81
Figure 30: Using Port Security
This switch uses the Extensible Authentication Protocol over LANs (EAPOL) to exchange
authentication protocol messages with the client, and a remote RADIUS authentication server
to verify user identity and access rights. These backend servers are configured on the AAA
menu (see page 109).
When a client (i.e., Supplicant) connects to a switch port, the switch (i.e., Authenticator)
responds with an EAPOL identity request. The client provides its identity (such as a user
name) in an EAPOL response to the switch, which it forwards to the RADIUS server. The
RADIUS server verifies the client identity and sends an access challenge back to the client.
The EAP packet from the RADIUS server contains not only the challenge, but the
authentication method to be used. The client can reject the authentication method and
request another, depending on the configuration of the client software and the RADIUS
server. The encryption method used by IEEE 802.1X to pass authentication messages can
be MD5 (Message-Digest 5), TLS (Transport Layer Security), PEAP (Protected Extensible
Authentication Protocol), or TTLS (Tunneled Transport Layer Security). However, note that
the only encryption method supported by MAC-Based authentication is MD5. The client
responds to the appropriate method with its credentials, such as a password or certificate.
The RADIUS server verifies the client credentials and responds with an accept or reject
packet. If authentication is successful, the switch allows the client to access the network.
Otherwise, network access is denied and the port remains blocked.
The operation of 802.1X on the switch requires the following:
◆
The switch must have an IP address assigned (see page 35).
◆
RADIUS authentication must be enabled on the switch and the IP address of the RADIUS
server specified. Backend RADIUS servers are configured on the Authentication
Configuration page (see page 109).
◆
802.1X / MAC-based authentication must be enabled globally for the switch.
◆
The Admin State for each switch port that requires client authentication must be set to
802.1X or MAC-based.
◆
When using 802.1X authentication:
Summary of Contents for GEP-1070
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