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Catalyst 3560 Switch Software Configuration Guide
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Chapter 9 Configuring 802.1X Port-Based Authentication
Configuring 802.1X Authentication
Configuring the Host Mode
You can configure an 802.1X port for single-host or for multiple-hosts mode. In single-host mode, only
one host is allowed on an 802.1X port. When the host is authenticated, the port is placed in the authorized
state. When the host leaves the port, the port becomes unauthorized. Packets from hosts other than the
authenticated one are dropped.
You can attach multiple hosts to a single 802.1X-enabled port as shown in
Figure 9-3 on page 9-5
. In
this mode, only one of the attached hosts must be successfully authorized for all hosts to be granted
network access. If the port becomes unauthorized (re-authentication fails or an EAPOL-logoff message
is received), all attached clients are denied access to the network.
With the multiple-hosts mode enabled, you can use 802.1X to authenticate the port and port security to
manage network access for all MAC addresses, including that of the client.
Beginning in privileged EXEC mode, follow these steps to allow multiple hosts (clients) on an
802.1X-authorized port that has the dot1x port-control interface configuration command set to auto.
This procedure is optional.
To disable multiple hosts on the port, use the no dot1x host-mode multi-host interface configuration
command.
This example shows how to enable 802.1X and to allow multiple hosts:
Switch(config)# interface gigabitethernet0/1
Switch(config-if)# dot1x port-control auto
Switch(config-if)# dot1x host-mode multi-host
Command
Purpose
Step 1
configure terminal
Enter global configuration mode.
Step 2
interface interface-id
Specify the port to which multiple hosts are indirectly attached, and enter
interface configuration mode.
Step 3
dot1x host-mode multi-host
Allow multiple hosts (clients) on an 802.1X-authorized port.
Make sure that the dot1x port-control interface configuration command
set is set to auto for the specified interface.
Step 4
end
Return to privileged EXEC mode.
Step 5
show dot1x interface interface-id
Verify your entries.
Step 6
copy running-config startup-config
(Optional) Save your entries in the configuration file.