CaptiveWiFi works across all three Aruba platforms — Aruba Instant On for SMB venues, Aruba Instant (IAP) for on-premises deployments, and Aruba Cloud (HPE Aruba Networking Central) for enterprise. One integration, all platforms.
For large hospitality groups and enterprise deployments. Full cloud management via HPE Aruba Networking Central with advanced policy control.
✓ CaptiveWiFi supports all three Aruba platforms
Why CaptiveWiFi + Aruba
Everything Aruba was missing.
Aruba handles your network. CaptiveWiFi handles your guests. Together they turn every WiFi login into a verified customer record.
Guest identity at the point of connection
Every device that joins your Aruba guest SSID is prompted to identify themselves. Name, email and marketing consent captured automatically.
Fully branded portal
Replace the default Aruba splash page with your own branded guest experience. Works identically on both Instant On and Aruba Cloud deployments.
GDPR-compliant data capture
Every guest record includes a full consent audit trail — timestamp, IP address and the exact wording they agreed to. Built for UK and EU compliance.
Real-time visit intelligence
See who is in your venue right now. New guest or returning? First visit this week or tenth this month? CaptiveWiFi tells you instantly.
Automatic marketing triggers
Connect to Klaviyo, Mailchimp or your CRM. First visit, return visit, lapsed guest — each triggers the right campaign automatically.
Works across both Aruba platforms
Whether you run Aruba Instant On for a single site or Aruba Cloud across a national estate, CaptiveWiFi integrates with both using the same setup process.
Setup guide
Works across all Aruba platforms.
The setup process is consistent across all three Aruba platforms — configure the guest SSID to use an external captive portal and paste your CaptiveWiFi URL.
Aruba Instant On
For SMB venues and hospitality operators. Managed via the Aruba Instant On app or web portal.
1
Open Aruba Instant On portal
Log in to the Aruba Instant On web portal or mobile app.
2
Go to Networks → Guest network
Select your guest SSID and navigate to the Captive Portal settings.
3
Select External Captive Portal
Choose External Captive Portal and paste your CaptiveWiFi portal URL.
4
Save and test
Connect a device to your guest SSID to confirm the portal loads correctly.
Aruba Instant (IAP)
For older Aruba Instant Access Points with on-premises or virtual controller. Still widely deployed in hospitality venues.
1
Access Aruba Instant UI
Log in to the Aruba Instant web UI or Mobility Controller dashboard.
2
Configure the guest SSID
Go to your guest WLAN settings and navigate to the Splash Page / Captive Portal configuration.
3
Set External Captive Portal
Select External as the splash page type. Enter your CaptiveWiFi portal URL as the redirect address.
4
Save and test
Connect a device to your guest SSID to confirm the portal loads and captures guest data correctly.
Aruba Cloud (HPE Aruba Networking Central)
For enterprise and multi-site deployments managed via HPE Aruba Networking Central.
1
Open HPE Aruba Networking Central
Log in to your Aruba Central dashboard and navigate to your site.
2
Configure the guest SSID
Go to the WLAN configuration for your guest network and locate the Captive Portal settings.
3
Set External Splash Page
Select External Splash Page and enter your CaptiveWiFi portal URL.
4
Apply and test
Push the config to your APs and test with a device to confirm everything works.
What is the difference between Aruba Instant On, Aruba Instant and Aruba Cloud?
Aruba Instant On is for small to medium venues — easy to set up, cloud-managed via app. Aruba Instant (IAP) refers to older on-premises Aruba access points with a local or virtual controller — still widely deployed across hotels and hospitality venues. Aruba Cloud (HPE Aruba Networking Central) is the enterprise platform for large multi-site deployments. CaptiveWiFi works with all three.
Is the setup the same for both platforms?
The core concept is the same across all three — configure the guest SSID to redirect to an external captive portal URL. The exact menu locations differ slightly between platforms. Our Help Centre has dedicated step-by-step guides for Aruba Instant On, Aruba Instant and Aruba Cloud.
Is this GDPR compliant?
Yes. CaptiveWiFi is fully GDPR and UK GDPR compliant. Every guest record includes a consent timestamp, the exact consent wording displayed, IP address and opt-in status. A full DPIA is available on request.
Can I use this across multiple Aruba sites?
Yes. CaptiveWiFi is built for multi-site operators. Each venue gets its own portal, branding and data set with group-level reporting across all locations.