Which EAP type requires a client certificate for authentication?

EAP-TLS (Extensible Authentication Protocol-Transport Layer Security) is a widely used authentication protocol that is particularly recognized for its strong security capabilities. One of the key characteristics of EAP-TLS is that it requires both the client and the server to have digital certificates for mutual authentication. This means that the client must possess a valid client certificate to establish a secure connection with the server.

The use of client certificates adds a layer of security because it ensures that only authorized clients can connect to the network. This two-way authentication process helps to prevent unauthorized access and man-in-the-middle attacks, making EAP-TLS one of the most secure EAP methods available.

In comparison, other EAP methods do not require a client certificate. For instance, EAP-FAST (Flexible Authentication via Secure Tunneling) uses a Protected Access Credential (PAC) for authentication and does not necessitate a client certificate. PEAP (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol) encapsulates a second EAP exchange within a secure TLS tunnel, but the client does not need a certificate—rather, it typically uses username/password authentication. EAP-GTC (Generic Token Card) is focused on token-based authentication and also does not require a client certificate.

By understanding these distinctions