A captive portal is a web page that users are required to view and interact with before they are granted access to a public network, typically Wi-Fi. It is commonly used in places such as hotels, airports, coffee shops, and other public venues. When a user connects to the Wi-Fi network, their web browser is automatically redirected to the captive portal page.
The captive portal may present terms of service, login credentials, or other information that users need to acknowledge or provide before gaining full access to the internet. It is a mechanism often used to control access to the network, enforce policies, and ensure that users are aware of any terms or conditions associated with the use of the provided network.
Captive portals are commonly used in open wireless networks (such as coffee shops, airports, or hotels) to inform users of access conditions and liability.
Some captive portals are used for marketing purposes. Users exchange personal data (like filling out a registration form) in return for internet access. Advertisements or surveys may also be displayed during this process.
Captive portals can provide access to wired networks in places like apartment buildings, hotel rooms, and business centers.
The captive portal page is either stored at the network gateway or on a web server. Depending on the network setup, certain websites or TCP ports can be allow-listed, allowing users to bypass the captive portal for specific services. The MAC address of devices can also be used to skip the login process for specified devices.
Remember, captive portals are a way to ensure responsible network usage and provide a platform for communication between network administrators and users.
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