What is the primary purpose of hotspot IP-binding?

The primary purpose of hotspot IP-binding is to control how users access the internet in a hotspot environment. When IP-binding is implemented, it binds a specific IP address to a particular user's MAC address within the MikroTik hotspot server. This means that once a user is authenticated and assigned an IP address, only that user's device (identified by its MAC address) can use that specific IP address for internet access.

This method enhances security and management of users in the hotspot environment, ensuring that an IP address cannot be easily shared or used by multiple users, which could lead to misuse. It also facilitates monitoring of user connections and can improve the reliability of connections as every user is assigned a static IP that remains constant during their session, rather than having it change with each login.

In contrast to simply allowing access by IP address or URL, IP-binding specifically requires that the device and its assigned IP address are correctly matched, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that only legitimate users can make use of the assigned resources. This greater control is vital in providing a secure and reliable internet experience in hotspot settings.