ZoneCD
Encyclopedia
ZoneCD is a Linux distribution
to easily set up Wifi
hotspots
, distributed as a Live CD. It is derived from Knoppix
.
, allows hotspot operators to require a customer to login before accessing network resources. The ZoneCD itself is set up on an unused computer at the hotspot location, routing traffic between the wireless access point
. When a user associates with the access point and tries to reach a website, the captive portal returns a login screen which can be customized to provide information or deliver an advertisement for the venue--such as a library, coffee shop, or restaurant.
It employs a centralized control server which can be customized per hotspot to allow users to self-create accounts, set bandwidth and port restrictions on various user classes, and implement content filtering to reduce young people's access to sex and violence. Compared to similar projects, the centralized control server aids in usability by removing the need for a hotspot operator to administer an additional server (such as a RADIUS
server) for authentication, administration, and accounting. Only rudimentary configuration is required at the hotspot, selecting the type of network connection, the type of authentication service, and entering a password for this service. The configuration is stored on a floppy or USB thumbdrive, because changes to a Live CD filesystem do not otherwise persist between reboots.
-based authentication server designed and maintained by Tully, who provides the authentication service free of charge. In 2005 Tully unveiled a sister project, also using the zoneCD but using a more modern captive portal, wifidog, with a redesigned and upgraded control server. This project, publicip.com, charges a monthly fee (currently starting at $7.95 for basic service) which includes a "high availability" plan on the control service. However, PublicIP states that the free publicip.net service will continue to be offered long into the future.
As of March 2009, the Free PublicIP.net system appears to be offline and no longer functional, the subscription service remains fully functional. No warning or feedback was given by the developer or system administrators.
As of February 2010, the subscription service appears to be offline and no longer functional, the purchase system remains fully functional. No warning or feedback was given by the developer or system administrators.
As of August 2011, the subscription service appears to be functioning and open for business with 4 different plans. Postings found at public-ip blogspot indicate that, after several years of silence, development has resumed.
As of October 12th 2011, the service and website appears to be offline and no longer functional. No warning or feedback was given by the developer.
Linux distribution
A Linux distribution is a member of the family of Unix-like operating systems built on top of the Linux kernel. Such distributions are operating systems including a large collection of software applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, media players, and database applications...
to easily set up Wifi
WIFI
WIFI is a radio station broadcasting a brokered format. Licensed to Florence, New Jersey, USA, the station is currently operated by Florence Broadcasting Partners, LLC.This station was previously owned by Real Life Broadcasting...
hotspots
Hotspot (Wi-Fi)
A hotspot is a site that offers Internet access over a wireless local area network through the use of a router connected to a link to an Internet service provider...
, distributed as a Live CD. It is derived from Knoppix
Knoppix
Knoppix, or KNOPPIX , is an operating system based on Debian designed to be run directly from a CD / DVD or a USB key , one of the first of its kind for any operating system. Knoppix was developed by Linux consultant Klaus Knopper. When starting a program, it is loaded from the removable medium...
.
Design
The ZoneCD, utilizing a captive portalCaptive portal
The captive portal technique forces an HTTP client on a network to see a special web page before using the Internet normally. A captive portal turns a Web browser into an authentication device. This is done by intercepting all packets, regardless of address or port, until the user opens a browser...
, allows hotspot operators to require a customer to login before accessing network resources. The ZoneCD itself is set up on an unused computer at the hotspot location, routing traffic between the wireless access point
Wireless access point
In computer networking, a wireless access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or related standards...
. When a user associates with the access point and tries to reach a website, the captive portal returns a login screen which can be customized to provide information or deliver an advertisement for the venue--such as a library, coffee shop, or restaurant.
It employs a centralized control server which can be customized per hotspot to allow users to self-create accounts, set bandwidth and port restrictions on various user classes, and implement content filtering to reduce young people's access to sex and violence. Compared to similar projects, the centralized control server aids in usability by removing the need for a hotspot operator to administer an additional server (such as a RADIUS
RADIUS
Remote Authentication Dial In User Service is a networking protocol that provides centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting management for computers to connect and use a network service...
server) for authentication, administration, and accounting. Only rudimentary configuration is required at the hotspot, selecting the type of network connection, the type of authentication service, and entering a password for this service. The configuration is stored on a floppy or USB thumbdrive, because changes to a Live CD filesystem do not otherwise persist between reboots.
Development
The project that produces the ZoneCD is PublicIP. PublicIP began in 2003, founded by Scott Tully. The publicip.net project relies on the NoCat captive portal, which interfaces with a JavaJava (Sun)
Java refers to several computer software products and specifications from Sun Microsystems, a subsidiary of Oracle Corporation, that together provide a system for developing application software and deploying it in a cross-platform environment...
-based authentication server designed and maintained by Tully, who provides the authentication service free of charge. In 2005 Tully unveiled a sister project, also using the zoneCD but using a more modern captive portal, wifidog, with a redesigned and upgraded control server. This project, publicip.com, charges a monthly fee (currently starting at $7.95 for basic service) which includes a "high availability" plan on the control service. However, PublicIP states that the free publicip.net service will continue to be offered long into the future.
As of March 2009, the Free PublicIP.net system appears to be offline and no longer functional, the subscription service remains fully functional. No warning or feedback was given by the developer or system administrators.
As of February 2010, the subscription service appears to be offline and no longer functional, the purchase system remains fully functional. No warning or feedback was given by the developer or system administrators.
As of August 2011, the subscription service appears to be functioning and open for business with 4 different plans. Postings found at public-ip blogspot indicate that, after several years of silence, development has resumed.
As of October 12th 2011, the service and website appears to be offline and no longer functional. No warning or feedback was given by the developer.