Compatibility with Novell 6.5 e-directory & 802.1Q VLAN

[Dragon]

I've a wireless LAN project and looking for a Captive Portal solution. The wireless LAN have to support both the guest and internal staff via different VLAN(802.1Q). Guest users need a one time account/password for a limited time access. Internal staff's access need authentication to the LDAP server which is a Novell 6.5 e-directory.

Therefore, would like to know if FirstSpot can support these requirements?

Thanks!

[alan]

1) FirstSpot does not have natively recognize VLAN tagging. But I would imagine it is more the job for your AP and switch? As long as the FirstSpot is in the outgoing path of client PC, the captive portal will work. See http://patronsoft.com/firstspot/topologies.html for a typical layout for FirstSpot network.

2) FirstSpot supports RADIUS Authentication Mode, which supports Microsoft IAS on Windows Server 2003. You should be able to integrate IAS with your e-Directory using AD/LDAP.
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~ Patronsoft Limited ~

[Dragon]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I really appreciate the level of pre-sales support provided.

Some more questions:
1. Can the FirstSpot works with the SteelBelt Radius Server?
2. What is the Self-sign up function?
3. If we would like to have a kiosk (PC) to print out temporary access ticket with login name/password for the guest user, can the FirstSpot built in authentication (ODBC) support this?

Thanks!

[alan]

1) Not directly. Starting from v5, we only support Microsoft IAS on Windows Server 2003. Refer to readme.rtf (with the trial zip file) and http://patronsoft.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1175 for more information.

2) User can create (sign-up) for their own username/password. Of course, you can limit the initial user attributes for this kind of users

3) Yes. We support prepaid card printout ticket within Users -> QuickAdd or Bulk Accounts creation.
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~ Patronsoft Limited ~

[Dragon]

Some more questions:

1. Where is the better location for placing the FirstSpot portal, Internal network or DMZ?

2. Can I use only 1 network interface to setup the portal in production environment?

3. Referring to the 'Common FirstSpot Network Topology', is FirstSpot also serving the router function?

Thanks.

[alan]

1) Internal network

2,3) No, you need 2 network cards (consider FirstSpot as a NAT router)
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~ Patronsoft Limited ~