Web based login to get IP from DHCP?

I was at a local apartment complex which had a broadband internet connection, but when you opened up your internet browser you wer immediately sent to a login page where you had to enter a username and password so that you could get to the internet. Once you logged in a little browser window minimized to your taskbar to hold your internet session open. I am interested in using this type of setup in my building in so that people could attach their laptops to my network but i would still be able to log what user is logged in at what time and on what MAC address for security purposes. Does anyone know anything about how this could be set up? Is it some sort of DHCP server or Router or what. Any possible leads would be appreciated.