Filter
Top Products
Appendix B - Wireless Technology
196
Modero Touch Panels
EAP communication overview
EAP Authentication goes a step beyond just encrypting data transfers, but also requires that a set of
credentials be validated before the client (panel) is allowed to connect to the rest of the network
(FIG. 98). Below is a description of this process. It is important to note that there is no user intervention
necessary during this process. It proceeds automatically based on the configuration parameters entered
into the panel.
1. The client (panel) establishes a wireless connection with the WAP specified by the SSID.
2. The WAP opens up a tunnel between itself and the RADIUS server configured via the access point.
This tunnel means that packets can flow between the panel and the RADIUS server but nowhere
else. The network is protected until authentication of the client (panel) is complete and the ID of
the client is verified.
3. The WAP (Authenticator) sends an "EAP-Request/Identity" message to the panel as soon as the
wireless connection becomes active.
4. The panel then sends a "EAP-Response/Identity" message through the WAP to the RADIUS server
providing its identity and specifying which EAP type it wants to use. If the server does not support
the EAP type, then it sends a failure message back to the WAP which will then disconnect the panel.
As an example, EAP-FAST is only supported by the Cisco server.
5. If the EAP type is supported, the server then sends a message back to the client (panel) indicating
what information it needs. This can be as simple as a username (Identity) and password or as
complex as multiple CA certificates.
6. The panel then responds with the requested information. If everything matches, and the panel
provides the proper credentials, the RADIUS server then sends a success message to the access
point instructing it to allow the panel to communicate with other devices on the network. At this
point, the WAP completes the process for allowing LAN Access to the panel (possibly a restricted
access based on attributes that came back from the RADIUS server).
As an example, the WAP might switch the panel to a particular VLAN or install a set of
firewall rules.
FIG. 98 EAP security method in process
LAN
Client - Panel
(supplicant)
802.1x
(EAP over Wireless)
Authenticator
(Wireless Access Point)
Authentication Server
(RADIUS Server)