802.1X

networkingsecurity

Stands for: IEEE 802.1X (port-based network access control)

Port-based network access control - the IEEE standard that makes a switch port or access point authenticate before it forwards traffic.

802.1X frames the handshake: a supplicant (the device), an authenticator (the switch or AP), and an authentication server (usually RADIUS) exchange EAP over LAN until the port opens or stays closed. It is the enforcement layer under enterprise Wi-Fi (WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise) and wired NAC, and pairs naturally with 802.1Q to place authenticated devices into the right VLAN.

Also known as: 802.1x, dot1x, port-based nac, eapol

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