Abstract: Embodiments of a method for redirecting, by a network device, a host to a captive portal are disclosed. The method includes receiving an incoming frame originating from the host. The incoming frame has a payload specifying information associated with an external server. A user of the host has not been authenticated by the captive portal at a time when the incoming frame is received by the network device. The network device matches at least a portion of the incoming frame to a custom redirect rule of a unified access control list (ACL) implemented by the network device. In response to the matching, the network device forwards the incoming frame towards an internal redirection server executing on the network device. The network device receives a redirection frame from the internal redirection server. The payload of the redirection frame is generated by the internal redirection server using at least a portion of the incoming frame. The redirection frame is transmitted towards the host.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure relates to a method for redirecting, by a network device, a host to a captive portal. The method includes receiving an incoming frame originating from the host. The incoming frame has a payload specifying information associated with an external server. A user of the host has not been authenticated by the captive portal at a time when the incoming frame is received by the network device. The network device matches at least a portion of the incoming frame to a custom redirect rule of a unified access control list (ACL) implemented by the network device. In response to the matching, the network device forwards the incoming frame towards an internal redirection server executing on the network device. The network device receives a redirection frame from the internal redirection server. The payload of the redirection frame is generated by the internal redirection server using at least a portion of the incoming frame. The redirection frame is transmitted towards the host.