EAP, Extensible Authentication Protocol

Extensible Authentication Protocol is a protocol frequently used in wireless networks. In general, it expands on methods used in PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol). EAP supports various mechanisms such as smart cards, token cards, certificates and Public-key authentication. For networks communicating with EAP, connection requests to a wireless network are made through an access point. An access point is essentially a station that sends and receives data, often call a transceiver. The access point will request ID (identification data) from a user and transmits the information to an authentication server. The authentication server then requests proof of the ID’s validity from the access point. Once the access point receives verification from the user and transmits it back to the authentication server, the user’s request is fulfilled as requested. Though it can be used in a wired environment and is not limited to wireless networks, EAP is mostly used in wireless LANs (local area networks). The WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 standard recently adopted five popular forms of EAP as it’s official authentication protocol.