802.1x is a network protocol that provides an authentication mechanism to devices connecting to a wired or wireless network. Washington and Lee employs 802.1x on its wireless network, "WLUsec." An additional level of security is provided by encrypting all traffic on the wireless network.

Devices must be configured in order to function properly on an 802.1x network; at W&L, wireless devices may be configured by connecting to the Web page at http://wireless.wlu.edu and following the steps as prompted.