Cisco Catalyst 2960 Software Configuration Manual page 274

Understanding IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Authentication
The specific exchange of EAP frames depends on the authentication method being used.
shows a message exchange initiated by the client when the client uses the One-Time-Password (OTP)
authentication method with a RADIUS server.
Figure 10-3
Client
If 802.1x authentication times out while waiting for an EAPOL message exchange and MAC
authentication bypass is enabled, the switch can authorize the client when the switch detects an Ethernet
packet from the client. The switch uses the MAC address of the client as its identity and includes this
information in the RADIUS-access/request frame that is sent to the RADIUS server. After the server
sends the switch the RADIUS-access/accept frame (authorization is successful), the port becomes
authorized. If authorization fails and a guest VLAN is specified, the switch assigns the port to the guest
VLAN. If the switch detects an EAPOL packet while waiting for an Ethernet packet, the switch stops
the MAC authentication bypass process and stops 802.1x authentication.
Figure 10-4
Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switches Software Configuration Guide, Release 15.0(1)SE
10-6
Message Exchange
EAPOL-Start
EAP-Request/Identity
EAP-Response/Identity
EAP-Request/OTP
EAP-Response/OTP
EAP-Success
Port Authorized
EAPOL-Logoff
Port Unauthorized
shows the message exchange during MAC authentication bypass.
Chapter 10 Configuring IEEE 802.1x Port-Based Authentication
Authentication
(RADIUS)
RADIUS Access-Request
RADIUS Access-Challenge
RADIUS Access-Request
RADIUS Access-Accept
Figure 10-3
server
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