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Embedded networking

ESP32-NetUnlocker

Experimental

An ESP32 captive portal and DNS-forwarding experiment.

Project Overview

An embedded networking experiment for developers studying captive portals, DNS handling and traffic forwarding on an ESP32. The firmware connects a local access point to an upstream Wi-Fi network.

Features

  • ESP32 access point and upstream Wi-Fi station configuration.
  • An onboard browser portal served through the firmware’s web server.
  • DNS response handling and proxy forwarding.
  • NAPT-based traffic forwarding and bilingual setup documentation.

Technical Architecture

  1. Hardware

    An ESP32 development board provides the local Wi-Fi access point and upstream station connection.

  2. Firmware

    Arduino WiFi, WebServer, WiFiUDP and esp_netif handle the portal, DNS packets and NAPT.

  3. Client connection

    A browser opens the onboard portal while traffic is forwarded through the configured upstream network.

ESP32ArduinoWi-FiNAPT

Development Status

Experimental

A public Arduino sketch and setup guide are available. This is an experimental implementation for authorized network research, not a production router or a guarantee of compatibility with every network.

Evidence & attribution

Public README and wifi_esp32.ino reviewed 2026-10-10.

Screenshots & Demonstrations

Embedded networkingESP32-NetUnlockerPreview in preparation

An original screenshot or hardware photograph is not available here yet. Explore the public source and documentation below.