What is a portal authentication server?

The Portal server is the server-side system that receives the Portal client authentication request. Its main function is to provide free portal services and a Web-based authentication interface, as well as to access the device to interact with the authentication client's authentication information. Among them, the Web authentication scheme first needs to assign an address to the user for accessing the portal website.

PORTAL is based on the browser and adopts a B/S architecture. Different VLANs are issued to users with different permissions to access different server resources. Internet resources can only be accessed after passing authentication. Portal authentication methods are different. It is necessary to install the authentication client, which reduces the maintenance workload of the client and facilitates operation.

Business development can be carried out on the Portal page, such as displaying merchant advertisements, contact information and other basic information. Portal is widely used in networks such as operators and schools.

Extended information:

Equipment elements for Portal authentication

Portal servers can be divided into built-in Portal servers and external Portal servers. Usually the switch/AC has a built-in Portal server, and the account and password are saved on the switch/AC. Limited by the storage space, functions, and performance of the access device, the built-in Portal server is only suitable for scenarios with simple functions and a small number of users. For example, small restaurants provide Internet connection services.

If you need to implement complex functions such as WeChat access and SMS access, considering the performance and authentication experience of the access device, the built-in Portal server may not be able to do the job, and you need hardware independent of the access device. The server carries the Portal authentication service.

Authentication client: A browser running the HTTP protocol or a host running the Portal client software. ?

Access device: The collective name for broadband access devices such as switches, routers or AC (Access Controller). If you think of the network as a high-rise building, then the access device is the doorman, and the doorman must let you enter the house.

The access device has three main functions: Before authentication, redirect all HTTP requests from users in the authentication network segment to the Portal server. During the authentication process, it interacts with the Portal server and AAA server to complete the identity authentication/authorization function. After passing the authentication, the user is allowed to access Internet resources authorized by the administrator.

Portal server: A server-side system that receives Portal client authentication requests, provides free portal services and a Web authentication-based interface, and interacts with access devices to authenticate client authentication information. ?

Portal serves as a gateway to a WEB site on the Internet. Portal is a collection of links, content, and guidance services that provide information that users may find of interest (such as news, weather, entertainment, business sites, chat rooms, etc.). Yahoo, Excite, MSN.com and Netscape NetCenter are all Portals.

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia——Portal