When the unauthenticated user tries to connect to the network, their HTTP/HTTPS traffic is redirected to the authenticating server on the switch. Then their data traffic goes through, and the dropping rules do not apply. These packets are forwarded by the switch, and unauthenticated users get an IP address and resolve the hostname. The wired physical port is set in a captive-portal-enabled state so that all network traffic coming to it from the unauthenticated user (client) is dropped except for ARP, DHCP, DNS and NETBIOS packets. Captive portals can also be configured to use an optional HTTP port - in addition to the standard HTTP port 80 - and support HTTP proxy networks.įor wired interfaces, users who are directly connected to the switch are authenticated via the captive portal before they can access the network. Usually, authentication servers for captive portals support both HTTP and HTTPS (HTTP-secure) web connections. The main purpose of a captive portal is to block users from accessing the Wi-Fi hotspot before they are validated and verified (authenticated) by the system. Simple captive portals expect users read and consent to terms of acceptable use policy (AUP) pages. Such authentication is designed to discourage the use of the wireless hotspot for illegal activities. Some captive portals require the entry of a preassigned user ID and password before accessing the network. In some captive portals, advertisements for the provider's sponsors are displayed, requiring the user to click through them or close those windows before accessing the internet. The AUP page and policy are meant to absolve the provider from liability in case the user, or a threat actor, conducts criminal or destructive activity while logged onto the provider's Wi-Fi network. A simple captive portal expects the user to look at (if not read and accept) an acceptable use policy ( AUP) page, and then click on a button consenting to the terms of the policy. When a user logs on to a network with a captive portal, they see a webpage requiring them to perform certain actions before access is granted. Businesses often use captive portals to collect sales lead information to start to start the customer journey. Some businesses use captive portals to collect sales lead information (e.g., by asking users to fill out a form), collect user feedback (e.g., via a survey), display an advertisement or highlight a new promotion. The terms of service page (which is essentially a list of dos and don'ts to use the network) also protects them from possible legal liability.Ī captive portal also gives businesses increased control over their internet bandwidth since they can limit usage. This gives the business control over who uses its Wi-Fi hotspot. A business may provide the password to verified customers, for instance, on paying for its product or service (e.g., a room, a cup of coffee, a meal, etc.). Some captive portals ask for a username and password. They must agree to the terms in order to access the hotspot. This allows the business to show users the terms of service to use the Wi-Fi hotspot. Once a user is authenticated, they must be validated against a database of authorized users before they can access the network. Why captive portals are usedĪ captive portal is a customized login page that users must address before connecting to a public (or free) Wi-Fi network. It is typically used by business centers, airports, hotel lobbies, coffee shops and other public venues that offer free Wi-Fi hotspots for internet users. A captive portal is a webpage that the user of a public network is required to view and interact with before they can access the network.
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