NETGEAR WGM511 User Manual page 62

User Manual for the NETGEAR Pre-N Wireless PC Card WGM511
Client with a WPA-
enabled wireless
adapter and supplicant
(Win XP, Funk,
Meetinghouse, etc.)
1
Figure 6-4: 802.1x Authentication Sequence
The access point (AP) sends Beacon Frames with WPA information elements 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.
Initial 802.1x communications begin with an unauthenticated supplicant (i.e., client device)
1.
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.
The access point replies with an EAP-request identity message.
2.
B-12
For example, a
WPA-enabled AP
2
6 5
7
December 2004
For example, a
RADIUS server
3
4
Wireless Networking Basics