ARPMiner is a lightweight, Windows-based captive portal and hotspot software package developed by KaplanSoft that allows administrators to intercept network traffic and force users to authenticate before gaining internet access. Running as a GUI coupled with an underlying core Windows service named TekSpot, ARPMiner includes its own built-in HTTP server, DHCP server, and DNS proxy. This design eliminates the need for external Linux-based gateways or complex database configurations. Hardware and System Requirements
To build a dedicated Windows captive portal gateway using ARPMiner, the system requires specific hardware and dependencies:
Operating System: Windows Vista up to Windows 10, or Windows Server 2008 through 2016.
Network Interfaces: At least two physical network adapters (NICs). One interface acts as the WAN/Public port connected directly to your internet source, while the other serves as the LAN/Private interface connected to your client access points.
Dependencies: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 and local administrative privileges. Core Configuration Steps 1. Hardware and Network Setup
Connect one NIC to the local network switch or wireless access point (Private Zone).
Connect the second NIC to the broadband internet modem or uplink (Public Zone).
Assign a static IP address to the Private Zone network card (e.g., 192.168.10.1). 2. Address Translation and Interface Bindings
Launch the ARPMiner graphical interface with administrative rights.
Navigate to the Settings menu and click on Address Translation.
Select the network card dedicated to your Private Network interface. ARPMiner will naturally act as a NAT router/bridge to forward authenticated traffic over to the internet-facing NIC. 3. User Definition and Access Control Switch over to the Users tab in the management GUI. Click Add to create localized hotspot accounts.
Define explicit parameters for each user, including username, password, and a maximum session duration.
Optional: If you are using the Commercial Edition, you can link the setup to an external RADIUS AAA server to manage user provisioning dynamically instead of manual database additions. 4. Customizing the Login Splash Screen
ARPMiner uses a localized, customizable HTTP interface. You can modify the built-in HTML/CSS design files located inside the application directory.
Update the template to feature corporate branding logos, custom greeting prompts, or formal Terms of Service (ToS) checkboxes that users must accept to pass through. 5. Activating the Service
Once your interfaces and users are set up, look at the upper toolbar.
Select the Service menu and click Start Service. This activates the underlying TekSpot service. The User Experience and Traffic Flow
When a guest device connects to the private Wi-Fi SSID connected to the ARPMiner host: ARPMiner – KaplanSoft
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