FlexiConnect adopts the GIS-R10 and GIS-R20 products for hostel and community WiFi Internet services
FlexiConnect is the service and software division of Donintellisys, the West Africa distributor for Guest Internet products and also a distributor of a wide range of WiFi and network products. A popular FlexiConnect software product is used throughout Africa; this is the FlexiConnect Mobile Money Internet payment system for managed WiFi Internet services that use Guest Internet controllers and cloud.
In addition to developing the Mobile Money Internet service billing software, FlexiConnect also installs and operates paid WiFi Internet services for colleges, universities, hostels and residential communities.
FlexiConnect’s adoption of the Guest Internet GIS-R10 product
The Guest Internet GIS-R10 product is a mid-range Internet access controller that is characterized by having two WAN ports with load balance and fail-over. This means that the GIS-R10 can be connected to two Internet service providers (ISP’s) and sum the throughput of each ISP to provide greater data speed performance for the Internet users.
FlexiConnect has deployed the GIS R10 for its latest hostel WiFi Hotspot projects across Ghana, and West Africa. The GIS-R10 firmware is very stable and the hardware is engineered to withstand tough environments, especially the toughest and harshest weather conditions in sub–Saharan Africa. With the GIS-R10 solid performance allowing data speeds of up to 400Mbs, FlexiConnect utilizes the dual WAN capabilities of the GIS-R10 by connecting two STARLINK dishes averaging 150 to 200Mbps per dish throughput. The GIS-R10 gateway firmware seamlessly load balances the ISP Internet service ensuring that the user enjoys continuous smooth and quality Internet throughout the subscription period.
The FlexiConnect Mobile Money payment system is integrated with the Guest Internet cloud service and charges payments for all the gateway controllers that are included in the cloud group. There is no limit to the number of Guest Internet gateway controllers that can be added to a cloud group. Having many gateway controllers included in a cloud group permits the Mobile Money billing system to charge for the Internet service in many different locations.
Any type of wireless access point can be connected to a Guest Internet gateway controller, which facilitates the infrastructure installation and reduces the setup time for each Internet service hotspot location. The controller port-forwarding feature also permits remote configuration of wireless access points and other network products.
The GIS-R10 has many other features that permit FlexiConnect to provide a great Internet service for users. The failure monitoring service can monitor each gateway controller, and the wireless access points connected to each controller. The cloud monitoring also detects a failure in the ISP connection. When any failure is detected an alert message is sent out to initiate a speedy repair of the problem.
Figure: A GIS-R10 gateway controller installed at one of the FlexiConnect Internet Hotspot locations.
The Internet access purchase process
User access to the Internet service is simple and intuitive. The students simply connect to the WiFi SSID, and the custom captive portal loads on the phone, tablet or laptop. The student selects the Internet service package to purchase, then pays online with the Mobile Money (MoMo) service. On completion of the purchase a token is generated with an access code, which is displayed for the student, and also sent to the students phone as a text message via SMS.
The purchase process is made in three steps, shown below.
Step 1: Open the login display and select the Internet package for purchase
Step 2: Select the payment method; Mobile Money is one of the options.
Step 3: Provide the payment credential and receive the access code for the package purchased.
FlexiCLOUD is the Mobile Money payment system developed by FlexiConnect. The system has become well known globally and especially across West Africa, serving customers with custom captive portals to enable them connect to respective Payment Gateways for MoMo and integration of other payment options. Below are sample custom captive payment interfaces developed for communities and hostels using Guest Internet gateway controllers.
Figure: Custom login page example.
Figure: Internet purchase options.
FlexiConnect WiFi Internet service infrastructure installation
FlexiConnect WiFi Internet installations are carefully planned for contingencies. One such contingency is power failure and all FlexiConnect installations have solar power plus battery backup. The WiFi Internet service continues even when there is a power loss.
Figure: Solar panel array on the roof of the building where the WiFi Internet service is installed.
Figure: The battery, charger and inverter that is connected to the solar panel array.
Figures: The network equipment is connected to the GIS-R10 ports; two Starlink antennas are connected to the two WAN ports, Network equipments including Ethernet switches, wireless access points and point-to-point wireless bridges are connected to the GIS-R10 LAN ports.
Figures: Installation of network equipment in the building and in an outdoor hermetically sealed equipment cabinet.
Figure: The CEO of FlexiConnect, Michael Obuobi-Donkor is configuring network equipment.
Figure: Installation of an outdoor high power wireless access point.
Figure: An outdoor high power wireless access point is installed on a mast.
Figures: FlexiConnect technicians are installing wireless access points on towers.
FlexiConnect develops the network infrastructure design for each project. FlexiConnect technical staff implement and configure each infrastructure installation. The FlexiConnect team also provides on-going support for the network operation and operation of the Mobile Money billing system.
Businesses that wish to provide a public WiFi service can request a quote from FlexiConnect for all stages of the project.
Launch of a university WiFi Internet service for students
One of the many FlexiConnect WiFi Internet projects was installed at a university to provide Internet access for the students. Photographs of the launch event are included below.
Figures: The CEO of FlexiConnect, Mr Michael Obuobi-Donkor Launching the student WiFI Internet service at one of the University Halls. Other photographs of the launch event are included below.
WiFi Internet service for communities and hotels
FlexiConnect provides consultation and infrastructure design services for many businesses and entrepreneurs who wish to develop a WiFi network infrastructure in order to sell a WiFi Internet service.
FlexiConnect strongly recommends the installation of the GIS Gateways for high performance and durability. Guest Internet products are also excellent value for money.
FlexiConnect has implemented WiFi Internet services for rural communities in many parts of Ghana using STARLINK antennas and service, Guest Internet gateway controllers, and wireless bridges for the FlexiConnect PtP and PtMP Mesh networks that provide a WiFi range beyond one Kilometer.
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