

Name

Phone

Location

Products

Photo * REQUIRED

🛡️ Safety Tips for Hiring Installers

⚠️ Never pay money upfront — only pay after the work is completed and tested.

📍 Choose an installer nearest to you — saves transport costs and makes follow-up easier.

📋 Plan your network first — use the calculator above to know exactly what you need.

🛒 Buy devices independently from vendors above — don't let the installer buy for you. Check prices yourself.

// 🔧 Installers & Technicians

⏳

🔧 Apply to Be Listed as an Installer

Offering hotspot installation services? Get listed and reach more customers.

Your Name

Phone Number

Your Area

Services You Offer

Photos of Your Work * REQUIRED (max 5)

📸 Upload photos showing you doing actual installation work — crimping cables, configuring MikroTik, mounting access points, etc. At least 1 photo is required.

➕ Add Installer (Admin)

Name

Phone

Area

Speciality

Photos (max 5)

Pending applications (all types)

⏳

// 🎓 Beginner Tutorial — Learn MikroTik

🎬

MikroTik for Absolute Beginners

Start here if you've never touched a MikroTik before. Learn how to download Winbox, log in for the first time, give your MikroTik internet, and basic troubleshooting when things don't work.

🕒 Timestamps — Jump to any section:

🎬0:00 — Introduction

💾0:36 — Downloading & Installing Winbox

🔑2:55 — First Time Login to MikroTik

🔧4:42 — Troubleshoot Winbox Login

🌐5:25 — Giving MikroTik Internet

🛠️8:50 — Troubleshoot Internet Connection

💡

Pro Tip: Watch this video before buying equipment. If Winbox won't connect or you can't ping Google, the troubleshooting sections at 4:42 and 8:50 will save you hours. Subscribe to FreeISP on YouTube for more tutorials.

// Growth Path

Stage 1 — Starter

MikroTik RB951 + Tenda APs. Simple, cheap, gets you earning.

Stage 2 — Intermediate

Upgrade to Ubiquiti/TP-Link EAP. Add managed switch.

Stage 3 — Advanced

Outdoor APs, sector antennas. Upgrade MikroTik at 50-70 users.

Stage 4 — Full ISP

Multiple locations, fibre, PPPoE, servers, M-Pesa billing, support team.