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20 802.1X SECURITY
This chapter includes the following sections for configuring 802.1X
security:
◆ “Configuring 802.1X Authentication” on page 109
◆ “802.1X Global Settings” on page 110
◆ “802.1X Port Settings” on page 111
CONFIGURING 802.1X AUTHENTICATION
Network switches can provide open and easy access to network resources
by simply attaching a client PC. Although this automatic configuration and
access is a desirable feature, it also allows unauthorized personnel to easily
intrude and possibly gain access to sensitive network data.
The IEEE 802.1X (802.1X or dot1x) standard defines a port-based access
control procedure that prevents unauthorized access to a network by
requiring users to first submit credentials for authentication. Access to all
switch ports in a network can be centrally controlled from a server, which
means that authorized users can use the same credentials for
authentication from any point within the network.
This switch uses the Extensible Authentication Protocol over LANs (EAPOL)
to exchange authentication protocol messages with the client, and a
remote RADIUS authentication server to verify user identity and access
rights. When a client (Supplicant) connects to a switch port, the switch
(Authenticator) responds with an EAPOL identity request. The client
provides its identity (such as a user name) in an EAPOL response to the
switch, which it forwards to the RADIUS server. The RADIUS server verifies
the client identity and sends an access challenge back to the client. The
EAP packet from the RADIUS server contains not only the challenge, but
the authentication method to be used. The client can reject the
authentication method and request another, depending on the
configuration of the client software and the RADIUS server. The 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.
The operation of 802.1X on the switch requires the following:
◆ The switch must have an IP address assigned.
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