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DES-3500 Series Layer 2 Stackable Fast Ethernet Managed Switch User Manual
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Port Access Entity (802.1X)
802.1x Port-Based and MAC-Based Access Control
The IEEE 802.1x standard is a security measure for authorizing and authenticating users to gain access to various wired or
wireless devices on a specified Local Area Network by using a Client and Server based access control model. This is
accomplished by using a RADIUS server to authenticate users trying to access a network by relaying Extensible Authentication
Protocol over LAN (EAPOL) packets between the Client and the Server. The following figure represents a basic EAPOL packet:
Figure 7- 5. EAPOL Packet
Utilizing this method, unauthorized devices are restricted from connecting to a LAN through a port to which the user is connected.
EAPOL packets are the only traffic that can be transmitted through the specific port until authorization is granted. The 802.1x
Access Control protocol consists of three components, each of which is vital to creating and maintaining a stable and working
Access Control security method.
Figure 7- 6. Three Functions of 802.1x
The following section will explain Client, Authenticator, and Authentication Server in greater detail.
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