Which mechanism requires users to sign in before accessing a public network?

Which mechanism requires users to sign in before accessing a public network?

• A. Geofencing
• B. Guest network
• C. WEP
• D. Captive portal

Answer: (D)

Captive portals enforce sign-in before granting access to public Wi‑Fi. When you connect to a public network, your device’s traffic is intercepted and redirected to a login or terms page. After you enter credentials or accept terms, you’re allowed onto the internet. This explicit authentication step is what makes captive portals the mechanism that requires signing in before access. Geofencing isn’t about network access; it’s location-based actions. A guest network is a separate network that may require its own splash page, but the specific requirement to sign in before using the network is the captive portal. WEP is an old encryption method and doesn’t govern user authentication.

Captive portals enforce sign-in before granting access to public Wi‑Fi. When you connect to a public network, your device’s traffic is intercepted and redirected to a login or terms page. After you enter credentials or accept terms, you’re allowed onto the internet. This explicit authentication step is what makes captive portals the mechanism that requires signing in before access.

Geofencing isn’t about network access; it’s location-based actions. A guest network is a separate network that may require its own splash page, but the specific requirement to sign in before using the network is the captive portal. WEP is an old encryption method and doesn’t govern user authentication.