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Bring Your Own Hardware (BYOD)
Already have WiFi access points? CaptiFi can work with your existing hardware. This page helps you find the right setup guide and understand what's needed for a BYOD integration.
CaptiFi Device Option
If your hardware isn't compatible — or you'd just prefer a simpler setup — every plan includes a CaptiFi plug-and-play device (£60 refundable hold). It works alongside your existing WiFi with zero configuration on your router.
Supported Platforms
We have integration guides for the following platforms:
| Platform | Integration Type | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Ubiquiti UniFi | Controller API (or Remote Tunnel) | UniFi Guide |
| TP-Link Omada | Controller API + external portal | TP-Link Guide |
| Aruba Instant On | External portal + RADIUS | Aruba Guide |
| Ruckus Wireless | Hotspot (WISPr) + RADIUS | Ruckus Guide |
| Cisco Meraki | Click-through splash | Meraki Guide |
| Cisco Catalyst 9800 / AireOS WLC | RADIUS + CoA (CWA) | Cisco Guide |
| MikroTik | Hotspot (assisted setup) | MikroTik Guide |
| DrayTek | Assisted setup | Contact support |
| Other | Varies | Contact support |
General Requirements
For any hardware to work with CaptiFi, it must support:
- External captive portal — redirect guests to an external URL for login, passing the guest's device (MAC) details
- A way to authorise guests — either a controller API CaptiFi can call, RADIUS authentication against
radius.captifi.io, or a click-through grant flow (like Meraki) - Walled garden / pre-auth access — allow guests to reach CaptiFi domains (at least
app.captifi.io) before they log in - Guest network isolation — recommended for security (separate VLAN or guest network)
How BYOD Works
Guest connects to WiFi
↓
Access point detects unauthenticated guest
↓
Guest is redirected to CaptiFi splash page
↓
Guest completes login (name, email, etc.)
↓
CaptiFi authenticates via API / RADIUS
↓
Access point grants internet access- Your access point detects a new guest connection
- It redirects the guest to the CaptiFi portal URL
- The guest completes the splash page login (name, email, and any custom questions)
- CaptiFi authenticates the guest via your AP's API or RADIUS
- The guest is granted internet access
Setup Checklist
Before starting any BYOD integration, make sure you have:
| Done | Item |
|---|---|
| Admin access to your access point or controller | |
| Access point firmware is up to date | |
| A CaptiFi account at my.captifi.io | |
| Your hardware model and firmware version noted down | |
| Ability to create / edit a guest WiFi network |
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Splash page not appearing | Ensure your AP is configured for external captive portal and the portal URL points to CaptiFi |
| "Portal unreachable" error | Check that walled garden / pre-auth entries include *.captifi.io and app.captifi.io |
| Guests can't get online after login | Verify RADIUS or API authentication is correctly configured; check for firewall rules blocking post-auth traffic |
| Broken or unstyled splash page | Add fonts.googleapis.com and fonts.gstatic.com to the walled garden |
| Hardware not listed above | Contact us — we may still be able to integrate, or you can use a CaptiFi device instead |
Don't See Your Hardware?
Contact us at hello@captifi.io with:
- Your hardware brand and model
- Current firmware version
- Whether you have controller / management access
We'll let you know if we can integrate and help you get set up.
Next Steps
- CaptiFi device setup — if you'd prefer the plug-and-play option
- Customise your splash page
- Set up email campaigns
- Common issues
Need Help?
Every network is different. If you're unsure which setup is right for you, or you're stuck during configuration:
- Email: hello@captifi.io
- Live Chat: Available on captifi.io