What credential server do WPA or WPA2 encrypted APs use to compare credentials prior to allowing a user to authenticate to a network?

In wireless networking, particularly with WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 security protocols, the process of authenticating users before granting access to the network often involves a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server. The RADIUS server serves as a centralized authentication point, verifying user credentials against a database and providing feedback to the access point.

Once a device attempts to connect to a WPA or WPA2 encrypted access point, it sends its credentials to the RADIUS server. The server checks these credentials and, if they are valid, communicates back to the access point, allowing the user to connect to the network securely. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity of the network, ensuring that only authorized users gain access.

In contrast, an Active Directory server is often used in enterprise environments for managing user accounts and identities but is not specifically responsible for authenticating network connections directly. An LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server can store user credentials and help with directory services, but it typically serves a different purpose and is often used in conjunction with a RADIUS server for authentication processes. A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, on the other hand, is used for assigning IP addresses to devices on the network and does not have a