Create a Hotspot
This guide walks you through the complete process of setting up a Linkr hotspot, from initial signup to going live on the network.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A compatible router or access point
- A stable internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps recommended)
- The Linkr app installed on your mobile device
- Physical access to the location where you’ll operate the hotspot
Step 1: Create an Account
If you don’t already have a Linkr account:
- Open the Linkr app
- Tap Create Account
- Enter your email address and create a password
- Verify your email through the confirmation link
If you already have a Linkr account as a user, you can use the same account to become an operator. No need to create a separate account.
Step 2: Start Hotspot Registration
From the app’s main screen:
- Tap the + button or navigate to My Hotspots
- Select Register New Hotspot
- Choose your hotspot type:
- Home: Residential location
- Business: Commercial establishment
- Public: Community or public space
Step 3: Verify Your Location
Linkr requires location verification to ensure accurate coverage data.
GPS Verification
For most setups, GPS verification is the simplest option:
- Enable location services when prompted
- Stand near your router’s intended location
- Tap Verify Location
- Wait for GPS confirmation (usually takes a few seconds)
Address Verification
If GPS is unavailable or inaccurate:
- Select Verify by Address
- Enter the complete street address
- Confirm the location on the map
- You may be asked to upload a photo of the location for manual review
Location data must be accurate. Hotspots with mismatched locations may be suspended and lose eligibility for rewards.
Set up your router to work with Linkr. The exact steps depend on your hardware, but the general process is:
Option A: Guest Network (Recommended)
Most routers support guest networks, which isolate Linkr traffic from your main network:
- Log into your router’s admin panel
- Navigate to Wireless or Guest Network settings
- Enable the guest network
- Set the network name (SSID) to something recognizable (e.g., “Linkr-YourName”)
- Configure security settings (WPA2 or WPA3 recommended)
- Enable client isolation if available
Option B: Dedicated SSID
For more control, create a dedicated SSID:
- Create a new wireless network in your router settings
- Assign it to a separate VLAN if your router supports it
- Configure bandwidth limits to protect your main connection
- Apply the same security settings as above
Bandwidth Limits
Consider setting bandwidth limits to ensure your personal usage isn’t affected:
| Connection Speed | Recommended Limit for Linkr |
|---|
| 25 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| 50 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| 100+ Mbps | 30-50 Mbps |
Step 5: Link Your Device
Connect your router to your Linkr account:
- In the app, tap Link Device
- Enter the network name (SSID) you configured
- Enter the network password
- The app will attempt to verify the connection
If verification succeeds, you’ll see a confirmation message. If it fails:
- Double-check the SSID and password
- Ensure your phone is connected to the same network
- Try moving closer to the router
Before going live, review your hotspot settings:
Basic Settings
- Hotspot Name: A friendly name shown to users (e.g., “Downtown Coffee Shop”)
- Description: Optional details about the location
- Operating Hours: Set hours if your hotspot isn’t available 24/7
Access Settings
- Open Access: Anyone can connect
- Verified Users Only: Only users with verified Linkr accounts
- Approval Required: You manually approve each connection request
- Max Connections: Limit simultaneous users (recommended: 5-10 for home, 20+ for business)
- Session Duration: Maximum time per session (optional)
Step 7: Go Live
When you’re ready:
- Review all settings one final time
- Tap Go Live
- Confirm by tapping Yes, Enable Hotspot
Your hotspot will now appear on the global coverage map. It may take a few minutes for the status to update.
Step 8: Monitor Your Hotspot
After going live, monitor your hotspot through the dashboard:
Status Indicators
- Green: Online and healthy
- Yellow: Online but experiencing issues
- Red: Offline or unreachable
Key Metrics
- Uptime: Percentage of time the hotspot has been available
- Connections: Number of users who have connected
- Bandwidth Used: Total data transferred
- Rewards Earned: Current period earnings
Troubleshooting
If your hotspot isn’t working as expected:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|
| Status shows “Offline” | Check internet connection and router power |
| Can’t verify location | Try GPS verification outdoors, or use address verification |
| Device won’t link | Ensure SSID and password are correct |
| Low performance score | Check for interference, consider repositioning router |
For more help, see the Troubleshooting Guide.
Next Steps