Access Point with Captive Portal

[SAngeli]

Hi,
I have a CISCO router where I created a VLAN for the Access Point service.
I now have one Ethernet port available to manage this service.

I have to understand what to utilize for providing people Wi-Fi Internet connection to allow them to browse the Internet and chech e-mail.

First I was thinking of using a product like the Zyxel Hotspot Gateway (
http://us.zyxel.com/Products/details.aspx?PC1IndexFlag=PDCA2008115&CategoryGroupNo=4E14C850-478D-4204-8C85-2994C9552426 ) but do not want to spend over $700 for this.

I noticed that ZeroShell could be the perfect solution.
I was planning on utilizing one of my old PC, purchase a compatible Network Interface for Wi-Fi and install ZeroShell.

I have though few questions I wish to ask.

1) Is it OK from the Hardware standpoint getting, even for testing to see if it works, my old PC, purchase a compatible Network Interface for Wi-Fi and install ZeroShell?
2) How would I manage issuing of UserID and Passwrod and their management?
3) When they connect to the Internet they should only get a webpage where they must enter a valid UserName and Password.

Can someone who perhaps has already done it please advice me?

Thank you so much,
Spiro

[ppalias]

Hello
1) Yes you can try it. Most ethernet cards will work. Regarding wireless cards look for cards supported by Madwifi driver, e.g Atheros.
2) As far as I know you create users on the ZS itself or enable AAA on a remote radius.
3) This is called captive portal, search the forum and ZS site for its capabilities.

[SAngeli]

Hi,

The projerct involves wireless connection (Wi-fi) and cabled connection to the Internet.

What if I would place where I need wireless connection an Access Point device, something like this:
– Linksys Access Point ( http://www.linksysbycisco.com/IT/it/products/WAP54G )

Cabled Ethernet plugs instead directly to a switch.

The I have a PC with two NICs and ZeroShell installed..

I will then redirect all ports to this PC and have ZeroShell Manage all.

Could it work this way?

Thanks,
Spiro

[ppalias]

Yes it sounds as a viable setup. ZS can handle both the wired and wireless clients even with the Access Point that you suggest.

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