Outdoor Access Point Relocation for WiFi Expansion and Voucher System

Last Saturday night, I completed the relocation of an outdoor access point (AP) to improve WiFi coverage around my home area and to set up a WiFi voucher system using VLANs for better network isolation and user management.

Dual-Band AP with VLAN Segmentation

The access point I used is the Ruijie RAP52-OD, a dual-band outdoor model (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz), set up to support several distinct zones, each with its own purpose:

• VoucherZone (2.4 & 5 GHz)
  VLAN-isolated and dedicated to users who purchase vouchers. This zone is entirely separated from the main LAN, providing secure internet access for external users.
• MainZone (2.4 & 5 GHz)
  For personal use — smartphones, laptops, and daily driver devices. High priority, unrestricted access.
• IOTZone (2.4 GHz only)
  Assigned to smart home and surveillance devices like CCTVs. This zone cannot access the internet freely or communicate with other zones.
• GuestZone (2.4 & 5 GHz)
  Free WiFi for visiting guests — isolated from both the LAN and other sensitive zones.

Network Architecture

This entire setup runs on OpenWRT 23.5 installed on a D-Link DIR-878 router, chosen for its reliability and powerful VLAN/firewall configuration capabilities. It allows me to finely control which devices connect where, how much bandwidth they get, and what level of access they’re granted.

Setup Highlights

• Dual-band support: maximizes compatibility across a wide range of devices.
• VLAN segmentation: isolates traffic per zone for better security and performance.
• Guest & IoT isolation: ensures no exposure to LAN or sensitive devices.
• Voucher System: provides an affordable, community-friendly internet option for kids and neighbors — no contracts, no FUP, just simple prepaid access.

Why I Created VoucherZone

The motivation behind creating the VoucherZone came from my small convenience store, where I also sell groceries. Most of the customers coming in are local children, many of whom often purchase short-term mobile data packages — usually for around 3 days. Since they are still in school and don’t work yet, they typically ask their parents for money just to buy internet access.

Seeing this recurring situation, I wanted to provide a more accessible and flexible alternative: a voucher-based, unlimited internet access option (without any FUP) with reasonable bandwidth — enough for streaming and browsing — tailored to kids who live nearby. The idea is simple: instead of buying expensive data packages over and over again, they can purchase affordable WiFi vouchers directly from my store and stay connected while saving money.

Let me know in the comments if you’d like a Part 2, where I share the technical setup of the voucher system — captive portal, firewall rules, and how I manage monetization!