When the device receives a request from a client, the Public Spot executes the following steps for the automatic authentication by MAC address:
- If the Public Spot has already authenticated the MAC address of the received data packets, the device forwards the data packets without further delay.
- If the MAC address is in the list of allowed clients, the Public Spot starts a new session for the user and forwards the corresponding data packets.
- If a provider has been defined for verification of the MAC addresses by RADIUS, and a positive, valid MAC address authentication is cached in the Public Spot, then the Public Spot starts a new session for that user and forwards the associated data packets.
- If a provider chooses to check the MAC address with the RADIUS server but there is no valid authentication for the MAC address cached in the Public Spot, the Public Spot initiates the authentication of the MAC address at the corresponding RADIUS server. After a positive response, the Public Spot starts a new session for that user and forwards the associated packets.
- If all of the above checks fail, the Public Spot directs the user to the login page.