What security protocol is primarily used for securing wired networks?

The correct choice for securing wired networks is IEEE 802.1X. This protocol provides port-based network access control and is often used to authenticate devices before they are allowed to connect to the network. It is particularly effective because it ensures that devices must present valid credentials to gain access, adding a layer of security in environments such as enterprises where both wired and wireless connections are prevalent.

In a wired network context, IEEE 802.1X works by requiring authentication between the client device and the authentication server over the network switch. This can help protect the network from unauthorized access and potential threats, as only authenticated users can access network resources. Therefore, its application is crucial for maintaining a secure wired infrastructure.

In contrast, WPA2 is primarily designed for securing wireless networks and would not apply to wired network environments. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol used for securing communication over the internet, specifically for securing web traffic, rather than securing local network access. IPSec is a suite of protocols used to secure Internet Protocol (IP) communications and is commonly used in virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect data transmitted over public networks, but it does not serve the same purpose as IEEE 802.1X in the context of managing access to