What is a captive portal?

A captive portal is an authentication mechanism that typically requires users to view and interact with a specific web page before gaining access to a network, particularly in public Wi-Fi settings. This mechanism is commonly used in places like cafes, hotels, and airports to manage access to the internet. When a user connects to the network, they are redirected to the captive portal page where they might need to agree to terms of service, enter credentials, or provide some form of identification, often including a token or password.

This system plays a critical role in ensuring that only authorized users gain access to the network, allowing operators to manage bandwidth and maintain security. The placement of this mechanism also serves as a strategic point where terms of service can be presented, which can help protect the network provider legally.

Other options, while related to networking, do not accurately capture the function or purpose of a captive portal. For instance, a firewall focuses on protecting network traffic rather than facilitating user access, a type of network switch deals specifically with connecting multiple devices together on a network, and a protocol for secure connections typically involves encryption and data transmission rather than user authentication.