[scotty321]

I'm a little bit confused and I was wondering if somebody could guide me in the right direction.

Let me explain the situation.

When I go to Starbucks and try to use their wireless Internet connection, my web browser automatically redirects me to a website where I have to log in before getting access to the Internet. Same thing when I check into a hotel -- I can't surf the web until I log in through their website and agree to pay the charges.

Well now I'm in a situation where a client of mine, running Mac OS X on all his machines, wants to do the same thing at his small coffee shop. He wants customers to be able to surf the web wirelessly -- but ONLY if they've been pre-authorized or if they sign up for an account. Same thing that Starbucks does. Same thing that the hotels do.

Does anyone know where to start with this situation? Is this a HARDWARE solution? Is this what a proxy server does? Is this a software solution? Can anybody guide me in the right direction?

Thanks!
Scott

[Davidarm]

Here's one company that does what you're talking about:

www.elevenwireless.com

A former co-worker of mine is prez of the company - they're legit. I'm sure there's someone in LA doing the same thing. A Web search will get you plenty of leads, I'm sure.

[kampl]

There's an open source project that I believe has this functionality built in in current builds. NoCatNet Maybe useful, maybe not.