Wi-Fi Authentication Basics

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Questions and Answers

What does 'open authentication' refer to in Wi-Fi connectivity?

  • Users must authenticate using a biometric scan.
  • Users must verify their identity through a certificate.
  • Users can connect without authentication. (correct)
  • Users must enter a password to connect.

Why is using a pre-shared key (PSK) not recommended for corporate networks?

  • Passwords can be easily shared and leaked. (correct)
  • It encrypts data less effectively than other methods.
  • It requires users to reset their passwords frequently.
  • It does not support multiple devices at once.

Which technology is commonly used for user authentication in enterprise networks?

  • WPA2-PSK
  • WEP
  • 802.11g
  • 802.1X (correct)

What is the main purpose of using different flavors of Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) with 802.1X?

<p>To provide various user authentication methods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of open authentication?

<p>Ensures data is encrypted during transmission. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant risk associated with open authentication in public Wi-Fi networks?

<p>Data transmitted is likely unsecured. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does PSK stand for in the context of Wi-Fi security?

<p>Pre-Shared Key (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When a client attempts to connect to a Wi-Fi network using 802.1X, which occurs first?

<p>The user is authenticated by the network. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component primarily manages the user accounts and passwords in a centralized authentication system?

<p>Authentication server (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'A' in the AAA framework stand for?

<p>Authentication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol framework is typically used for authentication in Cisco environments?

<p>RADIUS (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of WPA3 compared to earlier Wi-Fi security protocols?

<p>It provides improved encryption and security features. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When using WPA2 in combination with a back end authentication server, what is this setup typically referred to as?

<p>WPA2 Enterprise (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What signifies that a wireless device may not support 802.1X and needs to use a pre-shared key?

<p>It is a legacy IoT device. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym EAP stand for in network authentication?

<p>Extensible Authentication Protocol (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the access point in a wireless network?

<p>Connect clients to the wireless controller (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is encryption important in wireless communications?

<p>To protect data confidentiality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'pre-shared key' refer to in a wireless context?

<p>A shared password used for WPA2 personal setups (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Authentication in Wi-Fi Networks

  • Users must first determine if authentication is required to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
  • Open authentication allows users to join networks without passwords, common in public spaces like restaurants and hotels, but lacks security.
  • Pre-Shared Key (PSK) is a better option for limited access; users must enter a password to join the Wi-Fi network.
  • Pre-shared keys are not suitable for corporate environments due to the potential for password sharing.

Enterprise Authentication

  • 802.1X is recommended for enterprise environments, providing user-specific authentication rather than password-based access.
  • In a centralized system, a AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) server, such as RADIUS or TACACS+, manages user credentials and permissions.
  • AAA servers verify users (authentication), determine access levels (authorization), and keep track of user activities (accounting).

Wi-Fi Encryption Standards

  • Wi-Fi security has evolved from WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) to WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), WPA2, and WPA3, with newer standards offering improved security.
  • WPA2 personal mode is associated with pre-shared keys, while WPA2 enterprise uses backend servers for user authentication.
  • WPA3 should be preferred where supported, alongside 802.1X for robust security.

User Authentication in Enterprise Networks

  • In enterprise settings, every user should be authenticated to enhance network security.
  • Legacy devices may require fallback to WPA2 personal with a PSK if they do not support 802.1X.
  • Wireless LAN controllers can manage multiple security implementations, displaying networks with either PSK or 802.1X configurations.

Implementation Considerations

  • Effective Wi-Fi deployment requires site surveys to ensure proper coverage and the best encryption schemes (WPA2 or WPA3).
  • Authentication should leverage 802.1X, ensuring individual user verification for enhanced security.
  • Alternative solutions, like cellular technology, may be necessary when Wi-Fi coverage is insufficient.

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