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Configuring Port-Based Access Control (802.1X)
802.1X Open VLAN Mode
Setting Up and Configuring 802.1X Open VLAN Mode
Preparation. This section assumes use of both the Unauthorized-Client and
Authorized-Client VLANs. Refer to Table 8-1 on page 8-23 for other options.
Before you configure the 802.1X Open VLAN mode on a port:
■ Statically configure an “Unauthorized-Client VLAN” in the switch. The
only ports that should belong to this VLAN are ports offering services
and access you want available to unauthenticated clients. (802.1X
authenticator ports do not have to be members of this VLAN.)
Caution Do not allow any port memberships or network services on this VLAN that
would pose a security risk if exposed to an unauthorized client.
■ Statically configure an Authorized-Client VLAN in the switch. The
only ports that should belong to this VLAN are ports offering services
and access you want available to authenticated clients. 802.1X authen-
ticator ports do not have to be members of this VLAN.
Note that if an 802.1X authenticator port is an untagged member of
another VLAN, the port’s access to that other VLAN will be temporarily
removed while an authenticated client is connected to the port. For
example, if:
i. Port A5 is an untagged member of VLAN 1 (the default VLAN).
ii. You configure port A5 as an 802.1X authenticator port.
iii. You configure port A5 to use an Authorized-Client VLAN.
Then, if a client connects to port A5 and is authenticated, port A5 becomes
an untagged member of the Authorized-Client VLAN and is temporarily
suspended from membership in the default VLAN.
■ If you expect friendly clients to connect without having 802.1X suppli-
cant software running, provide a server on the Unauthorized-Client
VLAN for downloading 802.1X supplicant software to the client, and
a procedure by which the client initiates the download.
■ A client must either have a valid IP address configured before
connecting to the switch, or download one through the Unauthorized-
Client VLAN from a DHCP server. In the latter case, you will need to
provide DHCP services on the Unauthorized-Client VLAN.
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