For example, network devices from several vendors can use a single RADIUS server-based security
database.
•
Networks already using RADIUS.
You can add a Cisco Nexus device with RADIUS to the network. This action might be the first step
when you make a transition to an AAA server.
•
Networks that require resource accounting.
You can use RADIUS accounting independent of RADIUS authentication or authorization. The RADIUS
accounting functions allow data to be sent at the start and end of services, indicating the amount of
resources (such as time, packets, bytes, and so on) used during the session. An Internet service provider
(ISP) might use a freeware-based version of the RADIUS access control and accounting software to
meet special security and billing needs.
•
Networks that support authentication profiles.
Using the RADIUS server in your network, you can configure AAA authentication and set up per-user
profiles. Per-user profiles enable the Cisco Nexus device to manage ports using their existing RADIUS
solutions and to efficiently manage shared resources to offer different service-level agreements.
Information About RADIUS Operations
When a user attempts to log in and authenticate to a Cisco Nexus device using RADIUS, the following process
occurs:
1
The user is prompted for and enters a username and password.
2
The username and encrypted password are sent over the network to the RADIUS server.
3
The user receives one of the following responses from the RADIUS server:
•
ACCEPT
—
The user is authenticated.
•
REJECT
—
The user is not authenticated and is prompted to reenter the username and password, or
access is denied.
•
CHALLENGE
—
A challenge is issued by the RADIUS server. The challenge collects additional
data from the user.
•
CHANGE PASSWORD
—
A request is issued by the RADIUS server, asking the user to select a
new password.
The ACCEPT or REJECT response is bundled with additional data that is used for EXEC or network
authorization. You must first complete RADIUS authentication before using RADIUS authorization. The
additional data included with the ACCEPT or REJECT packets consists of the following:
•
Services that the user can access, including Telnet, rlogin, or local-area transport (LAT) connections,
and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP), or EXEC services.
•
Connection parameters, including the host or client IPv4 or IPv6 address, access list, and user timeouts.
Cisco Nexus 3600 NX-OS Security Configuration Guide, Release 7.x
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Configuring RADIUS
Information About RADIUS Operations
