Sessions
Session settings control how WifiCone behaves when a customer is connected — what happens if they disconnect, how reconnects work, and how many simultaneous users are allowed.
Session Behavior Settings
Go to Admin Panel → Sessions.
Core Settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Auto-continue on reboot | Resumes active sessions automatically when the device reboots. Customers don't lose their remaining time. |
| Session cookies | Stores a session identifier in the browser so returning customers are automatically reconnected without re-entering a voucher code. |
| Check internet before coin | Verifies that the WAN connection is active before accepting payment. Prevents customers from paying when there's no internet. |
Auto-Pause / Resume
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Auto-pause on internet loss | Pauses session timers for all customers when the WAN goes down. Timers resume when internet is restored. |
| Auto-resume on internet restore | Automatically reconnects paused sessions when internet comes back (no customer action needed). |
| Auto-pause on WiFi disconnect | Pauses a session when the customer's device disconnects from WiFi. Useful for mobile customers who move in and out of range. |
| Auto-resume on WiFi reconnect | Resumes the paused session when the same device reconnects to WiFi. |
Limits
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Bypass pause limit | Maximum number of times a single session can be paused and resumed. Set to 0 for unlimited. |
| Max WiFi users | Maximum number of concurrent connected clients. New connections are rejected once this limit is reached. |
Session Expiration Rules
Configure what happens when a session's time or data runs out:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Disconnect | Immediately disconnects the customer and redirects to the captive portal. |
| Pause | Pauses the session and shows a "time expired" message — customer can purchase more time. |
| Warn | Shows a warning X minutes before expiry, then disconnects when time runs out. |
Free Trial
Enable a free trial period for first-time or infrequent users:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Enable Free Trial | Toggle the free trial feature on/off |
| Trial Duration | How many minutes the trial lasts |
| Trial Data Limit | Optional data cap for the trial (leave blank for unlimited) |
| Cooldown | Hours before the same device (by MAC address) can claim another trial |
The free trial appears as the first option on the captive portal. It does not require payment.
How Sessions Work
- Customer connects to the WiFi SSID.
- Their browser is redirected to the captive portal.
- They select a rate, pay, or enter a voucher code.
- WifiCone creates a session tied to their MAC address and grants internet access.
- The session timer counts down (or data is deducted).
- When the session expires, internet access is revoked and the customer is redirected to the portal.
Tips
- Enable Auto-pause on internet loss to avoid customer complaints when your ISP has downtime — they won't lose paid time.
- Use Session cookies to improve the experience for repeat customers using the same device.
- Set Max WiFi users to protect bandwidth quality when your router has a limited number of stable concurrent clients.