IEEE 802.1X

IEEE 802.1X is the standard protocol for allowing hosts and users to be authenticated to the network before obtaining a connection (port-based network admission control). As well as providing very effective access control to wireless and other networks, it is being used increasingly for other aspects of host security and management. (Note that IEEE 802.1X is dependent on the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) , which is covered by a companion factsheet.)