802.1x or 802.1X – That is the question!

 

There is no other group in IT that focuses on details like ‘us’ wireless geekz. We read through books, PDFs, press releases and study every little detail! Last week the question came up. Is it, 802.1x (lower case) or 802.1X (upper case). BTW ~~ Headers aren't showing properly, but you get the idea. 

So what is the difference between a small x and a capital X ? Let’s first look how the IEEE assigns the numbers we reference everyday…. Let’s pick on 802.11 and 802.3, shall we.

802 = PROJECT

First , you have the 802 (PROJECT). This is the ROOT level of the tree. We reference 802 as part of 802.3 and 802.11 standards all day long. Think of 802 as the root / base of the tree.

802.11 or 802.3 = WORKGROUPS

Under the 802 project the IEEE assigns something called “workgroups”.  A workgroup is formed to solve certain issues. These are the folks that create the STANDARDS, key word here STANDARDS. Standards created by the workgroup always references capital letters, should there be a letter in the standard *cough* 802.1X 

Let’s look at two standards. 

802.3 = Ethernet Standard

802.11 = Wireless Standard

802.11n or 802.3af = TASK GROUP

Under the STANDARD you have something called TASK GROUPS. So the standard was defined and as needs arise and modifications are needed to the standard (also referenced as amendments), tasks groups are formed. Task groups start with a single lower case letter and sequentially progress a,b,c,d,etc.

For example, the 802.11 STANDARD was created and a TASK GROUP called ‘a’ was formed, also called the 802.11a amendment. 

(Note: once all the single letters are used, an additional letter will be applied. For example 802.3af)

So break it down ….. 802.11n = WHAT? 

(802 = PROJECT + 11 = WORKGROUP + n = TASK GROUP)

BACK to 802.1X

802 is the project, of course. We just covered that … 

1X is the WORKGROUP that created the 802.1X standard. The standard is ALWAYS referenced with a capital letter, in this case X. 802.1X IS THE STANDARD, as there isn't any amendments. So if you answered: Capital X, you are correct!