How to connect to WPA_EAP WIFI on Android with 4.3 API

Connecting to WPA_EAP WiFi on Android 4.3

WPA_EAP (Wi-Fi Protected Access – Extensible Authentication Protocol) is a secure authentication method used by many corporate and educational networks. Connecting to WPA_EAP networks on Android 4.3 devices can be tricky, but it’s achievable with a bit of technical know-how.

Steps to Connect

1. Understanding EAP Methods

EAP methods define how authentication is performed. Common ones include:

• PEAP (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol): Often used with certificates.
• TLS (Transport Layer Security): Similar to PEAP but may use username/password instead of certificates.
• TTLS (Tunneled TLS): Similar to TLS, but uses an outer tunnel for added security.

2. Gather Network Credentials

Before attempting to connect, gather the following information from your network administrator:

• SSID (Network Name): The name of your WPA_EAP network.
• EAP Method: The authentication method used (e.g., PEAP, TLS, TTLS).
• Username and Password (if applicable): Credentials used for authentication.
• Certificate (if required): A digital certificate for authentication (usually in .pfx or .p12 format).
• CA Certificate (if needed): Certificate of the issuing Certificate Authority (CA).

3. Configure Android’s WiFi Settings

1. Open Settings: Navigate to your Android’s Settings app.
2. Select Wi-Fi: Tap on the Wi-Fi option.
3. Locate the Network: Search for the WPA_EAP network (SSID) in the available networks list.
4. Tap on the Network: Click on the network to start the connection process.
5. Select “Show Advanced Options”: This option may be located under a “More” button or hidden within the network settings.
6. Select EAP method: Choose the EAP method provided by your network administrator (PEAP, TLS, or TTLS).
7. Configure Authentication:
• For PEAP:
  • Check the “Phase 2 authentication” option.
  • Select “MSCHAPv2” or “PAP” as the authentication method.
  • Provide your username and password.
  • Upload your certificate if required (if it’s not already installed in your Android’s system).
• For TLS:
  • Select “Username and Password” as the authentication method.
  • Input your username and password.
  • Upload your certificate if required.
• For TTLS:
  • Select “Username and Password” as the authentication method.
  • Input your username and password.
  • Upload your certificate if required.
8. Connect: Tap on “Connect” to start the connection attempt.

4. Install Certificates (if required)

If your network requires a certificate, you may need to manually install it on your Android device. This can be done by:

• Downloading the certificate: Get the .pfx or .p12 file from your network administrator.
• Copying the certificate: Transfer the downloaded certificate to your Android device (using USB cable or cloud storage).
• Opening the certificate: Use a file manager app to open the certificate file.
• Installing the certificate: Follow the onscreen instructions to install the certificate into your Android’s system.

Troubleshooting

Common Connection Errors

If you’re still facing issues, try the following:

• Reboot your Android device: Sometimes a simple reboot can fix connectivity issues.
• Forget the network and reconnect: Remove the saved network and reconfigure the connection.
• Check for Android system updates: Outdated software might cause compatibility issues.

Alternative Methods

If manual configuration proves difficult, consider these alternatives:

• Use a dedicated Wi-Fi manager app: Several third-party apps provide simplified WPA_EAP connectivity solutions.
• Contact your network administrator: They might be able to assist you with setting up your Android device for WPA_EAP access.

Code Examples (for Reference)

The following code examples are provided for informational purposes and may need modifications depending on your specific use case:

Example 1: Accessing Network Information

WifiManager wifiManager = (WifiManager) getSystemService(Context.WIFI_SERVICE);
WifiInfo wifiInfo = wifiManager.getConnectionInfo();
String ssid = wifiInfo.getSSID();
String bssid = wifiInfo.getBSSID();

Example 2: Connecting to a Network (PEAP Method)

WifiConfiguration config = new WifiConfiguration();
config.SSID = "\"" + ssid + "\"";
config.allowedKeyManagement.set(WifiConfiguration.KeyMgmt.WPA_EAP);
config.allowedProtocols.set(WifiConfiguration.Protocol.RSN);
config.allowedPairwiseCiphers.set(WifiConfiguration.PairwiseCipher.TKIP);
config.allowedGroupCiphers.set(WifiConfiguration.GroupCipher.TKIP);
config.enterpriseConfig = new WifiEnterpriseConfig();
config.enterpriseConfig.setEapMethod(WifiEnterpriseConfig.Eap.PEAP);
config.enterpriseConfig.setPhase2Authentication(WifiEnterpriseConfig.Phase2.MSCHAPV2);
config.enterpriseConfig.setIdentity(username);
config.enterpriseConfig.setPassword(password);
config.enterpriseConfig.setCaCertificate(caCert);
config.enterpriseConfig.setUserCertificate(userCert);
int networkId = wifiManager.addNetwork(config);
wifiManager.enableNetwork(networkId, true);
wifiManager.reconnect();