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In Pictures: 8 no cost/low cost tools for deploying 802.1X security

9 Photos Eric Geier (Network World)

Implementing and supporting 802.1X authentication on your network can be a challenge, but here are some tools that can help.

  • Implementing and supporting 802.1X authentication on your network can be a challenge, but here are some tools that can help.

  • FreeRADIUS server For small and midsize networks, you don't have to spend a fortune on a RADIUS server. First check if your router platform, directory service, or any other server provides RADIUS for you already. If your current servers don't provide RADIUS functionality, check out FreeRADIUS, a free, open source tool that can run on Linux and other Unix-like OSs. It can serve anywhere from a dozen to millions of users and requests.

  • TekRADIUS TekRADIUS is a shareware server that runs on Windows and offers a GUI. Basic features are free, while other versions can be purchased for features like EAP-TLS and dynamic self-signed certificate creation for PEAP sessions, VoIP billing, and other enterprise features.

  • ClearBox If you're in the market for a commercial RADIUS server, ClearBox from Xperience Technologies is an option worth exploring.

  • Elektron Elektron from Periodik Labs is another low-cost RADIUS server that runs on Windows, and offers a 30-day free trial.

  • AuthenticateMyWiFi There are also cloud-based services, like AuthenticateMyWiFi, that provide hosted RADIUS servers for 802.1X, great for those that don't want to invest the time and resources in setting up their own.

  • SU1x There's a free 802.1X Configuration Deployment Tool from eduroam that you can use for Windows XP (SP3), Vista and Windows 7. You enter your settings and preferences, capture your network info from a PC already setup with the network, and then the tool will create a wizard users can run on their computers to automatically configure the network and other settings for them.

  • XpressConnect XpressConnect is a commercial tool that supports the distribution of the root certificate authorities on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android and iOS devices.

  • ClearPass QuickConnect ClearPass QuickConnect and ClearPass Onboard both support the distribution of the root CA on Windows, Mac OS X, Android and iOS devices.

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