Implementing IEEE 802.1x for Wired Networks

Without an extra layer of security, hosts can access resources on the wired network without any form of authentication. Basically there is no way to know who is accessing the wired network infrastructure. To manage this type of connections, IEEE 802.1x port based authentication can be implemented to force wired clients to authenticate. Without proper access to the wired network, malicious users can use the network to access company's data or launch attacks to servers or client computers on the wired network.