AuthBridge
Network authentication, authorization, and access management, connecting users, corporate databases, and security infrastructure.
Service overview
AuthBridge isn't a Wi-Fi login screen. It's a control layer for corporate networks that authenticates visitors, employees, and contractors automatically, without relying on someone manually approving every access. Every connection queries the client's internal systems, notifies the firewall to grant access, and gets logged for later reference. It should be understood as authentication and access management middleware, never as a simple "captive portal" screen.
Automatic authentication
The visitor registers, accepts the terms, and gets access on the spot, without relying on manual approval from reception or IT, reducing lines and support tickets.
Report of who connected
At the end of the day, the team knows exactly who accessed the network, when, and through which flow, which helps when responding to an incident or an audit.
Visitor recurrence
Beyond logging access, AuthBridge shows how many times each visitor has returned, helping to understand foot traffic, a data point that also matters to marketing and relationship teams.
How it works
General flow, from the first click to the log: the sequence below is the same for any user profile. What changes is the database queried and the approval rule applied.
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1
Access attempt
The user tries to access the Wi-Fi network.
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2
Redirect
The network infrastructure redirects to the authentication flow.
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3
Presentation
AuthBridge presents registration, login, or validation.
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4
Data and terms
The user provides the requested data and accepts the terms, when configured.
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5
Database query
The system queries internal databases, an API, AD/LDAP, or another configured source.
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6
Automatic approval
Under the default rule, access is granted automatically, without relying on someone to approve it. A manual approval rule only comes into play if the project requires it.
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7
Firewall notification
AuthBridge notifies the firewall to grant access.
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8
Logging
The event is logged and enters the day's report, along with the history of how many times that visitor has already appeared.
Since approval is automatic by default, the step that causes the most bottlenecks in traditional portals (someone having to manually approve) disappears in most cases.
More than a simple captive portal
A direct comparison between a generic Wi-Fi portal and AuthBridge.
| Capability | Simple captive portal | AuthBridge |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Generic login screen, password, or voucher | Custom flows by user profile |
| Integration | Little or none | Corporate databases, ERP, CRM, AD/LDAP, and firewall |
| Access approval | Manual or nonexistent | Automatic by default, no human approval needed |
| Traceability | Low or nonexistent | Event logging for review and auditing |
| Recurrence | Doesn't exist | Shows how many times each visitor has returned to the network |
| Management | Manual, no centralized panel | Access management and history panel |
| Operation | Client's responsibility | Deployment, support, and monitoring by ACT |
Functional pillars
Security
User authentication and reduced anonymous access, with more control over who is on the network.
Speed
Automatic entry for visitors and employees, with no manual approval needed, reducing bottlenecks for reception and IT.
Data intelligence
Internal databases validate users, and the history shows how many times each one returns, generating a data point useful beyond IT.
Customization
Flows, fields, rules, and branding adapted to the client, keeping the visitor experience aligned with the brand.
Integration
Firewall, ERP, CRM, database, API, AD, and LDAP, leveraging the infrastructure the client already has.
Access profiles
How the product behaves for each user: AuthBridge handles each profile with its own identification, validation, and approval flow.
Visitor (customer, supplier, partner, candidate)
- Temporary access via Captive Portal
- Terms of use acceptance
- Automatic or manual approval, per rule
- Logging for audit
Employee (internal user)
- Recurring access
- Credential-based authentication
- Validation against corporate database (AD, LDAP, HR)
- Compatible with WPA2 Enterprise/802.1X
Contractor (external)
- Access for a defined period
- Administrator approval
- Linked to an external company
- Detailed logging for audit
Client's administrator
- Approves or blocks users
- Reviews access and reports
- Manages approval rules
- Tracks audit logs
Client's IT team
- Provides integration data
- Validates firewall, VLANs, SSIDs, and APs
- Follows authentication testing
Integrations
| Front | How it works |
|---|---|
| Firewall | Compatible with firewalls and NGFWs that support the external captive-portal model with FreeRADIUS authentication, including FortiGate, pfSense, Sophos, Palo Alto Networks, Cisco Meraki, and SonicWall. Other vendors with the same model can be certified depending on project scope. |
| AD / LDAP | Can integrate with corporate identity databases to validate internal users. |
| ERP / CRM / HR | Can query corporate systems to validate users, retrieve registration data, or check authorization rules. |
| API | Can expose or consume integrations via API, depending on project scope. |
Endpoints, automatic group creation, MAC/IP-based approval, and certified vendors vary by the technical scope of each project.
Security, privacy, and traceability
AuthBridge helps the organization structure more transparent, auditable flows for collecting network user data.
Events that can be logged
- User registration and login attempt
- Login authorized or denied
- Approval or rejection by administrator
- User block and access expiration
- Terms acceptance, date, and time of authentication
- Device, IP, MAC, SSID, or AP, when available and integrated
Collection and privacy
- Minimum necessary data collection
- Clear information to the user about the purpose of registration
- Acceptance of terms of use and privacy policy
- Access control over collected data
- Retention per the client's defined policy
- Possibility of access auditing
AuthBridge can support a data compliance and governance strategy, provided it is configured with adequate collection, retention, access, and disposal policies defined by the client. Adherence to standards such as LGPD depends on the policies and configuration applied in each project.
Basic requirements to get started
What to prepare to start configuration: a reference list to kick off the project. Final scope varies by environment and is agreed case by case.
Client's logo
PNG file, transparent background, to apply the client's branding to the Captive Portal.
Authentication method
How the client wants to identify users: national ID, phone, email, Microsoft 365 account, Google Workspace account, or another database already in use.
Network terms of use
Text provided by the client for the user to accept at registration.
Firewall access
Access granted for ACT's team to configure the integration and access authorization.
Deployment scope
What to expect from the project: AuthBridge can be contracted on a subscription model, with billing tied to the environment's scope (units, integrations, or access points, for example) plus an activation fee for deployment. Specific commercial terms are stated in each project's proposal.
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1
Discovery
Environment, access flows, and user profiles.
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2
Configuration
Captive Portal, fields, approval rules, and administrators.
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3
Integration
Firewall and the client's database, with authentication testing.
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4
Joint validation
With the client's technical team, before going live.
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5
Final adjustments
Corrections identified during validation.
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6
Assisted operation
When contracted, with support and monitoring from ACT.
Recommended use cases
Companies and industries
- Employees, contractors, and suppliers
- Integration with internal systems
- Visibility over who moves through the network
Municipalities and public institutions
- Wi-Fi for citizens, staff, and visitors
- Flow suited to security and transparency requirements
Educational institutions
- Access for students, faculty, and staff
- Stability during enrollment or exam peaks
NGFW firewall environments
- FortiGate, pfSense, Sophos, Palo Alto, and others
- Captive portal with FreeRADIUS
Environments requiring auditing
- Proof of access
- Authentication history
Corporate networks with 802.1X
- WPA2 Enterprise projects
- Integration with corporate databases
Want to know if AuthBridge solves what your operation needs?
Talk to ACT and understand, with clarity, how this solution fits your environment.
Talk to ACT