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Security Fundamentals & Crypto · Intermediate

Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)

Authentication framework supporting multiple methods, used with 802.1X, PPP, and wireless networks.

Definition

EAP defines message formats while specific methods define how authentication occurs. Common methods include EAP-TLS, PEAP, EAP-TTLS, EAP-FAST, and EAP-SIM/AKA. Method selection determines credential types and security.

Example

A Wi-Fi network uses WPA3-Enterprise with PEAP-MSCHAPv2 for users and EAP-TLS for corporate devices.

Exam tip

EAP is a framework, not a single protocol; choose the method based on certificate requirements.

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