Internet Access Compliance for Business Premises: How to Implement Real-name Authentication & Log Retention

Starting October 1, Order No. 176 of the Ministry of Public Security (Measures for Cyberspace Security Supervision and Inspection by Public Security Organs) came into force, while Order No. 151 was repealed on the same day. Hotel, cybercafé and homestay owners are constantly reminded: real-name verification, log retention, or administrative fines. This article avoids alarmist rhetoric and clearly answers two core questions: who delivers these compliance functions and where they are deployed.

I. Two Separate Compliance Obligations

For guest Wi-Fi services, regulators enforce two strict requirements:

1. Real-name Internet Access
   Guests must complete identity verification via mobile phone number or official ID. Open access with a shared static Wi-Fi password will fail inspection.
2. Sufficient Retention of Internet Access Logs
   Article 7 of Order No.176 sets out the key inspection clause: legally record and retain user registration information and internet access logs. Recording and long-term retention are two parallel mandatory requirements.
   AINOPOL Cloud Log Audit supports rolling log storage for no less than 180 days; the exact retention period shall comply with local public security authority requirements.

Full compliance requires both functions. A standalone authentication page without backend log storage will result in non-compliance.

II. Carrier Broadband Networks: Add Compliance Capabilities on the ONT

Most stores subscribe to carrier broadband, with the optical network terminal (ONT) serving as the network egress.
Key fact: The native ONT only handles broadband forwarding. It cannot perform real-name authentication or generate internet behavior logs. Its management functions are limited to WAN configuration, Wi-Fi settings and firmware upgrades, with no user identification or log generation capability.

AINOPOL provides Cloud Portal + Cloud Log Audit for telecom carriers to fill this gap:

• The solution connects to existing ONTs via lightweight plug-ins, without hardware replacement or disruption to original broadband forwarding.
• Cloud Portal: Pushes the captive portal page, supports multi-channel verification (SMS, passport, Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan ID, WeChat), and writes session quadruple data into access records.
• Cloud Log Audit: Correlates access logs with user sessions on the cloud and stores them long-term. Complete access reports can be exported by mobile number or time period; no on-premises log server is required at the venue.

III. Self-built On-premises Networks: All-in-One Communication & Encryption for Compliance

For venues that build and operate their own networks without carrier-managed broadband, AINOPOL’s all-in-one Communication & Encryption solution is the optimal choice.
Built on an all-optical network foundation, integrated audio & video engine, and network security shield, the Dream Gateway consolidates real-name authentication, log storage and threat protection into a single hardware device. There is no need to purchase separate authentication and audit systems.

Quick reference:

• Carrier-managed networks: Retrofit existing devices with cloud plug-ins
• Self-built networks: Deploy the all-in-one Communication & Encryption Dream Gateway

IV. Three Pre-deployment Verification Checks

1. Unified integrated system: Authentication and log audit must run on one unified platform. Separate systems are unacceptable, as identity records cannot be matched with user online behavior.
2. Verifiable report export: Confirm that complete access logs can be exported by mobile number and time range, with all required data fields fully populated.
3. Beware of "police-specified products": Order No.176 explicitly prohibits law enforcement authorities from designating specific brands. Select solutions based on technical compatibility and log compliance.

Regulatory oversight has evolved from ad-hoc crackdowns under Order No.151 to regular long-term inspections under Order No.176. Real-name access and log retention have become rigid operational requirements for hotels, homestays and cybercafés. It is far more cost-effective to deploy compliant technology in advance than to face rectification penalties afterwards.

AINOPOL delivers integrated compliance packages for both carrier broadband and self-built network scenarios, combining real-name verification, log retention and network security protection into one unified solution. Proactive network compliance strengthens operational risk control and helps physical stores meet regulatory standards and operate legally.

FAQ

Q1: Is a simple Wi-Fi authentication page sufficient?
A1: No. Authentication verifies who is accessing the network, while logs record what the user does online. The two datasets must be strictly correlated; neither can be omitted.

Q2: Am I forced to adopt the carrier’s solution?
A2: No. Order No.176 bans mandatory product designation by inspectors. Venues may choose carrier cloud upgrades or self-purchased gateways according to network structure and O&M capacity. Self-built networks can adopt AINOPOL’s all-in-one Communication & Encryption solution.

Q3: Do I need to replace existing network hardware for compliance retrofits?
A3: No hardware replacement is required for carrier broadband connections. Cloud Portal and Cloud Log Audit connect to current ONTs via lightweight plug-ins, preserving original broadband forwarding without adding new on-site equipment.