Which standard is used for port-based authorization on both wired and wireless networks?

Which standard is used for port-based authorization on both wired and wireless networks?

• A. 802.1x
• B. EAP
• C. Kerberos
• D. LDAP

Answer: (A)

Port-based authorization on wired and wireless networks is provided by IEEE 802.1X. It sets up a per-port access control mechanism where a switch or wireless access point (the authenticator) blocks traffic until the connected client (the supplicant) proves its identity to an authentication server (typically via a RADIUS server). The actual authentication uses EAP methods (like EAP-TLS, PEAP, etc.) within this framework, but the overarching standard that gates access at the port is 802.1X. Once the client authenticates successfully, the port is opened for normal network traffic; if authentication fails, access remains restricted. In contrast, EAP is just the authentication framework used inside 802.1X, while Kerberos and LDAP are directory/authentication mechanisms not designed to handle port-based access control at the network edge.

Port-based authorization on wired and wireless networks is provided by IEEE 802.1X. It sets up a per-port access control mechanism where a switch or wireless access point (the authenticator) blocks traffic until the connected client (the supplicant) proves its identity to an authentication server (typically via a RADIUS server). The actual authentication uses EAP methods (like EAP-TLS, PEAP, etc.) within this framework, but the overarching standard that gates access at the port is 802.1X. Once the client authenticates successfully, the port is opened for normal network traffic; if authentication fails, access remains restricted. In contrast, EAP is just the authentication framework used inside 802.1X, while Kerberos and LDAP are directory/authentication mechanisms not designed to handle port-based access control at the network edge.