X-Micro Tech IEEE 802.11b user manual What is 802.1x Authentication?

USER’S MANUAL OF X-MICRO WLAN 11b BROADBAND ROUTER Version: 2.6

authentication server, typically one that supports RADIUS and the selected EAP authentication protocol, will be added to the network.

4.16 What is 802.1x Authentication?

802.1x is a framework for authenticated MAC-level access control, defines Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) over LANs (WAPOL). The standard encapsulates and leverages much of EAP, which was defined for dial-up authentication with Point-to-Point Protocol in RFC 2284.

Beyond encapsulating EAP packets, the 802.1x standard also defines EAPOL messages that convey the shared key information critical for wireless security.

4.17 What is Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)?

The Temporal Key Integrity Protocol, pronounced tee-kip, is part of the IEEE 802.11i encryption standard for wireless LANs. TKIP is the next generation of WEP, the Wired Equivalency Protocol, which is used to secure 802.11 wireless LANs. TKIP provides per-packet key mixing, a message integrity check and a re-keying mechanism, thus fixing the flaws of WEP.

4.18 What is Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)?

Security issues are a major concern for wireless LANs, AES is the U.S. government’s next-generation cryptography algorithm, which will replace DES and 3DES.

4.19 What is Inter-Access Point Protocol (IAPP)?

The IEEE 802.11f Inter-Access Point Protocol (IAPP) supports Access Point Vendor interoperability, enabling roaming of 802.11 Stations within IP subnet.

IAPP defines messages and data to be exchanged between Access Points and between the IAPP and high layer management entities to support roaming. The IAPP protocol uses TCP for inter-Access Point communication and UDP for RADIUS request/response exchanges. It also uses Layer 2 frames to update the forwarding tables of Layer 2 devices.

4.20 What is Wireless Distribution System (WDS)?

The Wireless Distribution System feature allows WLAN AP to talk directly to other APs via wireless channel, like the wireless bridge or repeater service.

40