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U
SER
A
UTHENTICATION
3-67
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
authentication method must be MD5. 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.
The operation of 802.1X on the switch requires the following:
• The switch must have an IP address assigned.
• RADIUS authentication must be enabled on the switch and the IP
address of the RADIUS server specified.
• 802.1X must be enabled globally for the switch.
• Each switch port that will be used must be set to dot1X “Auto” mode.
• Each client that needs to be authenticated must have dot1X client
software installed and properly configured.
802.1x
client
RADIUS
server
1. Client attempts to access a switch port.
2. Switch sends client an identity request.
3. Client sends back identity information.
4. Switch forwards this to authentication server.
5.Authentication server challenges client.
6. Client responds with proper credentials.
7.Authentication server approves access.
8. Switch grants client access to this port.