Final answer:
The 802.1X protocol provides port-based authentication that restricts unauthorized hosts from connecting to a LAN via publicly accessible switch ports, involving a supplicant, an authenticator, and an authentication server.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protocol that defines port-based authentication to restrict unauthorized hosts from connecting to a LAN through publicly accessible switch ports is known as 802.1X, which is sometimes referred to as dot1x. This authentication method provides a mechanism for network devices to enforce authentication before allowing devices to transmit data over the network. 802.1X uses an authentication server, typically a RADIUS server, to handle the actual verification of credentials. The process usually involves three parties: the supplicant (client device), the authenticator (network switch or access point), and the authentication server.