Definition
A captive page is a web page that new users get before accessing the network’s resources. It is commonly used in public Wi-Fi networks to ask users to enter login credentials, accept terms of service, or make payments to access the internet.
When you use a captive portal to access a network, your device will be assigned an IP address and other network information via DHCP. However, the captive portal intercepts and redirects all the web traffic until you complete the login process.
Captive Portals Advantages
- User agreements: It enables the user to view and agree on the terms of service before accessing the full network.
- Control over network access: It allows the network administrators to control who can access a network and under what conditions.
- Data collection: It facilitates the collection of useful data for analytical purposes.
- Security: It provides an additional security layer by requiring user interaction before offering full network access.
- Monetization: It offers a method of monetizing network access.
Captive Portals Disadvantages
- User experience: It can impede user experience, especially on devices that automatically link to open Wi-Fi networks.
- Privacy issues: It can raise privacy concerns if personal data is gathered with sufficient security measures.
- VPN issues: It can affect VPN connections and interfere with ongoing network activities.
- Poor security: It is usually unencrypted, exposing user data to threats.