WLAN using EAP-TLS

[raymng]

Currently we have WLC 4402 and wide range of AP. We use WAP2 with EAP-PEAP-MSCHAP for the WLAN security setup.  We use MS IAS as radius server.

Recently, we want to find a way to control what type of wireless devices that can join to our WLAN.  One idea is deploying client certificate and use EAP-TLS for authentication.  Does this sound a reasonable approach?  Or there is a better way to achieve the objective than using EAP-TLS?  I have not done EAP-TLS before and I am not sure if I am opening up a big "can of worm" in this direction.

Furthermore, does EAP-TLS only works with WEP encryption?  Is TKIP or AES not supported?

Thanks.

p.s.

if there are any good documents around EAP-TLS with wireless deployment, please let me know. thx.

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

Well the WLC configuration is the same... No change. It's on the IAS you would specify EAP-TLS. It is a good option as long as all your devices support EAP-TLS.

Thanks,

Scott Fella

Sent from my iPhone

[raymng]

Under EAP-TLS, does the wireless login process involved user authentication beside client certificate?  One of the primary trigger for us to look into this option is to get a two-factor authentication setup for the wireless network.

Thanks.

[8jwilliams]

No, there is no password transmitted during EAP-TLS authentication.  EAP-TLS relies upon the authenticating client having a valid certificate with a name that matches an account on the authentication server. 

If you require two-factor authentication you will need to use a RADIUS server that supports it or can proxy to something that does.

[George Stefanick]

A PKI is a large undertaking for larger enterprises. Not something you just throw up over night. I would read up and test before committing to EAP-TLS.