SputnikNet Express QuickStart Guide

Follow these steps to get your SputnikNet Express Wi-Fi network up and running in minutes.

(Wondering what your users see? Check out the SputnikNet Express User Experience Guide.)

1. Download Sputnik Agent firmware for SputnikNet Express.

If you have purchased a Sputnik-Powered AP, with SputnikNet Express firmware pre-loaded, jump ahead to Step 3.

You can download free Sputnik Agent firmware here. Be sure to choose the version of the firmware for SputnikNet Express.

If you're using an AP that isn't listed in the downloads page, anything running the DD-WRT firmware will work.

• Tip: firmware for SputnikNet Express contains “SNE” in the version number.
• Also: be sure your AP is connected to the Internet via DHCP or static IP. PPPoE is not supported at this time. Please check with your Internet Service Provider for more information.

2. Flash your AP with Sputnik Agent firmware.

Associate wirelessly with the AP, and make sure it has a working broadband connection to the Internet (you'll need that in Step 3).

Use the AP’s built-in web management console to perform a flash upgrade. Select “Administration”, then “Firmware Upgrade”. Upload the Sputnik Agent firmware that you downloaded in Step 1.

• Tip: the management console for the AP is available at an IP address you can type into your browser. This is typically http://192.168.1.1. Another way to find it is to check your network settings, and use the IP address of the default gateway.

When the Firmware Upgrade is complete, the AP will reboot itself.

3. Configure your SputnikNet Express hotspot.

Re-associate with the AP, and browse to your home page. You will be re-directed to the SputnikNet Express start page.

Click “Continue” and you’ll then be asked to set a password for the AP. This password will be the same one you use to access the AP’s local web interface.

Be sure to write down the password and keep it in a safe place. If you forget it, you’ll need to perform a 10-second reset of the AP; that will cause you to lose other settings as well.

You will automatically go to the SputnikNet Express setup page. In the top section of the page, enter the:

• Network name: the name of your Wi-Fi signal that your customers’ computers will see (SSID)
• AP Owner E-Mail: important so that we can provide you with your network administration login
• Address: the physical location of your network, which is used to populate local content
• Time Zone: your time zone, which is used in reports and graphs

Click “Continue”.

On the next page, enter the:

• Venue name: what you would like your Wi-Fi users to see when they log in
• Venue type: what kind of venue you offer, for example cafe, airport, bus station, etc.
• Portal theme: the look and feel of your captive portal, as well as the type of local content that will be displayed
• Logos: your logo in small and large sizes for display on splash and welcome pages

Click “Update” to save your settings.

Important: bookmark the page so that you can go back anytime to modify settings or check your AP status.

• Tip: if you forget the management URL, you can always type the following into your browser: http://express.sputnik.com/sne/express/your_AP_MAC_address/main . The AP’s WLAN MAC address is typically printed on the bottom of your AP. Remember, you will need the password you set previously.
• Also, please note that the following seven fields are required, and must be filled out:
  
  
  • Local web interface password
  • AP owner email address
  • Address: (first line)
  • Address: City
  • Address: State/Province
  • Address: Postal Code
  • Address: Country

You’ll receive an email that will enable you to confirm your account. Be sure to click on the confirmation link or your account may be deactivated within 24 hours.

4. Add devices that should get through without a captive Portal.

Optionally, you may add up to five Wi-Fi (or hardwired) devices that will use your managed hotspot without receiving a splash page.
Wi-Fi phones, gaming stations, Internet kiosks, printers Point-of-Sale machines can be entered here by MAC address.

5. Track usage.

With the latest version of SputnikNet Express, you have access to graphs and charts of bandwidth usage and user sessions. Get a clear view of traffic, and know exactly when you're ready for the full SputnikNet service.

6. Troubleshooting.

Trouble getting to the Setup and Welcome pages? Check to be sure the Sputnik Agent is running, and communicating with the SputnikNet Express service.

Browse to the AP’s web-based management console and click on “Status”. At the bottom of your screen, you should see a section called “Sputnik Agent” showing the name of the Sputnik management server, the status of the Sputnik Agent, and the license number of the management server. Sputnik Agent Status should be “Running normally - Managed”. If not, there is likely a problem with the AP connectivity to the Internet.

7. Getting help.

SputnikNet Express is a free service that comes without email or phone-based support. However, in addition to this documentation, the following support options are available:

• SputnikNet Express community support: Sputnik online forums
• Sputnik Agent firmware downloads (for flashing your AP)
• Paid support from online store

We will continue to enhance SputnikNet Express with new features. Please stay tuned, and let us know what you think. You can submit enhancement requests on our online forums.

Understand that reflashing your access point may violate the manufacturer’s warrantee and, while unlikely, may render the unit inoperable. Reflashing an AP is for experienced users only.

To revert to the original AP firmware, download it from the manufacturer's website and follow the flashing instructions listed above.

See what your users will see.