# Captive portal

> A captive portal is the web page a guest Wi-Fi network shows before it grants internet access, usually asking the user to accept terms, enter a password or voucher code, or sign in.

Also called: Wi-Fi login page, guest Wi-Fi portal, Wi-Fi splash page, hotspot login.

When a device joins the Wi-Fi, the network blocks its internet traffic and redirects its browser to the portal page. Once the guest accepts the terms, enters a room number and name, types a voucher code, or signs in, the gateway records the device and opens access for a set time. Phones and laptops detect the portal automatically and open the sign-in window.

Hotels, cafes, clinics, and offices use captive portals to show terms of use, control who is online, limit session length or speed, and present their own branding. In hospitality the portal can be linked to the property management system so guests log in with their booking details. It also gives the business a record that each guest accepted its usage terms.

A captive portal controls access; it does not encrypt Wi-Fi traffic or separate guests from business systems. That still requires a guest VLAN and client isolation. Portals that collect names, emails, or phone numbers fall under data protection law, so collect only what is needed and say why. Test on both iPhone and Android, since each handles portals differently. We build guest Wi-Fi with captive portals for hospitality and office networks.

## Where we do this work

- [Hospitality networks](https://techpitsolutions.systems/services/hospitality-networks)
- [Network setup](https://techpitsolutions.systems/services/network-setup)

## See also

- [VLAN (virtual local area network)](https://techpitsolutions.systems/glossary/vlan): A VLAN (virtual local area network) is a way of splitting one physical network into separate logical networks on the same switches, so that groups of devices such as staff computers, guest Wi-Fi, and cameras are kept apart.
- [Firewall](https://techpitsolutions.systems/glossary/firewall): A firewall is a device or piece of software that sits between networks, typically an office network and the internet, and allows or blocks traffic according to a set of rules.
- [Data protection laws](https://techpitsolutions.systems/glossary/data-protection-laws): Data protection laws are the rules that govern how organizations collect, use, store, and share personal information. Examples include the EU and UK GDPR, California's CCPA, Canada's PIPEDA, Australia's Privacy Act, and New Zealand's Privacy Act.

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Source: https://techpitsolutions.systems/glossary/captive-portal

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