Authentication gateways provide an inexpensive simple way for the customer to obtain Internet access without having to install or configure software. Simply plug-in and your default home page is automatically captured and redirected to the authentication gateway. After providing a login, password or signing up for new service - the user is allowed access to the rest of the network.

Authentication gateways can be used in a wide range of environments where Ethernet technology provides for client network access. Today the most popular application comes from controlling access to wireless LANs.. However authentication gateways have been around for quite some time in other settings such as hotels, cyber cafes and universities.