Since we first started talking about using the browser as an authentication tool in December 2000 OpenSource implementations have started to appear. Here is a list of all the software I know of that implements either a CaptivePortal or an ActivePortal solution.
Open Source
NoCatAuth, an alpha quality Catch-and-Release implementation in Perl. Uses SSL, gpg, and Linux 2.4.x + iptables. GPL'd.
- River of Stars' wireless heartbeat implementation (presently most usable on an OpenBSD gateway)
[http://www.lanroamer.net/soholanroamerdevframe.html Lan Rover] (Linux 2.4.x)
- Based on the Linux 2.4 kernel and GPL'd.
[http://slan.sourceforge.net/ SLAN]
- A GPL'd captive portal implementation using VPN technology. Has Linux and Windows clients.
[http://ceres.unit.liu.se/netlogon-devel/ Netlogon] by Kent Engström at Linköpings University
- Not much known, a basic captive portal solution.
Commercial or Proprietary
Cisco's [http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/dsl_prod/6400/feat_gd/12_1_5/ssg.htm Service Selection Gateway]
- [??]
Starbucks has a CaptivePortal solution of some sort. Anyone know the details?
[http://www.mschoice.com/ MS Choice] (site requires IE5) Microsoft's testbed for the Starbucks Deal.
- "To prevent such unauthorized access and hacking, OIT developed its own authentication program requiring wireless users to log in through a web browser before access to the Internet is granted. If a user's connection is inactive for a certain amount of time, the authentication system closes the user's access, deterring potential hackers from taking advantage of the connection."
[http://www.news-info.gatech.edu/news_releases/lawn.html Columbitech's Wireless VPN ]
- "... enables mobile professionals to access mission-critical data on the corporate LAN from all major handheld devices, with optimized performance and true end-to-end security from application to application. In addition, Columbitech's solution offers a secure always-on experience. Columbitech Wireless VPN will also support wireless network roaming."
[http://www.nas.nasa.gov/Groups/Networks/Projects/Wireless/index.html NASA's Wireless Firewall Gateway]
- A solution using Openbsd, PHP, IPFilter and Apache. There is no source available that I know of.