Configuring 802.1X
Port-based access control has the effect of creating two types of access on the switch ports. One point of access enables uncontrolled communication, regardless of the authorization state (uncontrolled port). The other point of access authorizes communication between a host and the switch.
The 802.1x is an IEEE standard for port-based network access control. The 802.1x framework enables a device (the supplicant) to request port access from a remote device (authenticator) to which it is connected. Only when the supplicant requesting port access is authenticated and authorized is it permitted to send data to the port. Otherwise, the authenticator discards the supplicant data.
Authentication of the supplicant is performed by an external RADIUS server through the authenticator. The authenticator monitors the result of the authentication.
In the 802.1x standard, a device can be a supplicant and an authenticator at a port simultaneously, requesting port access and granting port access. However, this device is only the authenticator, and does not take on the role of a supplicant.
The following varieties of 802.1X exist:
- Single session 802.1X:
- A1--Single-session/single host. In this mode, the switch, as an authenticator, supports a single 802.1x session and grants permission to use the port to the authorized supplicant. All access by other devices received from the same port are denied until the authorized supplicant is no longer using the port or the access is to the unauthenticated VLAN.
- Single session/multiple hosts--This follows the 802.1x standard. In this mode, the switch as an authenticator allows any device to use a port as long as it has been granted permission.
- Multi-Session 802.1X--Every device (supplicant) connecting to a port must be authenticated and authorized by the switch (authenticator) separately in a different 802.1x session.
Authentication Methods
The authentication method can be:
Define the 802.1X parameters as follows:
- (Optional) Define one or more static VLANs as unauthenticated VLANs as described in the Defining 802.1X Properties section. 802.1x authorized and unauthorized devices or ports can always send or receive packets to or from unauthenticated VLANs.
- Define 802.1X settings for each port by using the Edit Port Authentication page.
Note the following:
- On this page, DVA can be activated on a port by selecting the RADIUS VLAN Assignment field.
- You can select the Guest VLAN field to have untagged incoming frames go to the guest VLAN.
- Define host authentication parameters for each port using the Port Authentication page.
- View 802.1X authentication history using the Authenticated Hosts page.