Most companies require employees to use their own personal devices, such as Android smartphones or tablets, to access the internet and work resources. In order to protect their networks from unauthorized access, companies use 802.1x EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) authentication. 802.1x ensures that only authorized users can access network resources.
The 802.1x EAP authentication process can sometimes be complex and confusing, especially for Android users. In this article, we will provide you several methods to guide you step-by-step on how to connect to 802.1x EAP on your Android device.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Connect to 802.1x Eap Android
Connecting to 802.1x EAP on an Android device can be challenging for several reasons. Firstly, some Android devices do not support this authentication method. Secondly, even if your device supports 802.1x EAP, connecting to an EAP network requires more complicated configuration than other types of Wi-Fi networks.
The challenge increases when your device is not pre-configured to work in the specific network’s environment. In addition, there might be network-specific settings that you need to know before connecting to 802.1x EAP network, and this information may not always be easy to obtain.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before starting to connect your Android device to an 802.1x EAP network, you will need to gather some essential information, which includes:
– Network name (SSID) and its encryption type
– EAP method and Phase 2 authentication protocol
– Username and password
– Root certificate
– Server certificate
You can get these pieces of information from the network administrator or IT department of your company. Please ensure that all the information is correct before proceeding to connect your Android device.
Method 1: Connecting 802.1x EAP using the Built-in Wireless Settings
This method works on most Android devices that support 802.1x EAP. Here’s how to do it.
Preparation
1. Go to Settings on your Android device
2. Select Wi-Fi settings and turn on Wi-Fi.
3. Tap and hold the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to.
Steps
1. Select “Modify Network”.
2. Enable “Show Advanced Options”.
3. Select “802.1x EAP” as your security type.
4. Choose EAP method, for example, PEAP/LTTLS/TTLS.
5. Select Phase 2 authentication protocol as per the network requirements.
6. Enter your username and password.
7. Configure the CA certificate by uploading the root certificate to your device.
8. Configure the client certificate by uploading the server certificate to your device.
9. Tap “Connect” to connect to the wireless network.
Pros:
– This method is built into the Android operating system, so it is available on most Android devices.
– The network settings can be easily modified within the Wi-Fi settings menu.
Cons:
– More complicated configuration than other types of Wi-Fi networks.
– It may not work on some older Android devices.
Method 2: Connecting 802.1x EAP via an App
Some third-party Wi-Fi apps available on Google Play Store can connect to 802.1x EAP networks with a few taps on your Android device. Here’s how to do it with an app.
Preparation:
1. Download and install a third-party Wi-Fi app.
2. Ensure it supports 802.1x EAP.
Steps:
1. Open the app and go to its Wi-Fi settings menu.
2. Scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
3. Select the network you want to connect to.
4. Enter your network credentials.
5. Tap “Connect” to connect to the wireless network.
Pros:
– This method can be a quicker and easy solution for users not familiar with the built-in method.
– It can often save time by pre-configuring the Wi-Fi networks automatically.
Cons:
– The third-party app may provide reduced functionality compared to the built-in Wi-Fi settings menu.
– It may require you to pay for the app or an additional subscription.
Method 3: Connecting 802.1x EAP with NFC Tag in Android Phone
Some Android devices support Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows for simplified pairings of devices. Here’s how to use an NFC tag to connect to an 802.1x EAP network.
Preparation:
1. Access to an NFC tag.
2. An app that supports NFC tag reading.
Steps:
1. Configure an NFC tag to store network credentials.
2. Hold your Android device near the NFC tag.
3. Open the app that supports NFC tag reading and press “OK” to read the tag content.
4. Tap “Connect” to connect automatically to the wireless network.
Pros:
– This method can be faster than typing in network credentials.
– It can save time for frequent network connections.
Cons:
– Your Android device must support NFC technology and the NFC tag must be pre-configured.
– It may not work on some older Android devices.
Method 4: Connecting 802.1x EAP via WPS Push Button
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a network security configuration tool that allows you to connect your Android device to a wireless network with the push of a button. Here’s how to connect to an 802.1x EAP network using the WPS button.
Preparation:
1. Make sure the WPS push button method is supported in your Android device.
2. Ensure the WPS push button method is supported by the wireless access point.
Steps:
1. Push the physical button to start the WPS pairing process on your wireless access point.
2. On your Android device, go to Wi-Fi settings and select WPS push button.
3. The WPS push button pairing process will start automatically.
4. Once the paring is finish, you will be connected to the wireless network.
Pros:
– This method is easy to use and requires no firmware update or complex configuration.
– It can complete the step with fewer steps than a traditional method.
Cons:
– This method requires physical access to the wireless access point.
– The WPS push button method could potentially introduce security risks.
FAQs about How to Connect to 802.1 X Eap Android
Q1: Does my Android device support 802.1x EAP?
A: Not all Android devices support 802.1x EAP. Check the specification of your device or consult the network administrator to confirm.
Q2: Why can’t I connect to the 802.1x EAP network even after following the steps?
A: There are several reasons why you may not be able to connect to the 802.1x EAP network, including incorrect network credentials, incompatible device or software, or misconfigured network settings. Check your credentials and try again, or contact your network administrator for assistance.
Q3: Can I save multiple 802.1x EAP profiles on my Android device?
A: Yes, you can save multiple profiles on your device, which is useful for users who frequently switch between different Wi-Fi networks.
Q4: Can I set up an 802.1x EAP network using my Android phone as a hotspot?
A: No, Android devices do not currently support 802.1x EAP networks for mobile hotspots.
Q5: Can I connect my Android device to an enterprise-level wireless network?
A: Yes, many organizations use enterprise-level wireless networks, which your Android device can connect to if it supports 802.1x EAP authentication. However, you may need additional configuration settings.
In Conclusion
Connecting to an 802.1x EAP network on an Android device can be a bit tricky, but it is a must-have skill for anyone working in a corporate environment. If your Android device supports 802.1x EAP, you can follow the above methods step-by-step to connect your device to the network. Before attempting any connection, double-check that you have the correct credentials and that your device is compatible with the network. Once you’re connected, you can enjoy fast, secure wireless network access from your Android device.