IEEE 802.1X Authentication
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1X standard is an
improvement over the capabilities of the WEP. Although WEP provides encryption
services, 802.1X provides authentication services. WEP offers a certain measure of
encryption between AP and client; however, the data still floats in the ether, exposing
it to analysis and examination. In a wired network, unauthorized devices can be
blocked from the network if you disable unused RJ-45 jacks and associating Media
Access Control (MAC) addresses to Ethernet switch ports.