Cisco CATALYST 2960 User Manual

10-6
Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switches Software Configuration Guide, Release 15.0(1)SE
OL-26520-01
Chapter 10 Configuring IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Authentication
Understanding IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Authentication
The specific exchange of EAP frames depends on the authentication method being used. Figure 10-3
shows a message exchange initiated by the client when the client uses the One-Time-Password (OTP)
authentication method with a RADIUS server.
Figure 10-3 Message Exchange
If 802.1x authentication times out while waiting for an EAPOL message exchange and MAC
authentication bypass is enabled, the switch can authorize the client when the switch detects an Ethernet
packet from the client. The switch uses the MAC address of the client as its identity and includes this
information in the RADIUS-access/request frame that is sent to the RADIUS server. After the server
sends the switch the RADIUS-access/accept frame (authorization is successful), the port becomes
authorized. If authorization fails and a guest VLAN is specified, the switch assigns the port to the guest
VLAN. If the switch detects an EAPOL packet while waiting for an Ethernet packet, the switch stops
the MAC authentication bypass process and stops 802.1x authentication.
Figure 10-4 shows the message exchange during MAC authentication bypass.
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Client
Port Authorized
Port Unauthorized
EAPOL-Start
EAP-Request/Identity
EAP-Response/Identity
EAP-Request/OTP
EAP-Response/OTP
EAP-Success
RADIUS Access-Request
RADIUS Access-Challenge
RADIUS Access-Request
RADIUS Access-Accept
EAPOL-Logoff
Authentication
server
(RADIUS)

Cisco CATALYST 2960 Specifications

General

Manageable	Yes
Stacking	No
Model	Catalyst 2960 Series Switches
Power over Ethernet (PoE)	Available on some models (IEEE 802.3af)
VLANs	255 active VLANs
Features	QoS
Operating Temperature	32 to 113°F (0 to 45°C)
Relative Humidity	10% to 85% non-condensing
Power Consumption	Varies by model (30W to 400W)