User manual

C HAPTER 14 | Security Measures
Configuring 802.1X Port Authentication
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ES-2000 Series
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,
non-EAP traffic on the port is blocked. In “multi-host” mode, only one host
connected to a port needs to pass authentication for all other hosts to be
granted network access. Similarly, a port can become unauthorized for all
hosts if one attached host fails re-authentication or sends an EAPOL logoff
message.
Figure 111: Configuring Port Security
The operation of 802.1X on the switch requires the following:
◆ The switch must have an IP address assigned.
◆ RADIUS authentication must be enabled on the switch and the IP
address of the RADIUS server specified.
◆ 802.1X must be enabled globally for the switch.
◆ Each switch port that will be used must be set to dot1X “Auto” mode.
◆ Each client that needs to be authenticated must have dot1X client
software installed and properly configured.
◆ The RADIUS server and 802.1X client support EAP. (The switch only
supports EAPOL in order to pass the EAP packets from the server to the
client.)
◆ The RADIUS server and client also have to support the same EAP
authentication type – MD5, PEAP, TLS, or TTLS. (Native support for
these encryption methods is provided in Windows XP, and in Windows
2000 with Service Pack 4. To support these encryption methods in
Windows 95 and 98, you can use the AEGIS dot1x client or other
comparable client software)
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.