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Reference Manual for the 54 Mbps Wireless Router WGR614 v5
Wireless Networking Basics D-13
June 2004 202-10036-01
Figure D-4: 802.1x Authentication Sequence
The AP sends Beacon Frames with WPA information element to the stations in the service set.
Information elements include the required authentication method (802.1x or Pre-shared key) and
the preferred cipher suite (WEP, TKIP, or AES). Probe Responses (AP to station) and Association
Requests (station to AP) also contain WPA information elements.
1. Initial 802.1x communications begin with an unauthenticated supplicant (i.e., client device)
attempting to connect with an authenticator (i.e., 802.11 access point). The client sends an
EAP-start message. This begins a series of message exchanges to authenticate the client.
2. The access point replies with an EAP-request identity message.
1
2
3
4
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7
Client with a WPA-
enabled wireless
adapter and supplicant
(Win XP, Funk,
Meetinghouse, etc.)
For example, a
WPA-enabled AP
For example, a
RADIUS server