Brocade TurboIron 24X Series Configuration Guide - Manual (Page 977)

Brocade TurboIron 24X Series Configuration Guide 943
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How 802.1X port security works
EAPOL messages are passed between the Port Access Entity (PAE) on the Supplicant and the
Authenticator.
Figure 115 shows the relationship between the Authenticator PAE and the
Supplicant PAE.
FIGURE 115 Authenticator PAE and supplicant PAE
Authenticator PAE – The Authenticator PAE communicates with the Supplicant PAE, receiving
identifying information from the Supplicant. Acting as a RADIUS client, the Authenticator PAE
passes the Supplicant information to the Authentication Server, which decides whether the
Supplicant can gain access to the port. If the Supplicant passes authentication, the Authenticator
PAE grants it access to the port.
Supplicant PAE – The Supplicant PAE supplies information about the Client to the Authenticator
PAE and responds to requests from the Authenticator PAE. The Supplicant PAE can also initiate the
authentication procedure with the Authenticator PAE, as well as send log off messages.
Authentication
Server
RADIUS
Messages Authenticator
PAE
Switch
(Authenticator)
Supplicant
PAE
802.1X-Enabled
Supplicant
EAPOL
Messages