Described in RFC 2284, abbreviated as EAP.
An authentication protocol that supports multiple authentication methods, such as Kerberos, passwords, or smart cards. Cisco's authentication protocol, LEAP, is based on EAP, an extension to PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol).
An IETF standard that establishes an authentication protocol for network access. Many authentication methods, including passwords, certificates, and smart cards, work within this framework.
An extension of Point-to-Point Protocol that supports many authentication methods, including Kerberos, public-key authentication and smart cards. In the IEEE's 802.1X, EAP is encapsulated in LAN or WLAN traffic, providing the mechanism for verifying the identity of a user to a RADIUS or other authentication server. There are several varieties of EAP, listed below and explained here
An extension to the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) that allows for arbitrary authentication mechanisms to be employed for the validation of a PPP connection. See also: CHAP (Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol); Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
Extensible Authentication Protocol, or EAP, is a universal authentication framework frequently used in wireless networks and Point-to-Point connections. It is defined by RFC 3748. Although the EAP protocol is not limited to wireless LANs and can be used for wired LAN authentication, it is most often used in wireless LANs.