• Understand the fundamentals and operation of the 802.1X protocol within Cisco environments 
• Identify and describe Cisco Identity-Based Networking Services (IBNS) and how 802.1X functions as a foundational security element 
• Compare different Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) methods and select the most appropriate for deployment needs 
• Configure 802.1X authentication on Cisco Catalyst switches 
• Configure 802.1X authentication on Cisco 9800 Wireless LAN Controllers using the GUI 
• Configure 802.1X authentication on Cisco Meraki devices 
• Integrate non-supplicant devices (devices without native 802.1X support) using MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) and guest services 
• Verify device authentication and network access using Cisco ISE live logs 
• Apply best practices for designing 802.1X-enabled networks 
• Troubleshoot Cisco IBNS deployments, including configuration and live log analysis 
• Gain hands-on experience through real-world labs on configuring and troubleshooting IBNS and 802.1X across multiple Cisco platforms 

Learning Path Objectives:

1. Cisco IBNS and 802.1X Overview: Explore how Cisco Identity-Based Networking Services (IBNS) leverages IEEE 802.1X and AAA frameworks to enable dynamic, secure, and scalable access control policies across enterprise networks. 
2. 802.1X Configuration for Network Devices: Discover how to configure and manage IEEE 802.1X authentication on Cisco Catalyst, wireless controllers, and Meraki networks for secure, scalable enterprise access. 
3. Non-Supplicant Network Access and Cisco IBNS Design: Describe how to implement and validate MAB and 802.1X client configurations on Cisco devices to securely onboard diverse endpoints and enforce identity-based access controls.