How can Aruba networks support guest access?

Utilizing a captive portal for guest authentication is an effective way for Aruba networks to support guest access. A captive portal acts as an intermediary page that users encounter before accessing the internet. When guests connect to the Wi-Fi network, they are redirected to the captive portal where they must provide credentials or accept terms of service to gain access. This method helps ensure that users are properly identified and that network policies are enforced, providing a layer of security while maintaining a user-friendly experience.

While other methods like dedicated VPNs or guest-only VLANs can be part of network management, they do not directly facilitate guest access in the same streamlined manner as a captive portal. Using open guest access without authentication can lead to significant security concerns, as it allows any user to access the network without any oversight or controls.