In this section, you can define and customize multiple SSIDs used for network access.
The Multi SSID functionality allows you to configure both PPSK (Pre-Shared Key) and Captive Portal SSIDs.
PPSK SSID
The PPSK (Pre-Shared Key) SSID is designed to initialize individual Personalized Network Keys (PSKs).
Each PSK is tied to a specific SSID and is only valid for that particular SSID, providing a more secure and personalized method of network access.
Required Information for PPSK SSID configuration:
- SSID Name: The SSID name should match the one users will connect to, which is the same SSID configured in the Access Point vendor interface. It’s used internally to manage network access parameters.
- Description: An optional field for adding specific notes about the SSID (e.g., location or intended usage).
Captive Portal SSID
The Captive Portal SSID allows you to provide users with a customized experience, such as a splash portal and login profile, which can differ from the default configuration defined at the Location level. This enables you to offer distinct user experiences based on the SSID, even when using the same Access Point or group of APs.
Required Information for Captive Portal SSID Configuration:
- SSID Name: The SSID name should match the one users will connect to, which is the one configured in the Access Point vendor interface.
- Description: An optional field for adding notes about the SSID (e.g., location, intended usage, or other relevant details).
- Splash Portal: Select an existing splash portal from the list of those already defined in the system.
- Login Profile: Choose an existing login profile from those defined in the system.
- Enable the SSID: To activate the SSID, both the Splash Portal and Login Profile must be defined. If disabled, users will experience the default user experience based on location settings.
Important Notes:
- Once a splash portal and login profile are assigned to an SSID, they cannot be deleted from the control panel.
- Only enabled SSIDs with custom configurations will apply the customized user experience. Disabled SSIDs will revert to the default settings.
- Captive Portal SSIDs can integrate with User Group functionality, allowing users to be assigned to different groups based on the SSID they connect to.
Vendor-Specific Configuration for Captive Portal SSIDs
When configuring Captive Portal SSIDs, the SSID Name in the Cloud4Wi control panel must match the one in the AP vendor interface. The method for passing the SSID to the system may vary depending on the AP vendor:
-
Vendors that support URL variables: Some vendors, like Meraki, allow you to add the SSID directly in the Captive Portal URL. For these vendors, append the following variable to the Captive Portal URL:
This enables the system to automatically recognize the SSID and apply the correct settings.
-
Vendors that do not support URL variables: For vendors that don’t support URL variables, the SSID name must be configured using a specific SSID parameter. The name of this SSID parameter can vary by vendor (e.g.,
ssid,ssid_name,wlan_ssid).
Supported Vendors and SSID Parameters:
| Aruba Networks | Aruba Instant (IAP) | essid |
| Aruba Central | essid |
|
| Cisco Systems | Catalyst 9800 |
wlan wlan_ssid
|
| WLC |
wlan wlan_ssid
|
|
| Meraki MR series | Supports Captive Portal URL variables (?c4wi_ssid=SSID_Name) |
|
| Ruckus Wireless |
If your vendor isn’t listed or you encounter a version mismatch (i.e., a different parameter name than those supported), please contact Cloud4wi support for assistance.