C
HAPTER
4
| Configuring the Switch
Configuring 802.1X Port Authentication
– 81 –
C
ONFIGURING
802.1X P
ORT
A
UTHENTICATION
Network switches can provide open and easy access to network resources
by simply attaching a client PC. Although this automatic configuration and
access is a desirable feature, it also allows unauthorized personnel to easily
intrude and possibly gain access to sensitive network data.
The IEEE 802.1X (dot1x) standard defines a port-based access control
procedure that prevents unauthorized access to a network by requiring
users to first submit credentials for authentication. Access to all switch
ports in a network can be centrally controlled from a server, which means
that authorized users can use the same credentials for authentication from
any point within the network.
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. 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.
802.1x
client
RADIUS
server
1. Client attempts to access a switch port.
2. Switch sends client an identity request.
3. Client sends back identity information.
4. Switch forwards this to authentication server.
5. Authentication server challenges client.
6. Client responds with proper credentials.
7. Authentication server approves access.
8. Switch grants client access to this port.
Summary of Contents for 8028L2
Page 1: ...MANAGEMENT GUIDE TigerSwitchTM 10 100 1000 28 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch SMC8028L2 ...
Page 6: ...ABOUT THIS GUIDE 6 ...
Page 22: ...FIGURES 22 ...
Page 26: ...SECTION Getting Started 26 ...
Page 46: ...CHAPTER 2 Initial Switch Configuration Managing System Files 46 ...
Page 48: ...SECTION Web Configuration 48 ...
Page 144: ...CHAPTER 4 Configuring the Switch Configuring DHCP Relay and Option 82 Information 144 ...
Page 184: ...CHAPTER 6 Performing Basic Diagnostics Running Cable Diagnostics 184 ...
Page 238: ...CHAPTER 12 Port Commands 238 ...
Page 244: ...CHAPTER 13 Link Aggregation Commands 244 ...
Page 262: ...CHAPTER 15 RSTP Commands 262 ...
Page 272: ...CHAPTER 16 IEEE 802 1X Commands 272 ...
Page 282: ...CHAPTER 17 IGMP Commands 282 ...
Page 290: ...CHAPTER 18 LLDP Commands 290 ...
Page 296: ...CHAPTER 19 MAC Commands 296 ...
Page 306: ...CHAPTER 21 PVLAN Commands 306 ...
Page 318: ...CHAPTER 22 QoS Commands 318 ...
Page 352: ...CHAPTER 26 SNMP Commands 352 ...
Page 355: ...CHAPTER 27 HTTPS Commands 355 EXAMPLE HTTPS redirect enable HTTPS ...
Page 356: ...CHAPTER 27 HTTPS Commands 356 ...
Page 362: ...CHAPTER 29 UPnP Commands 362 ...
Page 370: ...CHAPTER 31 Firmware Commands 370 ...
Page 372: ...SECTION Appendices 372 ...
Page 386: ...GLOSSARY 386 ...
Page 391: ...INDEX 391 ...
Page 392: ...149100000079A R01 SMC8028L2 ...