As soon as an end device moves within range of an access point, the user can spontaneously established a connect to this access point. The same is true for open LAN connections. However, the problem is that access should not be available to the public in general, but only to certain selected users. Setting up restrictions of this type is the task of a Public Spot.
For this purpose, a Public Spot must be in a position to control access to the (W)LAN on a user basis. For simple Public Spot installations, user data can be locally stored and managed in the router or access point – or alternatively on a WLAN controller. Instead, complex installations employ a direct database connection to a central authentication server in the interests of detailed accounting or direct management. Central servers of this type generally work with RADIUS technology.
