Skip to main contentFrequently Asked Questions
General
What is Linkr?
Linkr is a platform that transforms wireless hotspots into a global connectivity network. It enables anyone with a router or access point to share their internet connection with others, while providing users with a way to discover and connect to verified hotspots wherever they go.
The system consists of three main components:
- Users who discover and connect to hotspots
- Operators who run hotspots and earn rewards
- The Linkr Network that coordinates everything
No. Linkr is not a telecom provider and does not own or operate the underlying internet connections. Think of Linkr as a coordination layer: it helps people who have connectivity share it with people who need it, while providing discovery, verification, and quality assurance.
The actual internet service comes from the hotspot operator’s existing connection (home broadband, business fiber, etc.).
How is Linkr different from public Wi-Fi?
Traditional public Wi-Fi is fragmented: every cafe, hotel, or airport has its own network with its own login process. There’s no way to know the quality before you connect, and no consistency from one location to the next.
Linkr provides:
- A unified map of all verified hotspots
- Quality indicators so you know what to expect before connecting
- Consistent authentication through the Linkr app
- Incentives for operators to maintain reliable service
Who can use Linkr?
Anyone can use Linkr to find and connect to hotspots. Download the app, create an account, and you can start discovering nearby hotspots immediately.
Anyone with a router and internet connection can become an operator. There’s no special hardware required, though better equipment generally means better performance.
Coverage and Availability
How accurate is the coverage map?
The coverage map shows the locations of verified hotspots with estimated coverage areas. These estimates are based on:
- The type of device (router specifications)
- Indoor vs outdoor placement
- Historical connection data from users
The circles on the map represent where you’re likely to get a usable signal. Actual coverage depends on physical factors like walls, interference, and obstacles that we can’t fully account for.
Coverage data updates in near-real-time. When a hotspot goes online or offline, the map reflects that within a few minutes.
What happens if a hotspot goes offline?
If a hotspot goes offline:
- It’s marked as unavailable on the map (shown in gray)
- Users currently connected are disconnected
- The operator’s availability score is affected
Operators receive notifications when their hotspots go offline so they can investigate and restore service.
If you’re a user and the hotspot you’re connected to goes offline, the Linkr app will notify you and can help you find an alternative nearby.
How do I know if a hotspot is reliable?
Each hotspot displays metrics to help you evaluate reliability:
- Uptime percentage: Shows how often the hotspot has been available over the past 30 days
- Performance tier: Standard, Enhanced, or Premium based on historical performance
- Current status: Real-time availability
Hotspots with high uptime and Premium tier status are the most reliable. New hotspots without track records show as “Standard” until they build history.
Hardware and Setup
Do I need special hardware to run a hotspot?
No. Most consumer and business routers work with Linkr. The key requirements are:
- Ability to create a guest network or separate SSID
- Stable internet connection (10+ Mbps recommended)
- Consistent power supply
You don’t need to install any special software on your router. The Linkr app handles registration and monitoring.
That said, better hardware generally means better performance:
- Business-grade access points handle more simultaneous users
- Outdoor-rated equipment provides better coverage
- Newer Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac/ax) offer higher speeds
Can I use my existing home router?
Yes, in most cases. Modern home routers typically support guest networks, which is the recommended setup for Linkr. This keeps your personal network private while sharing connectivity through a separate, isolated network.
Check your router’s documentation or admin panel to see if guest network features are available.
How do I protect my personal network?
We strongly recommend using a guest network or VLAN to isolate Linkr traffic from your personal devices. This means:
- Linkr users can’t see or access your personal computers, printers, or other devices
- Your main network traffic is unaffected
- You maintain full control over bandwidth allocation
Most routers have guest network features built in. Enable “client isolation” if available to prevent Linkr users from seeing each other as well.
Rewards
How do operators earn rewards?
Operators earn rewards based on three factors:
- Availability (50%): Is your hotspot online when the system checks?
- Performance (30%): How fast and stable is the connection?
- Utilization (20%): Are users actually connecting?
The system continuously monitors hotspots and distributes rewards to those that maintain reliable service. Higher availability and better performance mean higher rewards.
What is “proof of availability”?
Proof of availability is how Linkr verifies that hotspots are actually online. The system sends random challenges to hotspots throughout the day. Hotspots must respond within a time limit to prove they’re available.
This prevents operators from gaming the system by only being online during predictable windows. Challenges are unpredictable, so consistent uptime is required.
How often are rewards distributed?
Rewards are calculated continuously and settled periodically. The current settlement schedule is shown in the app. Pending rewards appear in your dashboard before settlement.
What affects my rewards?
The biggest factors are:
- Uptime: Offline hotspots don’t earn. Aim for 99%+ availability.
- Challenge success rate: Respond to all proof-of-availability challenges.
- Performance: Faster, more stable connections earn performance bonuses.
- Location demand: Hotspots in high-demand areas with users connecting earn more.
See the Operator Rewards Guide for optimization strategies.
Connectivity and Sessions
How do I connect to a Linkr hotspot?
- Open the Linkr app
- Browse the map or list to find nearby hotspots
- Tap a hotspot to see details
- Tap “Connect”
The app handles all authentication automatically. You don’t need to enter passwords or go through captive portals.
Is my data secure when using a Linkr hotspot?
Your connection to the Linkr hotspot uses standard Wi-Fi encryption (WPA2 or WPA3). However, as with any public network, we recommend:
- Using HTTPS websites (most modern sites use this by default)
- Considering a VPN for additional privacy
- Avoiding sensitive activities on untrusted networks
Linkr does not inspect or store your internet traffic. We only track connection metadata (which hotspot you connected to, how long, how much data).
What happens if I lose connection?
If you temporarily lose connection (for example, you walked out of range), the app attempts to reconnect automatically. If you’re within range and the hotspot is still online, the connection should resume.
If the hotspot has gone offline or you’re out of range, the app notifies you and shows other nearby options.
Account and Support
How do I delete my account?
You can request account deletion through the app:
- Go to Settings → Account
- Tap Delete Account
- Confirm the deletion
Your data will be removed according to our data retention policy. Active hotspots will be deregistered.
For help with any issues:
- Email: support@linkr.network
- In-app: Settings → Help → Contact Support
- Community forums: Available through the app
When contacting support, include:
- Your account email
- Hotspot ID (if relevant)
- Description of the issue
- Steps you’ve already tried
Where can I report a problem with a hotspot?
If you experience issues with a specific hotspot (poor quality, inappropriate content, etc.):
- Tap the hotspot on the map
- Scroll down to “Report Issue”
- Select the type of problem
- Provide details
Reports are reviewed by our team. Operators of problematic hotspots may be warned or suspended.
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn’t answered here:
