Episode 39: Wireless Authentication Issues — WPA2, WPA3, and RADIUS
Authentication problems are some of the most frustrating issues in wireless networking, and this episode breaks down why they happen and how to fix them. We begin by comparing WPA2 and WPA3, explaining their encryption methods, compatibility challenges, and common configuration pitfalls. You'll learn how PSK (pre-shared key) authentication works versus enterprise-level setups that use centralized RADIUS servers. Many connectivity issues stem from mismatched encryption settings, expired certificates, or client limitations.
We also walk through real-world examples of failed authentication attempts, such as clients looping through reconnection cycles, certificate validation errors, and RADIUS timeouts. Whether the cause is a misconfigured supplicant, expired key, or incorrect VLAN assignment, we show you how to trace the symptoms back to the source. For exam prep and on-the-job support, this episode strengthens your ability to isolate and resolve wireless security problems quickly and accurately.
