Extensible Authentication Protocol

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Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) allows third-party authentication modules to interact with the implementation of the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) included in Microsoft® Windows® CE .NET–based Remote Access Service (RAS). EAP is also used with 802.1x (EAP over LAN, EAPOL) authentication.

With EAP, you can add a wide variety of authentication extensions to your OS, and provide a standard support mechanism for authentication schemes such as token cards, Kerberos, public-key, and s-key. EAP is a critical technology feature for virtual private networks (VPNs) that provide industry-standard security levels. EAP helps to protect VPNs against hacker attacks and password guessing. Although Microsoft makes EAP available to platform developers through Microsoft Platform Builder version 4.0 and later, the decision to include EAP on a platform is up to the individual platform developer.

EAP improves on previous authentication protocols, such as Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) and Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP). Windows CE .NET supports most of these earlier authentication protocols, as well.

See Also

EAP Installation | EAP Implementation Details | Configuration User Interface | Obtaining Identity Information | Interactive User Interface | EAP Authentication Protocols

 Last updated on Thursday, April 08, 2004

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