Configuring Security
Configuring TACACS+ Servers
Cisco 220 Series Smart Switches Administration Guide Release 1.1.0.x 189
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Configuring TACACS+ Servers
An organization can establish a Terminal Access Controller Access Control 
System (TACACS+) server to provide centralized security for all of its devices. In 
this way, authentication and authorization can be handled on a single server for all 
devices in the organization. 
The switch can act as a TACACS+ client that uses the TACACS+ server for the 
following services:
• Authentication—Provides authentication of administrators logging onto the 
switch by using usernames and user-defined passwords. 
• Authorization—Performed at login. After the authentication session is 
completed, an authorization session starts using the authenticated 
username. The TACACS+ server then checks user privileges.
The TACACS+ protocol ensures network integrity, through encrypted protocol 
exchanges between the device and the TACACS+ server. 
TACACS+ is supported only with IPv4.
Some TACACS+ servers support a single connection that enables the device to 
receive all information in a single connection. If the TACACS+ server does not 
support this, the device reverts back to multiple connections.
Use the TACACS+ page to configure the TACACS+ servers and define the default 
parameters that are used for communicating with all TACACS+ servers. A user 
must be configured on the TACACS+ to have privilege level 15 to be granted 
permission to administer the switch.
To define default TACACS+ parameters and add a TACACS+ server:
STEP 1 Click Security > TACAC S+. 
STEP  2 In the Use Default Parameters area, specify the default TACACS+ parameters: 
• Key String—Enter the default key string in encrypted or plaintext form used 
for communicating with all TACACS+ servers. If you do not enter the default 
key string here, the key entered on the Add page must match the encryption 
key used by the TACACS+ server. If you enter the default key string here and 
a key string for an individual TACACS+ server, the key string configured for 
the individual TACACS+ server takes precedence.