Start Pawa Setup

Know the setup before asking WhatsApp.

This answers the first questions most new operators ask: MikroTik, normal routers, PPPoE, Hotspot, internet source, M-Pesa collection, and multiple routers.

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Pawa WiFi hardware and MikroTik setup options

Quick Rule

Internet can come from anywhere. Billing control should pass through MikroTik.

A normal home router, Starlink, fiber router, or ISP CPE can feed internet into the network. Pawa needs a MikroTik gateway or controller so paid customers are connected, renewed, expired, and tracked correctly.

Direct Answers

The setup questions people keep asking.

Do I need MikroTik?

Yes. Pawa uses MikroTik RouterOS to create, renew, suspend, and verify Hotspot or PPPoE access automatically after payment.

Can I use a normal home router?

Not as the billing gateway. A normal home router can feed internet or act as a WiFi access point, but the users should pass through MikroTik for billing control.

What else do I need besides router and internet?

Prepare a MikroTik, internet source, access points or cabling, power backup if needed, package prices, M-Pesa collection choice, and the business phone used for support.

PPPoE or Hotspot?

Use Hotspot for walk-in, public, or time-based WiFi packages. Use PPPoE for fixed home, estate, or monthly subscribers. A workspace can support both when the network needs both.

Can Pawa handle multiple MikroTiks or ISPs?

Yes. One business can save multiple MikroTik routers and locations. Each router can use its own uplink, portal, packages, and private management path.

Before Setup

Have these details ready.

Router model and RouterOS access method
Internet source and expected number of users
Hotspot, PPPoE, or Hotspot + PPPoE choice
Package names, prices, speeds, and expiry time
M-Pesa mode: Pawa collection or own PayBill/Till
Business name, support phone, and preferred portal name

I only have a home router

Keep it as the internet modem or WiFi access point, then add a MikroTik between the internet and customers so Pawa can control paid access.

I already have MikroTik

Create a workspace, add the router, test API/VPN reachability, confirm the Hotspot or PPPoE design, then deploy the customer portal.

I run a small ISP or estate network

Choose PPPoE for fixed subscribers, Hotspot for visitor or short-plan sales, or both. Add each router/location separately and keep collections in one dashboard.

Hotspot

Best for paid public WiFi

Use this when customers connect to WiFi, see a login page, choose a short package, pay by M-Pesa, and browse.

PPPoE

Best for fixed subscribers

Use this for homes, tenants, or customers with monthly accounts where the router dials in using a username and password.

Both

Best for mixed networks

Run PPPoE for fixed users and Hotspot for walk-in sales, visitors, vouchers, events, or short access windows.

Next Step

Create the workspace when the router path is clear.

Connect MikroTik, set packages, test the portal, and pay setup immediately after WiFi setup is complete.

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