Why commodity hardware
A soft appliance on a PC you choose
Specz ISP is a downloadable OS. Instead of buying a dedicated network appliance, you install it on a PC you choose.
How the approaches compare
Dedicated network appliances are general-purpose gear you configure to sell internet access, while Specz ISP is a downloadable OS built specifically for service providers that you install on a PC you choose.
| Feature | Specz ISP | Dedicated network appliance |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Built specifically for service providers selling internet access. | General-purpose networking platforms. Selling internet access is one of many uses. |
| Hardware choice | Installs on a generic PC. No vendor-specific hardware needed. | Usually runs on the vendor's own hardware. Some vendors also sell licensed software for PCs or virtual machines. |
| Vouchers and time-limited access | Included in Specz ISP (Captive Portal feature): sell time-limited internet with voucher codes. | Often built in as a hotspot or splash page with prepaid codes. Features and user limits vary by product and license. |
| Subscriber plans | Included in Specz ISP for FTTH deployments: ISPs sell plans to subscribers, and property owners sell plans to tenants. | Varies by vendor and product. Check whether recurring subscriber billing is included or needs separate software. |
| Cost model | Free to use with all features. Business adds commercial support and immediate software & security updates, from $122.55/yr per install. Billing is an add-on at $0.40 per bill, paid with prepaid credits. | Hardware purchase and/or a software license. Some vendors also require an ongoing license for each device. |
Comparison based on publicly available vendor documentation as of October 2026. Features vary by product, model, and license.
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