R2511-HP MSR Router Series Security Configuration Guide(V5)

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Configuring port security

Overview

Port security combines and extends 802.1X and MAC authentication to provide MAC-based network

access control. It applies to networks that require different authentication methods for different users on

a port, such as a WLAN.

Port security prevents unauthorized access to a network by checking the source MAC address of inbound

traffic and prevents access to unauthorized devices by checking the destination MAC address of

outbound traffic.

Port security can control MAC address learning and authentication on a port to make sure the port learns

only source trusted MAC addresses.

A frame is illegal if its source MAC address cannot be learned in a port security mode, or if it is from a

client that has failed 802.1X or MAC authentication. The port security feature automatically takes a

pre-defined action on illegal frames. This automatic mechanism enhances network security and reduces

human intervention.

Port security is available on Ethernet and WLAN ports. Supported port types depend on the command.

For more information, see Security Command Reference.

For scenarios that require only 802.1X authentication or MAC authentication, HP recommends that you

use the 802.1X authentication or MAC authentication feature rather than port security.

For more information about 802.1X and MAC authentication, see "Configuring 802.1X" and

"Configuring MAC authentication."

Port security features

Port security supports the need to know (NTK) feature, intrusion protection, and port security traps.

NTK

NTK prevents traffic interception by checking the destination MAC address in outbound frames. The

feature ensures that frames are sent only to hosts that have passed authentication or whose MAC

addresses have been learned or configured on the access device.

Intrusion protection

The intrusion protection feature checks the source MAC address in inbound frames for illegal frames and

takes a pre-defined action on each detected illegal frame. The action can be disabling the port

temporarily, disabling the port permanently, or blocking frames from the illegal MAC address for 3

minutes (not user configurable).

Port security traps

To monitor user behavior, configure the port security module to send traps for port security events such as