This read-write setting globally enables or disables IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication on the device, which uses a LAN port's point-to-point connection characteristics to authenticate and authorize devices before granting them network access. An admin enables this to prevent unauthorized devices from getting LAN access simply by plugging into an available wall jack. For example, enabling 802.1x requires any laptop connecting to an authentication-enabled port to successfully authenticate via RADIUS before it can send or receive any other traffic, blocking a rogue device plugged into an empty office jack.