IEEE 802.1x

IEEE 802.1x is a protocol to secure access to a wired or wireless network. IEEE 802.1x is flexible in the way authentication is implemented. Usually, the authentication is based on RADIUS, but other ways are also possible.

IEEE 802.1x has the possibility to give each user a unique encryption-key. The key can be changed on a regular interval during a session.

IEEE 802.1x has the possibility to differentiate the traffic from different types of users. This makes it possible to give a guest access to a different part of the network then the employers.

Unlike the UAM, the 802.1x access method requires client software. Most up-to-date operating systems have native support for IEEE 802.1x.