Portal authentication is recommended for scenarios with high mobility and numerous terminal types, such as...

Portal Authentication vs. MAC Authentication

✅Portal Authentication

Used inhigh-mobility environments(e.g., shopping malls, hotels, and public Wi-Fi hotspots).

Usersauthenticate via a web portalbefore gaining network access.

Supports multiple device types (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.).

✅MAC Address Authentication

Used fordumb devicesthatcannot perform interactive authentication(e.g., printers, IP phones, cameras).

The network authenticates devices based on their MAC addresses automatically.

Often used inenterprise LANsto ensureunattended devices get network access securely.

Reference from Huawei HCIE-Datacom Documentation:

Huawei CloudCampus Authentication Guide – Portal and MAC Authentication

HCIE-Datacom Training Material – Access Control Mechanisms