Netgear WGR614v7 WGR614v7 Reference Manual - Page 134

54 Mbps Wireless Router WGR614v7 Reference Manual WPA/WPA2 Authentication: Enterprise-level User Authentication via 802.1x/EAP and RADIUS Wireless LAN WPA/WPA2 enabled wireless client with "supplicant" WPA/WPA2 enabled Access Point using pre-shared key or 802.1x Figure 4-3: WPA/WPA2 Overview Wired Network with Optional 802.1x Port Based Network Access Control TCP/IP Ports Closed Until Authenticated TCP/IP Ports Opened After Authenticated RADIUS Server Login Authentication Certificate Authority (for example Win Server, VeriSign) IEEE 802.1x offers an effective framework for authenticating and controlling user traffic to a protected network, as well as providing a vehicle for dynamically varying data encryption keys via EAP from a RADIUS server, for example. This framework enables using a central authentication server, which employs mutual authentication so that a rogue wireless user does not join the network. It is important to note that 802.1x does not provide the actual authentication mechanisms. When using 802.1x, the EAP type, such as Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS), or EAP Tunneled Transport Layer Security (EAP-TTLS), defines how the authentication takes place. Note: For environments with a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) infrastructure, WPA supports Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). For environments without a RADIUS infrastructure, WPA supports the use of a pre-shared key. Together, these technologies provide a framework for strong user authentication. Windows XP implements 802.1x natively, and several NETGEAR switch and wireless access point products support 802.1x. D-12 April 2006 Wireless Networking Basics