🔍 Les Pièges Cachés des Portails Captifs avec Alcasar 💡

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through setting up a captive portal using Alcasar, leveraging the powerful ProLiant server and VMware ESXi. Captive portals are essential for managing network access, especially in public spaces. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the setup process while addressing common challenges.

Step 1: Prepare Your Hardware and Software

• Ensure you have a ProLiant server ready.
• Install VMware ESXi on the server:
  • Download the VMware ESXi ISO from the official site.
  • Create a bootable USB or CD/DVD.
  • Boot the server from the USB/CD and follow the installation prompts.
• Once installed, access the ESXi management interface via a web browser.

Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine for Alcasar

• In the ESXi management interface:
  • Click on "Create/Register VM."
  • Choose "Create a new virtual machine."
  • Select a compatible Linux distribution for Alcasar (such as Ubuntu).
  • Allocate sufficient resources (CPU, RAM, and storage).
• Install Alcasar:
  • Download the Alcasar ISO from the official website.
  • Attach the ISO to the virtual machine.
  • Power on the VM and follow the Alcasar installation instructions.

Step 3: Configure Network Settings

• Set up the network configuration for the VM:
  • Access the Alcasar interface from your browser after installation.
  • Configure the network interfaces for WAN (internet) and LAN (local network).
    • Assign static IP addresses where needed.
• Create a network structure that supports your captive portal:
  • Ensure you have a DHCP server running to manage IP addresses dynamically.

Step 4: Set Up the Captive Portal

• Access the Alcasar dashboard:
  • Go to the "Captive Portal" section.
  • Customize the portal's appearance and settings.
• Define user access policies:
  • Set up user authentication methods (e.g., email, social media).
  • Configure session limits and bandwidth controls.

Step 5: Test the Captive Portal

• Connect a device (laptop or smartphone) to the network.
• Open a web browser and try to access a website.
• Verify that the captive portal appears and that you can authenticate successfully.
• Troubleshoot any issues:
  • Check network configurations if the portal does not display.
  • Ensure the VM is properly connected to the network.

Step 6: Monitor and Maintain the Portal

• Regularly check Alcasar logs for user activity and errors.
• Update Alcasar and your server software to the latest versions for security.
• Collect user feedback to improve the portal experience.

Conclusion

Setting up a captive portal with Alcasar involves preparing your server, configuring a virtual machine, and customizing the portal settings. By following these steps, you can effectively manage network access in various environments. As you gain experience, consider exploring advanced features of Alcasar to enhance user experience and security.