What basis does a WLAN use IEEE 802.1x protocol to control network access?

What basis does a WLAN use IEEE 802.1x protocol to control network access?

• A. User-based access control
• B. Device-based filtering
• C. MAC-based firewall
• D. Port-based network access control

Answer: (D)

Port-based network access control is how IEEE 802.1X governs access. In a WLAN, the access point acts as the authenticator at the edge of the network. When a client tries to connect, the AP doesn’t immediately forward traffic onto the network. Instead, it requires authentication using an EAP method, with credentials verified by an authentication server (typically RADIUS). Only after successful authentication does the AP permit the client’s wireless port to carry normal traffic. This per-port gating is the essence of 802.1X, ensuring devices must prove their identity before gaining network access.

Other approaches like filtering by device type or MAC address aren’t the mechanism 802.1X uses to grant access; 802.1X provides the framework and per-port authorization that sits at the edge of the network, before any data is allowed through.