Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)

Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) is a flexible and versatile authentication framework used in wireless networks. It operates at the link layer of the OSI model and enables wireless clients to authenticate with the network using various methods.

The EAP process typically involves the following steps:

1. EAP Initiation: The client requests authentication from the access point, and the access point responds with an EAP Request message.
2. EAP Response: The client sends an EAP Response message back to the access point, indicating its readiness to begin the authentication process.
3. Authentication Exchange: The actual authentication process takes place, depending on the EAP method being used. This could involve username and password credentials, digital certificates, token-based authentication, or other mechanisms.
4. Success/Failure: The access point sends an EAP Success message if the authentication is successful or an EAP Failure message if the authentication fails.

EAP supports various authentication methods, including EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, PEAP, EAP-FAST, and more. Each method has its characteristics and level of security.