Describe the uses for IEEE 802.1X access control
IEEE 802.1X network access control (NAC) enhances the ability of the administrators to have similar access control across the wireless and wired networks. It is vital to note that the NAC is adopted in organizations that require similar use of a network such as organization branches. Equally important, 802.1X has two major characteristics that i9nclude the 802.1X protocol and NAC. The 801.1X protocol is an IEEE standard for port-based NAC on wireless and wired access points. In this regard, 802.1 is tasked with the authentication controls for devices and users that access the WLAN and LAN. On the other hand, NAC is a networking concept that notes devices and users by regulating their access to the network. NAC operation resources use policy and authorization enforcement.
Ability and function of the 802.1X Network Access Control
There are different ways that the 802.1 NAC can be deployed to enhance the accessing of the network. First, the 802.1 NAC is employed in the pre-admission controls to ensure that messages are filtered such that unauthenticated messages are effectively blocked (Chen, Jiang and Liu, 2005). Consequently, 802.1 NAC is used in the detection of a device and user. It identifies users and devices with predefined credentials. Furthermore, 802.1 NAC is adopted in authorization and authentication wh9ich enhances verification before the access. Additionally, 802.1 NAC enables onboarding operations to provide a device with management, security and host-checking software.
Working of an 802.1 NAC
802.1 NAC works and operates through various processes and stages to enhance network access. First is the initiation stage that involves the sending of initiation message the forwards the message for authentication (Chen, Jiang and Liu, 2005).In the authentication, stage messages move from authentication server and suppliant though authenticator for validation. Consequently, in the authorization stage credentials are verified to give or deny the supplicant access. Furthermore, there is the accounting stage to record the activities in the sessions and details the services, session types and device details. Finally, there is the termination that ensures sessions are terminated though disconnecting the end device via the management software.
References
Chen, J. C., Jiang, M. C., & Liu, Y. W. (2005). Wireless LAN security and IEEE 802.11 i. IEEE Wireless Communications, 12(1), 27-36.
