Portal authentication, also known as web authentication, authenticates end users on host systems that do not run an IEEE 802.1X client. Portal authentication websites are typically referred to as Portal websites. When a user accesses the Internet, the user must be first authenticated on the Portal website. If the authentication fails, the user can access only certain network resources. After the authentication succeeds, the user can access more network resources.
During Portal authentication, HTTP/HTTPS and Portal protocols are used.
The client first sends a connection request and an authentication request carrying the user name and password in sequence to the Portal server through HTTP or HTTPS. Upon receipt of the authentication request, the Portal server starts authentication in either of the following ways:
The Portal server sends a Portal authentication request carrying the user name and password to an access device through the Portal protocol. The Portal protocol is compatible with the Portal 2.0 protocol of China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC), and supports basic functions of the Portal 2.0 protocol.
The Portal server instructs the client to initiate a Portal authentication request to the access device through the HTTP or HTTPS protocol. The client then initiates a Portal authentication request carrying the user name and password to the access device through the HTTP or HTTPS protocol.
More information: Understanding Portal Authentication
