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3-51
Configuring 802.1X Port 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 (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 (i.e., Supplicant) connects to a switch port, the
switch (i.e., 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 current
version of the firmware supports only the MD5 authentication method.
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,
network access is denied and the port remains blocked.