Chapter 5 Radius Configuration; Overview; Introduction To Radius; Secure Connections - ZyXEL Communications VANTAGE RADIUS 50 User Manual

5.1 802.1x Overview
The IEEE 802.1x standard outlines enhanced security methods for both the authentication of wireless
stations and encryption key management. Vantage RADIUS provides authentication for wireless access
points.
5.2

Introduction to RADIUS

RADIUS is based on a client-sever model that supports authentication and accounting, where access point
is the client and the server is the RADIUS server. The RADIUS server handles the following tasks among
others:
•
Authentication
Determines the identity of the users.
•
Accounting
Keeps track of the client's network activity.
For information about message exchanges between Vantage RADIUS and wireless AP's refer to the System
Logs chapter.
5.3

Secure Connections

Vantage Radius authenticates accounts using secure connections. This means that every time information is
sent across the network, the connection must come from a valid source. The access point and Vantage
RADIUS use a shared secret key, which is a password, they both know. The key is not sent over the
RADIUS Configuration
Vantage RADIUS Server User's Guide
RADIUS Configuration
Chapter 5
5-1