Windows 7 Frustration Over Lack of LEAP Protocol Support in Windows 7 Beta

[champamp]

When Vista came out.....no LEAP protocol....months later, finally, a KB allowed Intel ProSet to show LEAP as a security protocol option (Windows6.0-KB932063-x86).

Fast forward: Win 7 Beta....again, out of the box, no LEAP.....why not? WEP and No authentication are both options, and are low / lousy security to boot, just like LEAP....

MANY institutions use crappy olde Cisco LEAP APs.......and will continue doing so.....

In the meantime, this makes testing a real PITA for me.....

Whine over. I missed the Feedback portion of the BETA, so I did post the question as well via their QnA forum.....we'll see.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you've encountered issues with the LEAP protocol support in Windows Vista and Windows 7 Beta. LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) is indeed a protocol that was widely used in wireless networks, especially with older Cisco APs. Here are some insights into the situation you described: 1. Windows Vista and LEAP: Initially, Windows Vista did not support the LEAP protocol out of the box, which caused inconvenience for users who relied on it for wireless security. The update KB932063 provided by Microsoft eventually enabled Intel ProSet to display LEAP as a security protocol option. This update likely addressed compatibility issues and allowed users to utilize LEAP for secure wireless connections. 2. Windows 7 Beta and LEAP: It appears that a similar issue persisted with Windows 7 Beta, where LEAP support was not readily available. This exclusion might have been a decision made during the beta phase for various reasons like focus on other security protocols or prioritizing newer authentication methods. 3. Feedback and Forums: It's beneficial that you reached out through the QnA forum to highlight this concern. Providing feedback helps Microsoft understand user needs and can potentially influence future updates or releases to better accommodate diverse network security requirements. 4. Testing Challenges: The absence of LEAP support can indeed be a hurdle, especially when dealing with institutions that continue to use legacy Cisco LEAP APs. This situation can make testing and deploying systems more complex, requiring workarounds or alternative solutions. In the tech industry, protocol support evolves over time, with emphasis shifting towards more secure options and phasing out outdated protocols like WEP. However, legacy systems and networks may still rely on older protocols for compatibility reasons, posing challenges for users who require support for these protocols. Hopefully, through your feedback and engagement with Microsoft's forums, there will be an acknowledgment of the importance of supporting legacy protocols like LEAP in future Windows releases. Stay tuned for responses from the community and Microsoft regarding this matter.