8021Xbasierten

802.1X is a network access control standard defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in the IEEE 802.1X standard. It is designed to provide an authentication mechanism to devices wishing to attach to a Local Area Network (LAN) or to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The standard is widely used in enterprise environments to secure network access by ensuring that only authorized devices can connect to the network.

The 802.1X protocol operates by requiring a device, known as the supplicant, to authenticate itself to a central authentication server, typically a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server, before it is granted access to the network. The authentication process involves a series of exchanges between the supplicant, the authenticator (usually a switch or an access point), and the authentication server.

The 802.1X protocol supports various authentication methods, including Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), which allows for flexible and secure authentication mechanisms. Common EAP methods include EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, EAP-PEAP, and EAP-SIM, among others. These methods can be used to authenticate users based on credentials such as passwords, certificates, or smart cards.

Once the supplicant is authenticated, the authenticator allows the device to access the network resources. The 802.1X protocol can be implemented in both wired and wireless networks, providing a robust security framework to protect against unauthorized access and potential security threats.