1 802.1x – Interlogix NS3500-28T-4S User Manual User Manual

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DoS

Strom Control

4.9.1 802.1X

Overview of 802.1X (Port-based) Authentication

In the 802.1X-world, the user is called the supplicant, the switch is the authenticator, and the RADIUS server is the

authentication server. The switch acts as the man-in-the-middle, forwarding requests and responses between the

supplicant and the authentication server. Frames sent between the supplicant and the switch are special 802.1X

frames, known as EAPOL (EAP Over LANs) frames. EAPOL frames encapsulate EAP PDUs (RFC3748). Frames

sent between the switch and the RADIUS server are RADIUS packets. RADIUS packets also encapsulate EAP PDUs

together with other attributes like the switch's IP address, name, and the supplicant's port number on the switch. EAP

is very flexible, in that it allows for different authentication methods, like MD5-Challenge, PEAP, and TLS. The

important thing is that the authenticator (the switch) doesn't need to know which authentication method the supplicant

and the authentication server are using, or how many information exchange frames are needed for a particular method.

The switch simply encapsulates the EAP part of the frame into the relevant type (EAPOL or RADIUS) and forwards it.

When authentication is complete, the RADIUS server sends a special packet containing a success or failure indication.

Besides forwarding this decision to the supplicant, the switch uses it to open up or block traffic on the switch port

connected to the supplicant.

Overview of User Authentication

It is allowed to configure the Managed Switch to authenticate users logging into the system for management access

using local or remote authentication methods, such as telnet and Web browser. This Managed Switch provides secure

network management access using the following options:

Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service (RADIUS)

Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus (TACACS+)

Local user name and Priviledge Level control

4.9.1.1 Understanding IEEE 802.1X Port-based Authentication

The IEEE 802.1X standard defines a client-server-based access control and authentication protocol that restricts

unauthorized clients from connecting to a LAN through publicly accessible ports. The authentication server

authenticates each client connected to a switch port before making available any services offered by the switch or the

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