Question

Compare and evaluate the main components in an Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). Which scenarios accurately differentiate between these components?(Select all that apply.)

A.An authenticator performs the authentication and the authentication server establishes a channel.
B.An authenticator establishes a channel for the supplicant and the authentication server to exchange credentials using EAP.
C.A supplicant requests authentication and the authentication server performs the authentication.
D.A supplicant requests authentication and the authenticator performs the authentication.

Answer 1

correct option is a.b,c. EAP involves a supplicant requesting access, an authenticator facilitating communication, and an authentication server performing the authentication. Options B and C correctly describe the components' roles in EAP, while Options A and D do not accurately represent the authenticator's function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) is a framework for authenticating network access. It involves three main components: the supplicant (typically a client device), the authenticator (usually a network access server), and the authentication server (such as RADIUS or Diameter server). Comparing and evaluating scenarios about EAP components:

Option A is incorrect because the authenticator provides a communication channel but does not perform the actual authentication. It is the authentication server that authenticates the supplicant.

Option B is correct. The authenticator establishes a secure channel between the supplicant and the authentication server, through which the supplicant passes credentials using EAP for authentication.

Option C is correct. The supplicant, which is requesting access, sends authentication information to the authentication server, which then carries out the authentication process.

Option D is incorrect because while the authenticator may appear to perform the authentication, it is actually acting as a go-between for the supplicant and the authentication server.

In the context of EAP, the authenticator acts as an intermediary relaying EAP messages between the supplicant and authentication server.