IEEE 802.1X is simply the standard Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), by which Wi-Fi® authentication is able to transmit.

With EAP you pass information over ethernet frameworks and don’t use Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).

802.1X is comprised of three main parts; the supplicant, the authenticator, and the authentication server.

With 802.1X, the initiation phase involves the supplicant (aka the client machine or device that wishes to connect to the wireless network) which sends encapsulated EAP data in EAPOL (EAP over LAN) frames to the authenticator (aka the wireless access point, router or switch).

Essentially, messages are shuttled between the authentication server and the supplicant’s device via the authenticator, but the authenticator can't see what it's relaying because the message is encrypted. Several pieces of pertinent information are validated in order for the authentication server to approve of the requests before authorizing access to the Wi-Fi® router's network server.

In some situations the supplicant being referred to can be considered the software itself that is located on the machine trying to authenticate to Wi-Fi® via RADIUS.

This diagram demonstrates how 802.1X functions:

802.1x mitigates many of the problems that occur with using outdated WEP, such as the long life of passwords.

Wi-Fi® Authentication with Foxpass RADIUS

Foxpass enables per-user logins instead of using a shared password, enhancing security and preventing unwanted access to your very important company data.

An employee can log into their company’s Wi-Fi® with ease while also solving the age-old problem of getting rid of generic, overused, shared passwords that allow any random bystander to hack into to your infrastructure, making businesses vulnerable to major attacks--cyber attacks in which they are often unable to recuperate.

Another added bonus of using RADIUS WiFi authentication With Foxpass is that an IT manager can seamlessly delegate with an internet connection and access to the Foxpass Dashboard.

Foxpass offers secure and reliable Wi-Fi® Authentication with WPA2 Enterprise, 802.1x and RADIUS at the click of a button!

Try us out free for 30 days

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