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With a particular library's wifi, I have to temporarily disable nextdns to get to wifi landing page. How can we avoid this?

There is a library I visit with  free public wifi. It's secured, but the password is displayed around the library.

When either my Android or Linux laptop are connected to nextdns, I can't get to the library wifi's landing page. I have to turn off nextdns temporarily in order to see the wifi landing page.

 

On Android, Settings> Connections > More Connections and Settings > Private DNS > switch from "Private DNS provider host name" to "Off".

On my linux laptop, I open a terminal and type 'nextdns stop'.

After disabling nextdns, I then can go to the library wifi's landing page, where I put a checkmark to agree to the rules, and then click/tap the Submit button.  Afterwards, I can then re-enable nextdns on my phone and laptop.

But why is this necessary? On other wifi networks, even on wifi networks with their own landing page, I don't have to temporarily disable nextdns. Why do I have to this with this one library?

10 replies

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    • Ruby_Balloon
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    This article may shed some light - https://zapier.com/blog/open-wifi-login-page/

    TL;DR - If you've ever added Google DNS, OpenDNS, or any other alternative DNS to your network settings, though, that may be your problem. Many public Wi-Fi networks use their DNS server to tell your computer [or mobile device] which login page to open—which doesn't work when you're using an alternative DNS server.

    • Calvin_Hobbes
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Try disabling DNS Rebinding protection 

    • romain
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Can you share the URL of that wifi landing page?

      • Necks_Dee
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Romain Cointepas I'm not at the library now, but i seem to have a browser tab open from yesterday with the library logo on the page. When I visit the URL now, while I'm away from the library, I no longer get  the landing page.

       

      Does this work for you http://192.168.11.254:4501/?location=http%3A%2F%2Fdetectportal.firefox.com%2Fsuccess.txt ?

      • Calvin_Hobbes
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Necks Dee That address is for the library’s internal private network.  It won’t work from the internet.   I’m pretty sure that’s being blocked by DNS rebinding protection.   Next time you’re there, try disabling that option under settings   It’s normally good to have it enabled, but in this case it’s preventing the captive portal from loading.  

      • Necks_Dee
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Calvin Hobbes , I can try disabling DNS rebinding when I visit the library again.  I'm wondering though -- what are the downsides to doing that?

      • Calvin_Hobbes
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view
      • Necks_Dee
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Romain Cointepas I'm back at the library and the URL of the wifi landing page is http://192.168.11.254:4501/?action=login

       

      Here is the source of the webpage (with name of library and other identifying things anonymized):

      
      
      
      <!DOCTYPE html>
      <html>
      <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />
      <title>Public Access Internet Policy</title>
        <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width"/>
        <link href="/hotspot-files/default_style.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
      
      </head>
      <body>
      <div id="content">
      <div id="wrapper">
          <div id="logo"><img src="hotspot-files/REF_HotPorPubliWifiHotsp/logo_REF_HotPorPubliWifiHotsp_icxkdefault_logo.png" alt="Logo" /></div>
          <div id="title">Public Access Internet Policy</div>
          <div id="clear"></div>
      </div>
      
      <div id="description">
      </div>
      <br/>
      <p id="terms">Terms of use</p>
      <div id="disclaimer">
      <div id="main"><!-- InstanceBeginEditable name="main" -->
                      <div id="content">
                          <h4>PUBLIC ACCESS INTERNET POLICY</h4>
                          <div>
                              <p>The purpose of the public access Internet stations is to offer access to unique resources and information on the World Wide Web.  First priority for public access Internet stations is for information access.  Where resources allow, Library Managers may allocate Internet stations for access to email.  All use of the workstations and the Internet must comply with applicable laws, and as outlined in this document.</p>
                              <p>If staff encounter individuals engaging in unacceptable practice, action is taken consistent with the library's Patron Behavior Policy.  Examples of unacceptable use include:</p>
                                  <ol>
                                      <li>Posting or transmitting unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, or obscene material through the BestLibrary web site. </li>
                                      <li>Posting and transmitting material constituting or encouraging conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, otherwise violate any local, provincial, national or international law, including without limitation, export control laws and regulations.</li>
                                      <li>Disrupting equipment or system performance.</li>
                                      <li>Intentionally exposing other users or staff to information or graphics that may be viewed as offensive.</li>
                                      <li>Invading the privacy of others.</li>
                                      <li>Posting anonymous messages or engaging in harassment on the Internet. </li>
                                  </ol>
                              <p>In addition to using an Internet filter the library also exercises the following due diligence steps:</p>
                                  <ol>
                                      <li>Warnings against criminal use have been posted at each terminal and on related brochure.</li>
                                      <li>Software has been installed to limit the amount of information from previous users to be stored.</li>
                                  </ol>
                                <p>The following disclaimer is posted at all Internet stations and on the Library's home page:</p>
                              <ol>
                                  <li>Best Library accepts no responsibility for the quality, content, or accuracy of any Internet resource.</li>
                                  <li>It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to determine and monitor their children's use of the Internet.</li>
                                  <li>It is prohibited to use a Library Internet workstation for illegal or criminal purposes.</li>
                                </ol>
                              <p>The Library will make reasonable efforts to protect the privacy of every user, but this privilege cannot be guaranteed.  The Library reserves the right to review or suspend Internet usage as follows:</p>
                              <ol>
                                  <li>As required by law. Persons using the Library's Internet must comply with all federal, provincial, and municipal legislation.</li>
                                  <li>As part of system maintenance activities.</li>
                                  <li>If improper or illegal use is suspected.</li>
                                 </ol>
                              <p>Customers will be charged to print from the Internet and because of limited resources customers will not be able to download to a disc.</p>
                              <p>Library staff will provide instruction and assist customers with the Internet.  Staff will provide public training sessions.  Some of the more advanced training sessions will be provided on a fee for service basis.</p>
                              <p>Library staff maintain a Best Library home page which identifies specific starting points for searches that reflect the Library's mission and service roles.  It includes links to appealing and age appropriate resources for children. </p>
      
                          </div>
                          </div>
                          <!-- InstanceEndEditable --></div>
      </div>
      <div id="login">
      <form action="?action=login" method="POST"><table><tr><td colspan="2"><input type="checkbox" name="accept" value="true" />I accept the terms of use</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><input type="submit" name="login" value="Login"/></td></tr></table><input type="hidden" name="location" value="http://detectportal.firefox.com/success.txt"/></form>
      </div>
      
      
      <hr style="margin-top:30px; margin-bottom:10px;">
      <div id="footer">
      <br/>
      For administrative questions please contact <a href="mailto:sitereviewrequest@BestLibrary.com">sitereviewrequest@BestLibrary.com</a>.
      </div>
      </div>
      </body>
      </html>
      
      • Necks_Dee
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Calvin Hobbes I don't see DNS rebinding in Settings.  

      • Calvin_Hobbes
      • 3 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Necks Dee it’s under the Security tab.   Sorry, I meant “settings” in the general sense of the word.

Content aside

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