IEEE 802.1X is a standard component of the IEEE 802.11 network protocol group established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). IEEE 802.1X adheres to IEEE 802.11 protocols to enhance wireless network security.

IEEE 802.1X controls access to wireless or virtual local area networks (VLAN) and applies traffic policies based on user identity and credentials. IEEE 802.1X ensures a user authentication framework where network access is denied upon failed authentication.

Built for wired networks, IEEE 802.1X requires very little processing power and is well-suited to wireless LAN applications.