What is 802.1x primarily used for in a network?

The primary use of 802.1x in a network is for Network Access Control and authentication. This standard is a port-based network access control protocol that provides an efficient way to ensure that devices trying to connect to a secure LAN or WLAN are authenticated before they can access network resources.

When a device attempts to connect to the network, 802.1x facilitates a communication process between the device (the supplicant), an authentication server (typically using RADIUS), and the network switch or access point (the authenticator). This ensures that only authorized users and devices are granted access, enhancing overall security.

By enforcing this authentication process, 802.1x helps to prevent unauthorized access, protecting the network from potential threats and ensuring that only devices with the correct credentials can communicate with other devices on the network. This makes it a critical component in environments where security is a priority, such as corporate networks or educational institutions.