Bypass Apple CNA

Some Apple iOS and OS X clients include a feature called Captive Network Assistant (Apple CNA), which allows clients to connect to an open captive portal WLAN without displaying the login page.

When a client connects to a wireless network, Apple CNA launches a pre-browser login utility and it sends a request to a success page on the Apple website. If the success page is returned, the device assumes it has network connectivity and no action is taken. However, this login utility is not a fully functional browser, and does not support HTML, HTML5, PHP, or other embedded video. In some situations, the ability to skip the login page for open WLANs is a benefit. However, for other guest or public access designs, the lack of ability to control the entire web authentication process is not desirable.

RUCKUS Unleashed provides an option to work around the Apple CNA if it is not desirable for your specific deployment. With Bypass Apple CNA enabled, captive portal (web-based authentication) login must be performed by opening a browser to any unauthenticated page (HTTP) to get redirected to the login page.

Complete the following steps to enable Bypass Apple CNA.

  1. From the main menu, select Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Networks > Wi-Fi Networks List. Select a specific WLAN and click Edit.
    Select one of the following WLAN usage types:
    • Standard Usage with Web Auth enabled
    • Guest Access (including Social Media)
    • Hotspot (WISPr)
  2. In the Edit Wi-Fi Netwok wizard, select the Advanced Options page.
  3. In the Advanced Options page, click the Others tab.
  4. Toggle the switch to enable Bypass Apple CNA Feature.
  5. Click Add to append your changes.

    Enabling Bypass Apple CNA Feature

Parent topic: Other Advanced WLAN Settings