Which IEEE 802.1x component is found within the client?

The supplicant is the component found within the client in an IEEE 802.1X architecture. The role of the supplicant is to handle the authentication process for the client device attempting to connect to the network. It sends authentication credentials to the authenticator, which is typically a network device like a switch or an access point.

The supplicant is essentially the software that resides on the client device, which can be a computer, smartphone, or any device that needs to connect to a secure network. It communicates with the authenticator and the backend server (often a RADIUS server) to facilitate the authentication process. This includes handling the exchange of authentication messages and providing the necessary credentials, such as usernames and passwords, or certificates if using more secure methods.

Understanding the function of the supplicant helps clarify the overall process of network access control in environments using 802.1X, highlighting its importance in ensuring that only authenticated users and devices are granted access to the network.