CHAPTER
9-1
Catalyst 2960 Switch Software Configuration Guide
OL-8603-04
9
Configuring IEEE 802.1x Port-Based
Authentication
This chapter describes how to configure IEEE 802.1x port-based authentication on the Catalyst 2960
switch. IEEE 802.1x authentication prevents unauthorized devices (clients) from gaining access to the
network.
Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, see the command
reference for this release and the “RADIUS Commands” section in the Cisco IOS Security Command
Reference, Release 12.2 from the Cisco.com page under Documentation > Cisco IOS Software > 12.2
Mainline > Command References.
This chapter consists of these sections:
• Understanding IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Authentication, page 9-1
• Configuring IEEE 802.1x Authentication, page 9-18
• Displaying IEEE 802.1x Statistics and Status, page 9-41
Understanding IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Authentication
The IEEE 802.1x standard defines a client-server-based access control and authentication protocol that
prevents clients from connecting to a LAN through publicly accessible ports unless they are
authenticated. The authentication server authenticates each client connected to a switch port before
making available any services offered by the switch or the LAN.
Until the client is authenticated, IEEE 802.1x access control allows only Extensible Authentication
Protocol over LAN (EAPOL), Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP), and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
traffic through the port to which the client is connected. After authentication, normal traffic can pass
through the port.
These sections describe IEEE 802.1x port-based authentication:
• Device Roles, page 9-2
• Authentication Process, page 9-3
• Authentication Initiation and Message Exchange, page 9-5
• Ports in Authorized and Unauthorized States, page 9-7
• IEEE 802.1x Host Mode, page 9-7
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