Data Center Fabric Manager Enterprise User Manual v10.3.X (53-1001357-01, November 2009)

438 DCFM Enterprise User Manual

53-1001357-01

802.1x authentication

802.1x is a standard authentication protocol that defines a client-server-based access control and

authentication protocol. 802.1x restricts unknown or unauthorized clients from connecting to a

LAN through publicly accessible ports.

You must configure parameters for a port or a link aggregation group (LAG) once a port has been

enabled for 802.1x authentication. See “Setting 802.1x parameters for a port” for more

information.

NOTE

When 802.1x is disabled on the switch, a yellow banner displays on the dialog box, indicating that

802.1x is not only disabled on the switch, it is also disabled for all ports on the switch.

Enabling 802.1x authentication

802.1x authentication is enabled or disabled globally on the switch using the Edit Switch dialog

box. You can configure 802.1x authentication when editing a LAG, but not when you are adding a

LAG.

1. Select Configure > CEE Switch > CEE from the menu bar.

The CEE Configuration dialog box displays, showing the status of all CEE-related hardware and

functions.

2. Select a port or LAG, and click Edit.

3. Click the 802.1x tab on the Edit Port dialog box.

The Enable 802.1x dialog box displays.

4. Click the Enable 802.1x check box to enable 802.1x authentication, and click OK.

The 802.1x dialog box displays.

5. Configure the 802.1x parameters, which are described in “Setting 802.1x parameters for a

port” on page 439.

6. Click OK.

The CEE Confirmation and Status dialog box displays.

7. Review the changes carefully before you accept them.

8. Click Start to apply the changes, or click Close to abort the operation.