D-Link DRS-200 [8/69] Introduction to ieee 802 x

Introduction to WLAN

Wireless local area networks (wireless LANs, or WLANs) uses wireless transmissions,

such as radio or infrared instead of phone lines or fiber-optic cable to connect data

devices. That means the use of mobile computing devices, such as laptops and

personal digital assistants, coupled with the demand for continual network connections

without “plug in,” are driving the adoption of enterprise WLANs. Network managers are

using WLANs to facilitate network moves, adds and changes. In addition, the inherent

flexibility of WLANs overcomes limitations created by older buildings, leased spaces, or

temporary work areas.

Introduction to RADIUS

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a client/server protocol and

software that enables remote access servers to communicate with a central server to

authenticate dial-in users and authorize their access to the requested system or service.

It provides better security, allowing a company to set up a policy that can be applied at a

single administered network point. RADIUS now supports virtual private network (VPN)

servers, wireless access points, authenticating Ethernet switches, Digital Subscriber

Line (DSL) access, and other network access types.

Introduction to IEEE 802.1x

The IEEE 802.1X standard for Port-based authentication is a layer 2 solution between

client and wireless access point or switch. In the 802.1X framework authentication

information is carried using the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP, RFC 2284), a

protocol that enables the use of several authentication methods, currently MD5, TLS,

TTLS, MS-CHAPv2, PEAP and SIM-card based.