EAP-PWD vs. EAP-TLS

Attribute	EAP-PWD	EAP-TLS
Authentication method	Password-based	Certificate-based
Key exchange protocol	Dragonfly	SSL/TLS
Security level	High	High
Complexity	Low	High

Introduction

When it comes to securing wireless networks, choosing the right Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) method is crucial. EAP-PWD and EAP-TLS are two popular EAP methods that provide different levels of security and authentication. In this article, we will compare the attributes of EAP-PWD and EAP-TLS to help you understand their differences and make an informed decision for your network.

Authentication Mechanism

EAP-PWD, which stands for EAP-Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol, is a password-based authentication method. It allows users to authenticate using a password without the need for a server-side database to store passwords. On the other hand, EAP-TLS, which stands for EAP-Transport Layer Security, uses digital certificates for authentication. This means that each user must have a unique certificate issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) to authenticate to the network.

Security

When it comes to security, EAP-TLS is considered more secure than EAP-PWD. This is because EAP-TLS uses digital certificates, which are harder to compromise compared to passwords used in EAP-PWD. Digital certificates provide strong authentication and encryption, making it difficult for attackers to intercept or tamper with the communication between the client and the server. On the other hand, EAP-PWD relies on passwords, which are more susceptible to brute force attacks and password guessing.

Ease of Deployment

Deploying EAP-TLS can be more complex compared to EAP-PWD due to the need for managing digital certificates. Each user must have a unique certificate issued by a CA, and these certificates need to be renewed periodically to ensure security. This process can be time-consuming and require additional resources to manage the certificate lifecycle. On the other hand, EAP-PWD does not require the management of digital certificates, making it easier to deploy and maintain in a network environment.

Compatibility

EAP-TLS is widely supported by most operating systems and devices, making it a popular choice for organizations looking for strong security. However, some legacy devices may not support EAP-TLS, which can be a limitation for organizations with older hardware. On the other hand, EAP-PWD is supported by most modern devices and operating systems, making it a more compatible choice for organizations that need to support a wide range of devices.

Performance

When it comes to performance, EAP-PWD is generally faster than EAP-TLS. This is because EAP-PWD does not require the exchange of digital certificates during the authentication process, reducing the overhead and latency in establishing a secure connection. On the other hand, EAP-TLS requires the exchange of digital certificates, which can increase the authentication time and impact the performance of the network, especially in high-traffic environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both EAP-PWD and EAP-TLS have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to securing wireless networks. EAP-TLS provides stronger security with digital certificates but can be more complex to deploy and manage. On the other hand, EAP-PWD offers ease of deployment and compatibility but may not provide the same level of security as EAP-TLS. Ultimately, the choice between EAP-PWD and EAP-TLS will depend on the specific security requirements and constraints of your network environment.