Windows Supports Net Access Control

Support for 802.1x port-based network access control in Windows can prevent eavesdropping and unauthorized network access on both wired and wireless LANs. Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP are the first Microsoft OSs to have native support for 802.1x, which is used by some wireless access points and managed Ethernet switches to prevent non-authenticated or unauthorized individuals from gaining physical access to the network or to limit them to certain parts of the network. However, implementing 802.1x requires equipment designed for it.

What Is 802.1x?

802.1x is a networking protocol designed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to enable authentication and authorization of devices attached to LAN “ports” before they can have full use of the network. This enhances security by preventing unauthorized use of the network and by denying attackers physical access that would allow them to launch attacks against servers and other network resources.

In practice, two common LAN devices can use 802.1x: managed Ethernet switches and 802.11-based wireless access points (APs).