Which authentication protocols secure a basic wireless network?
Short answer
AC WPA2 WPA
Question
Key Takeaways
The exam tests your ability to distinguish wireless-specific authentication protocols (WPA/WPA2) from unrelated security protocols; a common trap is selecting SSL because it seems security-related but doesn't authenticate wireless clients.
The correct answers for securing a basic wireless network are WPA2 and WPA, as supported by community consensus and expert references. These protocols authenticate wireless clients and provide encryption at the link layer.
Common mistake: The most common incorrect choice is pairing WPA2 with SSL, because SSL is a well-known security protocol, but it does not handle wireless network authentication.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
WPA2 and WPA are wireless security protocols specifically designed for authenticating and encrypting traffic on basic wireless networks. WPA2 (A) is the current standard, while WPA (C) is its predecessor, and both support pre-shared key (PSK) modes used in home and small-office networks. They are the only two options that natively authenticate wireless clients at the link layer.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
RDP (B) is a remote desktop protocol, not an authentication mechanism for wireless links. SSL (D) secures connections at higher layers (e.g., HTTPS), but it cannot authenticate a device to an access point. SNMP (E) is used for network monitoring and management, not for wireless security. Each distractor serves a different purpose, making them invalid in the context of securing a basic wireless network.
Community Comment Notes
Comments strongly support AC, with one user noting “A & C is correct” and referencing Professor Messer’s materials. Another commenter mentioned choosing WPA2 and EAP, but a reply explained that EAP is part of 802.1X enterprise architecture requiring a RADIUS server and local CA—too complex for a basic wireless network. These notes confirm that WPA2 and WPA are the two correct options, as validated by the 78-vote consensus.
Official Reference
These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.
Exam Strategy
For “Choose two” questions, first identify the domain (wireless security) and then eliminate protocols that operate elsewhere. Remember that WPA/WPA2 are the only options that authenticate wireless clients, so if both are present they are the intended pair.
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer AC. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 4 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 4
-
Sarmad_Mansour 👍 2 Answered AI feel it should be A and F. (WPA2 and EAP) What do you think?
-
fartphilosopher89 👍 2A & C (refer to Professor Messer)
-
BigDazza_111 👍 1EAP uses 802.1X, a Network policy server, RADIUS and Local Certificate authority. So nope, not F
-
subaie503 👍 5A & C IS CORRECT
Reader comments & corrections
No reader corrections yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.