8.5 Hotspot and Captive Portal Explained

Key Concepts

• Hotspot
• Captive Portal
• Authentication Methods
• Configuration Steps
• Use Cases

1. Hotspot

A hotspot is a wireless network that provides internet access to users within a specific area. Hotspots are commonly found in public places like cafes, airports, and hotels. They allow multiple users to connect to the internet using Wi-Fi.

Example: Think of a hotspot as a public water fountain. Just as a water fountain provides water to anyone nearby, a hotspot provides internet access to anyone within range.

2. Captive Portal

A captive portal is a web page that users must interact with before gaining access to the internet through a hotspot. This page typically requires users to log in, agree to terms of service, or make a payment before they can access the internet.

Example: Consider a captive portal as a ticket booth at an amusement park. Just as you need a ticket to enter the park, users need to interact with the captive portal to access the internet.

3. Authentication Methods

Authentication methods are used to verify the identity of users attempting to access a hotspot. Common methods include:

• Username and Password: Users provide a username and password to gain access.
• Voucher Codes: Users enter a pre-purchased voucher code to authenticate.
• Social Media Login: Users log in using their social media accounts.
• MAC Address Authentication: Users are authenticated based on their device's MAC address.

Example: Think of authentication methods as different ways to enter a secure building. Just as you might use a keycard, a password, or a fingerprint to enter, users can use various methods to authenticate and access the hotspot.

4. Configuration Steps

Configuring a hotspot and captive portal on a MikroTik router involves several steps:

• Enable Hotspot: Set up the wireless interface and enable the hotspot service.
• Create Captive Portal: Design and deploy the web page users will interact with.
• Set Authentication Methods: Configure the methods users will use to authenticate.
• Define Access Rules: Set rules to control which users can access the internet and for how long.
• Test and Monitor: Ensure the hotspot and captive portal are functioning correctly and monitor user activity.

Example: Configuring a hotspot and captive portal is like setting up a new store. You need to build the store (enable hotspot), design the entrance (create captive portal), set up security (authentication methods), define who can enter (access rules), and ensure everything works smoothly (test and monitor).

5. Use Cases

Hotspots and captive portals have various use cases, including:

• Public Wi-Fi: Providing internet access in public places like cafes, airports, and hotels.
• Guest Networks: Offering temporary internet access to guests in homes or businesses.
• Marketing: Collecting user information or displaying advertisements before granting internet access.
• Security: Controlling access to sensitive networks by requiring authentication.

Example: Think of use cases as different types of stores. A public Wi-Fi hotspot is like a convenience store, a guest network is like a hotel, marketing use cases are like a pop-up shop, and security use cases are like a secure vault.