Authenticate over wireless network using http redirection

[iamjd]

I am looking into configuring my wireless network to authenticate a user without using any encryption. I want the user to be redirected to an http authentication screen once they try and access the internet. What method am I describing? Is this method only good with additional hardware such as a radius server? Are there any resources that help explain the type of network I am trying to set up.

So far I found bluecoat.com but it seems they're trying to sell me their hardware on top of needing a radius server.

Every bit of information is well appreciated!

 

[brd24gor]

A radius server is the only way I know of using http authentication with wireless. If you are willing to dig into a little bit of Linux and have an old computer lying around somewhere, you can set one up for free.

 

[dput]

Radius is actually included with Windows 2000 Server. I really think you want to use 802.1x Radius authentication, but you should also use encryption to protect your transmitions. You can use WPA2 and allow the WAP and Client to agree on the key code.

Dan

 

[iamjd]

We want a way to have automatic authentication via a web page redirect. How do we direct wireless users to a webpage for authentication such as when you're at hot-spots?

 

[rn4it]

iamjd, what do you mean automatic? Do you mean that the client PC/laptop is automatically authenticated without user or admin intervention? If so, most wireless routers are capable of MAC address filtering. However, this does need some initial configuration. A Radius server, makes a more secure system by adding other forms of authentication on top of it ie. user authentication.