NETGEAR WGR614 v5 manual Figure D-4 802.1x Authentication Sequence

Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wireless Router WGR614 v5

Client with a WPA-
enabled wireless
adapter and supplicant	For example, a	For example, a
(Win XP, Funk,
Meetinghouse, etc.)	WPA-enabled AP	RADIUS server

1

2

3

4

6 5

7

Figure D-4: 802.1x Authentication Sequence

The AP sends Beacon Frames with WPA information element to the stations in the service set. Information elements include the required authentication method (802.1x or Pre-shared key) and the preferred cipher suite (WEP, TKIP, or AES). Probe Responses (AP to station) and Association Requests (station to AP) also contain WPA information elements.

1.Initial 802.1x communications begin with an unauthenticated supplicant (i.e., client device) attempting to connect with an authenticator (i.e., 802.11 access point). The client sends an EAP-start message. This begins a series of message exchanges to authenticate the client.

2.The access point replies with an EAP-request identity message.

Wireless Networking Basics D-13

June 2004 202-10036-01