The captive portal technique forces an HTTP client on a network to see a special web page (usually for authentication purposes) before surfing the Internet normally. This is done by intercepting all HTTP traffic, regardless of address, until the user is allowed to exit the portal. You will see captive portals in use at most Wi-Fi hotspots. It can be used to control wired access (e.g. apartment houses, business centers, "open" Ethernet jacks) as well.

     source - Captive portal. (2006, August 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 31, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captive_portal

Hautspot employs captive portal technology from Sputnik to present WLAN users with an authentication page in their web browsers. If desired by the hotspot venue, new users may click on a link on the captive portal page to create a new account for themselves. In addition, graphics, text, specials, and targeted ads may be scripted into the captive portal page, making the authentication process truly a business introduction for the wireless user.

Contact us to set up an appointment for a site survey and quotation for design and deployment, as well as monthly maintenance services. Let us design a captive portal page just for you.