Portsmouth, NH — (press release excerpt) — Meetinghouse Data Communications, Inc., a developer of advanced communications software, said today it was making available a free, downloadable network authentication software package for Linux operating systems. The client-side or “supplicant” software package communicates with an 802.1X server or authenticator and a RADIUS server to confirm a user's identity. The 802.1X software is used to authenticate local-area network users during login and network sessions. Based on the latest IEEE standards, the free Linux version is available now on the Meetinghouse website.

“Meetinghouse has developed a wide range of networking software for many of the largest data and telecommunications manufacturers during its 13-year history. Organizations such as Hewlett-Packard Company, Bay Networks, Sprint International and others have come to rely on Meetinghouse's expert technical staff and its ability to deliver projects on time and on budget,” said Dr. Paul Goransson, president and founder of Meetinghouse Data Communications.

Meetinghouse said it would introduce additional 802.1X software packages in the next few months to address requirements of corporate network users as well as network equipment manufacturers looking to add 802.1X support and compliance in their wired or wireless devices.

The 802.1X protocol is the next-generation Local Area Network(LAN) authentication protocol ratified by the IEEE. It enables user authentication in both wireless and wired LANs and is being adopted by many network equipment vendors. A shortage of client-side (supplicant) software has slowed widespread adoption of the new standard. Meetinghouse, by offering both supplicant and authenticator (server-side) software, hopes to facilitate the adoption of this important new security protocol.

The 802.1X protocol not only identifies a user but also enables a “key” to be passed to encryption software to further secure data transmissions. The 802.1X protocol is expected to become the de facto authentication standard in both wired and wireless LANs. The 802.1X standard is included in the newest Microsoft Windows XP operating systems.

 
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