802.1X Supplicant

An 802.1X Supplicant is a device, like your computer or smartphone, that requests access to a secured network. It communicates with the network's security system to prove its identity—often by providing a username and password or digital certificate. This process ensures only authorized users and devices can connect, helping keep the network safe from unauthorized access. Essentially, the supplicant acts as the device's “identity representative,” working behind the scenes to authenticate itself during network connection, enabling secure and controlled access in enterprise or public environments.